Occupational therapy
Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, helping them to carry out the activities that they need or want to do in order to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
They work with people who have physical, mental and/or social needs and aim to enable them to achieve as much as they can for themselves, in order to get the most out of life.
When people cannot do the things that are important to them – such as getting dressed, having a shower or undertaking a favourite hobby – an occupational therapist can help them in many ways, based on each individual person’s needs and lifestyle.
Examples of the work of occupational therapists include:
- Giving advice on how the home or workplace environment can be changed, such as making the toilet seat higher so that is easier to get off, or looking at the use of wheelchair ramps
- Helping people to learn new ways of doing things, such as teaching someone with fatigue and reduced stamina how to conserve energy when performing daily activities
- Adapting materials or equipment, such as a knife for someone after they have lost hand grip
- Assisting an ageing couple to care for one another in their own home
- Helping someone suffering from depression regain lost confidence to do the things they used to do
For an insight into a 'Day in the Life' of our Occupational Therapy Team and what they do, please watch the following video HERE.
Patients can be referred to the occupational therapy service by any healthcare professional at the Centre (via maxims), or by the patient themselves, if they are receiving treatment here.
Contact
The occupational therapists (OTs) generally see inpatients at the Centre, although they can offer advice to outpatients on occasions. The Macmillan OT service is available from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm.
For further information please contact the Macmillan OTs on 0151 556 5000.
