Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy services cover all age groups and many varying conditions, such as:
- Paediatric conditions (developmental delay, Cerebral Palsy)
- Terminal illness (Cancer, MND)
- Neurological conditions (MS, Parkinson's Disease)
- Old Age-frailty
- Orthopaedic conditions (fractures, arthritis, spondilitis)
- Surgical conditions (hip/knee replacement)
- General Medical conditions (Heart conditions, Diabetes)
- Learning Disabilities
- Eating Disorders
- Elderly Mentally Infirm (Dementia)
- Genetic Syndromes
- Mental Illness
These are just a few examples of the breadth of service provided. The central values and beliefs of OT are that people with disabilities are valued as people with physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual needs.
Occupational Therapists treat people with physical, psychiatric illness or disability in order to enable them to reach their maximum level of function and independence - to improve their quality of life.
This holistic approach enables clients to achieve a meaningful lifestyle where any form of disability is not a barrier to social inclusion. This may involve the provision of specialist equipment or adaptations to environments or property such as walk-in showers or wheelchair ramps which requires co-operation with other agencies and departments.
Their involvement extends to professional advocacy for people on access and equal opportunities issues and influence on social policy towards the development of better services.
Referral can be through various Health Board staff, clients, friends or relatives, Education, Social Care, Community Care review or the voluntary sector.
For further information see our leaflets page.