The occupational therapist is a professional whose role is often misunderstood. At Clinique GO™, we offer occupational therapy services in the home. By intervening directly in the living environment of their clients, occupational therapists are able to propose an intervention plan or offer a specific service aimed at improving independence and quality of life. In this article, we discuss 5 good reasons to consult an occupational therapist at home.
A word about occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a discipline that can be applied to all age groups. Occupational therapists can intervene in different environments to analyze their client’s habits and needs in order to propose adaptations to promote their well-being. Services may be requested because of a loss of autonomy or limitations caused by a disability, an illness, an injury, etc. The goal of the occupational therapist’s intervention is always to allow an individual to continue to carry out activities that are important to him or her, such as meeting basic needs and leisure activities. In this way, the occupational therapist promotes the person’s autonomy in optimal conditions.
5 reasons to consult an occupational therapist
Autonomy and safety at home
Occupational therapists are the professionals best suited to evaluate a person’s autonomy at home, to ensure that he or she is able to carry out his or her activities and live safely. A physical assessment of the person is done, as well as a complete evaluation of the living environment and the risks it entails, for example, for falls. Adaptations can then be recommended to reduce the risks. Appropriate exercises and advice, such as how to perform positional transfers, may also be offered by the occupational therapist.
We have devoted an entire blog post to the assessment of independence and safety at home by an occupational therapist.
Driving Assessment
As a result of aging or loss of cognitive or motor skills, it may become essential to conduct a driving assessment. This ensures that a person is still able to drive without posing a danger to themselves or others. It is common for a request for an assessment to come from a health professional, such as a physician, who has concerns about the patient’s ability to drive.
In such a case, the assessment can be done by the occupational therapist, who can come directly to the home or living environment of the person to be assessed.
Obtaining a disabled parking permit
To obtain a parking sticker for a disabled person or a person with reduced mobility, a request must be made to the SAAQ. Part of the form to be filled out concerns an evaluation that must be done by a professional. The latter can be an occupational therapist, who is well qualified to evaluate a person’s abilities. Thus, he or she can indicate in the application how the applicant’s abilities are affected, whether it be physical, visual, etc. With the help of the professional, the application can be completed in the home.
Home Adaptation Program
The Home Adaptation Program (HAP) is a resource that is available to people who have physical limitations, particularly those caused by a disability. It provides a grant to carry out work in the home to adapt it to the individual’s particular needs. The adaptations can concern access to the home (in and out), interior movements as well as the realization of daily tasks, such as cooking.
To obtain the grant, it is necessary to apply by submitting a file. This includes an in-home assessment by an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist can assess the applicant’s needs and adaptations required to ensure that the application is properly completed and forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
Assessment, application and recommendations for mobility aids
Depending on an individual’s needs, it is possible to apply for a grant for the acquisition of different types of mobility aids and assistive devices. These may include canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and motorized devices such as scooters. In order to make a request, it is necessary to obtain a needs assessment, which can be done by an occupational therapist.
With our in-home occupational therapy services, you can get an assessment based on your needs, right in your home. In some cases, this makes it much easier for you to obtain the services of this professional, since you do not have to travel to meet him or her.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
