What is Occupational Therapy?
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession focused on helping people participate in the everyday activities—known as “occupations”—that are meaningful to them. These occupations include personal care, work, education, leisure, and social roles. The aim of OT is to enable independence, improve quality of life, and promote safety across the lifespan.
Who it helps OT supports people of all ages who face physical, cognitive, emotional or environmental barriers. Common groups include those recovering from stroke or orthopaedic injury, people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, older adults experiencing frailty, children with developmental differences, and anyone living with long-term health conditions or mental health challenges.
What occupational therapists do Occupational therapists assess an individual’s abilities, routines and goals. They work collaboratively to create personalised intervention plans. Interventions may include:
Task analysis and graded activity to rebuild skills.
Training in strategies or alternative ways to complete tasks.
Provision and training in use of assistive equipment and adaptations, such as grab rails, shower seats or specialised utensils.
Home assessments to reduce hazards and recommend environmental changes.
Cognitive rehabilitation, energy conservation techniques and fatigue management.
Support with return-to-work planning and vocational adaptations.
Education for family members and carers.
Where OT is delivered OT can be provided in hospitals, community clinics, people’s homes, schools, workplaces and care homes. Home assessments and equipment provision are central to making daily life safer and more accessible.
Outcome and value Effective occupational therapy increases independence, confidence and participation in meaningful activities. It reduces risk of injury, prevents hospital readmission and supports people to live as safely and fully as possible in their
