Recover in Hospital
OTs work with other health care professionals to ensure you get better and are able to do everyday tasks. It was an OT who helped Sam figure out that brain damage from a stroke had caused him to become unaware of the left side of his body, making it hard to do everyday tasks. The same OT worked with Sam while he got better in hospital and later helped him make simple changes so he could live at home safely and confidently. Read Sam’s Story.
OTs play an important role in preparing you for the move from hospital to home, especially if your illness or injury has left you unable to look after yourself and do the things you usually do each day.
Here’s how OTs make a difference in a hospital or clinic setting:
OT in acute care
During your time in acute care, an OT may work with you to help you learn how to take care of yourself and prepare for your return home by doing things such as:
- begin rehabilitation treatment that address your needs,
- fabricating splints to support injured joints
- starting post-surgical or post-stroke treatment to restore function
OT in the rehabilitation unit
OTs are an important part of rehabilitation units in hospitals. Working closely with you, your doctor and other members of your rehab team, your OT will help you regain independence in day-to-day function. OT support may include:
- physical strengthening
- retraining to do everyday tasks
- providing equipment that help with everyday tasks
- making changes to areas where you spend time
- suggesting a wheelchair or other device to help you get around
- training to improve mental functions, such as the ability to remember things
- leading psychotherapy groups to support recovery from mental illness
- relaxation techniques
- chronic pain management
OT in outpatient or community clinic service
To ensure that you continue to heal and improve your skills for everyday tasks, your inpatient rehab team can help make your transition from hospital to home or other community services easier. They may also suggest that it’s best for you to continue occupational therapy after you leave the hospital. You can do this through outpatient services offered by the hospital or in a community clinic that offers OT services.
Find an OT today
Find an OT in Ontario today to learn more about how occupational therapy can help you or your loved one recover from an illness or injury. You can also contact the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists by calling 1-877-676-6768 or sending an email.
