Occupational Therapy
- Jessi Carling
- Apr 9, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 22, 2024
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April is Occupational Therapy Month!
I’m often asked “what exactly is OT?”
OT is difficult to explain because what we do varies depending on the unique needs of who we’re working with. But here’s the gist of it…
OTs are the OGs of life coaching. We’ve studied how people think, act, feel, develop, heal, move, socialize, work, play, sleep…all the things that make up the quality of our lives. We’re well versed in health, problem solving, and human potential.
We serve all ages 0 to 100+.
We work in all settings (homes, schools, hospitals, SNFs, outpatient clinics, retirement communities, etc.)
Broadly speaking, we help people be more independent, efficient, and safe with anything and everything they do.
To accomplish this, we address fine and gross motor skills, strength, safety, balance, use of adaptive equipment and compensatory techniques, cognition, caregiving, positioning, skin integrity, balance, pain and health management, splinting, fall prevention, range of motion, etc.
Below, I’ll be sharing below some of my favorite products I often recommend to patients and their families to help them live their best lives.
If you or your loved ones could benefit from OT but you’re not sure where to begin, please reach out and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
(Please note, I may receive a small commission from any purchase made from the amazon links below.)
For bathing…
- I find many people who sponge bath instead of showering like they’d like because they can’t step in and out of their tubs. This shower chair sits half in the tub and half out making it easy to sit on the bench and slide over when it’s too difficult to step into the shower/tub.
- Showers are also where falls are the most common. To prevent falls, I recommend these nonskid shower stickers. Unlike suction cup mats, they won’t come off or mildew!
- Difficulty reaching your feet or back? Try a long handled sponge!
- For increased stability, grab bars are a MUST! I’m not a fan of the suction ones, but definitely recommend these that securely screw into studs.
For feeding…
-I recommend weighted utensils for those struggling to eat because of tremors.
-For difficulty keeping food on plate while scooping, try a plate guard like this one:
Universal Cuffs are great for those unable to grasp utensils because of weakness or spasticity.
Need something that works like a bib but doesn’t look like a bib? Try these cute clothing protectors!
I hope these suggestions are helpful!
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