In-Home Functional OT Assessment
Using the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement as a guide, OTs will conduct a full assessment to evaluate the relationship between the client, their occupations and their home environment. The client will be assessed using standardized assessments and observations that will evaluate their physical, cognitive and psychosocial status. A comprehensive report will be written to analyze the relationship between the person, their occupations and environment, to ensure the safety of the individual. Furthermore, treatment recommendations will be made to help increase the client’s level of independence and participation in their home.
Ergonomic assessments are completed to ensure a client’s workspace is properly set up to prevent injuries and facilitate a return to work following an injury. Ergonomic assessments can also be completed to prevent an injury from worsening. The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and Engagement will be used as the framework to evaluate the fit between the client, their occupations and their work environment.
Cognitive Functioning Assessment
A series of standardized assessments will be used to measure attention, memory, executive functioning and perceptual skills. Additionally, an interview and observations will be made regarding the client’s functional ability. Depending on the results of the assessment, a treatment approach will be tailored to the client to help remediate or compensate for their cognitive deficits.
The following is a list of examples of some of the types of treatment an OT can offer.
Prescription of Assistive Devices
Assistive devices are prescribed to help compensate for functional limitations. Some of these include: grab bars in bathroom, long handled reachers, sock aides, etc.
Custom Made Orthotics
Custom made orthotics can be made to help treat various conditions such as:
• Dupuytren’s release
• Carpal tunnel
• Tendinitis/Tenosynovitis of wrist tendons
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Energy Conservation Techniques (ECTs): Following an injury, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, people may find that they have decreased energy, are easily fatigued and experience shortness of breath. ECTs are techniques that enable individuals to complete their regular activities with less pain and fatigue.
Sleep Hygiene: An OT will work with clients to help incorporate new sleeping habits into their daily lives to promote regular restful sleeps.
Stress management: An OT will work with clients to help incorporate stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises and mindfulness exercises to promote stress reduction.
Concussion Management: An OT will work with clients to help them learn to manage their concussion symptoms.
Chronic Pain Management: An OT can treat chronic pain caused by various conditions by using a combination of different treatment options listed (i.e. ECT, sleep management, stress management, orthotic fabrication, occupation based cognitive behavioral therapy, etc.) in addition to other types of pain management techniques (e.g. cold or heat application, edema control, etc.).
Cognitive Rehabilitation: Up-to-date evidence-based practices will be used to help restore, maintain or compensate for any cognitive deficits that were identified during the cognitive assessment.