Dear Therapist,
Why do I need occupational therapy? I’m retired. I don’t have a job anymore!
Mark B. | Maria Stein, OH
In terms of occupational therapy, occupations are things you do in your day-to-day life. So, think of things like bathing, dressing, cooking. It can be your job or even things around your house or your hobbies. Occupational therapists help you break down those occupations into tasks that are manageable, and help you live a quality life that is meaningful to you.
Katie Schmitmeyer, MOT, OTR/L
Community Sports & Therapy Center
Occupational Therapy is not just for those with “jobs”.
Many people hear the word “occupational” and assume occupational therapy is for those who have “occupations” or a “job.” While this is true, an occupation is not just in the traditional sense, but ANYTHING you have to do in your day-to-day life IS your job.
These occupations, also known as “activities of daily living”, include bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning and more. While it does include things you may have to do at your job, such as typing or turning a wrench, it also means so much more.
For example, if you have trouble with activities like shaving or brushing your teeth, or difficulty getting dressed by yourself without struggling with buttons or zippers, occupational therapy can help!
Also, any hobbies that you have that you no longer are able to do because of an injury, illness or pain—such as knitting, bowling, playing pickleball, etc. are also things an occupational therapist (OT) can help you get back to doing.
Children also have jobs – playing and learning!
If your child is having difficulty reaching their developmental milestones or with fine motor skills (using a scissors or holding a pencil) an evaluation with one of our pediatric occupational therapists may be warranted.
Occupational therapists help you break down occupations you are having trouble with into tasks that are manageable. This in turn increases your independence and can help you live a quality life that is meaningful to you.
If you have questions about our occupational therapy program, you can call us at 419-678-OHIO.
We offer occupational therapy services in our Coldwater, Celina and Fort Recovery locations. You can request an evaluation directly here or visit our website for more information.
Do you have a therapy question you need help answering? Please submit your questions to us at hello@cstcenter.com so we can help you answer them!