PERSONALIZED CARE
The Work of an Occupational Therapist
The main goals of occupational therapy (OT) in hospice care are to preserve independence and engagement. We begin with an assessment to learn about each patient and their personal goals for therapy. Activities of daily living (ADLs) — such as dressing, bathing, grooming, preparing meals, and eating — are tasks included in a typical plan. But each patient’s care plan is unique.
During one-on-one therapy sessions, we’ll work on fine motor skills as well as cognitive function. Occupational therapists also focus on physical strength, stretching, body positions, and coordination. Each of these contributes to a patient’s overall quality of life. And our OT experts can teach you ways to conserve energy for times when you need it most.
A large part of our work focuses on adjusting to changes in the patient’s condition over time. By making recommendations to the larger care team, your therapist can serve as a great advocate for your quality of life to ensure your ever-changing needs are met. Our therapists also provide support and guidance to caregivers and family members.
