History                             

In 1917, the occupational therapy profession began with the founding of the Society for the Promotion of Occupational Therapy. This organization is now known as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and it is this organization that certifies and accredits all practicing Occupational Therapists in the United States. The foundations of occupational therapy are rooted in the belief that human occupation – perhaps better known clinically as activities of daily living or ADLs – has curative properties. In other words, being able to engage in the hobbies or activities that you love to do is cathartic. Whether you are a resident in a long-term care facility or an active-duty police officer, being able to effectively meet the daily demands of your occupation is beneficial to your health.

It is with this understanding that Occupational Therapists seek to maximize their patients’ abilities to engage in the activities that they want – or need – to perform on a daily basis. For an Occupational Therapist working in the school setting, this can mean helping a child with autism balance their play and schoolwork effectively. For an Occupational Therapist working in a long-term care setting, they will find themselves working with patients who need help with ways to effectively cook, clean, or use the restroom. The profession of occupational therapy is indeed diverse, and the role an OT plays in the care of patients can vary quite a lot depending on the setting that they practice in.

The Top 10 Things You Might Not Know About Occupational Therapists

1. The earliest evidence of using occupations as a therapeutic method dates back to 100 BCE and the Greek physician Asclepiades, who used exercise, music, therapeutic baths, and massage to treat patients with mental illness. (Quiroga, Virginia A. M., PhD (1995), Occupational Therapy: The First 30 Years, 1900-1930)
2. Occupational therapists can work in a variety of different settings and with patients from infancy through older adulthood.Occupational therapists often specialize in a specific clinical setting (acute, sub-acute, long term care, etc.) or in a specific patient population (e.g. pediatrics, young adults, geriatrics, etc.).
3. Occupational therapists promote social participation in older adults through improving understanding and operation of technology.“Occupational therapy practitioners address access to technology for social participation. Computer training and cell phone training can assist older adults with continued social participation.” (Sanders et. al. 2011)
4. Occupational therapists are an instrumental part of rehab care, proper preventative care and have the capability to help control the increasing cost of healthcare. “In 2000, the total direct medical costs of all fall injuries for people 65 and older exceeded $19 billion. By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion” (CDC, 2011)
5. Occupational therapy is consistently listed as one of the “Best Jobs in America”. (CNN)
6. Occupational therapy arose as a profession closely linked to psychotherapy in the early 20th century as health professionals recognized the impact of participation in meaningful daily activity on mental and physical health. (Crepeau et. al., 2009)
7. Occupational therapists empower their patients to enjoy the highest possible quality of living.“Occupational therapy practitioners provide older adults with tools to remain safe and independent at home (age in place) despite significant visual impairment.” (Kaldenburg, 2011, Personal Communication). These tools may include: low vision devices, home modification/adaptation, lighting options, medication management strategies, reading adaptations, etc.
8. Occupational therapists can use yoga or tai chi as part of a holistic approach to treatment in preparation for, or as an adjunct to, occupation-based intervention.
9. Occupational therapists help older adults stay active and safe in their daily lives. “Fear of falling can be both a risk factor for falls and a consequence of falling. Occupational therapists assist older adults to recognize and overcome their fears and problem-solve about how to keep from falling while staying active. Fear of falling can lead to self-limitation in performing activities and tasks that people need to do to remain as independent as possible. (Scheinholtz et. al., 2006, p. 2)
10. Occupational therapy is a critical component of dementia care. “OTs help those with dementia in long-term care and adult day health settings to retain existing function for as long as possible. Throughout the continuum of care, occupational therapy practitioners intervene both as direct care providers and as consultants.”

Original Articles by Evergreen Rehab