OT, keeping people safe in their own home

As seen in the commercial above, Occupational Therapists (OTs) make changes to your home, including many things that you may not think to look for, such as:

• Removing rugs that are often trip and fall hazards.
• Replacing an old soft chair that is difficult to get out of. Using a stiff back chair makes getting up easier with less strain to the body.
• Something as simple as moving dishes from a higher shelf to a lower one can greatly reduce the risk of injury while in the kitchen.

OTs give you the confidence to live safely at home

At its core, occupational therapy helps you do things for yourself. The process starts by understanding every aspect of your daily life. Using this knowledge we show you that overcoming life’s challenges is “do-able”. An OT will teach you and your family members the skills needed to build independence and confidence to keep you safe and active in your own home.

Your OT will provide:

• Recommendations for assistive devices such as a raised toilet seat, bath grab bar, and shower chair
• Modifications to the home environment to reduce risks such as removing rugs and rearranging furniture
• Ways to adapt/renovate the home, which may include ramped entrances, stair rails, and bathroom and kitchen modifications
• Education for fall prevention and tips for good safety habit

Learn more about how OTs help you live safely in your own home.

OTs, your healthcare partners

As government regulated healthcare professionals, OTs have completed extensive training and Masters-level studies in Occupational Therapy. As respected members of the healthcare community, they partner with doctors, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals to get you back to living your life to the fullest.

Common questions and answers about OT

Click the question for an answer.

• What are other examples of how an OT can help me stay safe in my own home?

  To improve your safety or make it easier for you to function on your own, your OT will find out if there are any changes needed to your home such as grab bars in the bathroom, stairlifts, wheelchair ramps, and porch lifts. Your OT can also help you learn skills such as getting in and out of bed, controlling the lights in your home, getting help if you fall, managing daily medications and much more.

• Can my doctor refer me to an OT?
  Yes, your physician can provide you with a referral to eligible Occupational Therapy services in your community.
• How do I pay for OT? Is it covered by OHIP?

  In Ontario, occupational therapy services are covered, in whole or in part, by both public and private health care systems. Some of the ways that OT services are funded in Ontario are through automobile insurance, extended health insurance, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and Veteran Affairs Canada.

  The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers OT when it is provided through hospitals and rehabilitation centres, Family Health Teams, Assertive Community Treatment Teams, Community Health Centres, and Community Care Access Centres that provide access to OT for eligible clients in their homes, schools, or long-term care facilities.

  Clients may also choose to pay themselves for OT services not covered by a public or private plan.

• Do OTs work with other healthcare providers?

  Yes, OTs work with other health care professionals to ensure you get better and are able to do everyday tasks. You’ll find OTs in practically every part of the health care system, including hospitals and clinics.

  Many Family Health Teams include occupational therapists who work with doctors, nurses, social workers and other health care providers to help meet your health care needs.

• What’s behind the name Occupational Therapy?

  “Occupational Therapy” comes from the Latin word “Occupare”, which means “How one occupies their time”. OTs help people of all ages overcome challenges ranging from early child development, mental illness, injuries in and out of the workplace, to challenges associated with aging and so much more.

Find an OT today

To find an OT click here or complete the form on the right side of the page and we will contact you.