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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) derives its name from the "occupational" roles each person has in life. Some of these roles may be a parent, sibling, worker, friend, or volunteer. These activities define who we are. When something such as a stroke, injury, mental illness, or elective surgery interrupts an individual's life roles, it is the occupational therapist's job to identify the affected areas. Recovery goals are set by working closely with the patient, family, and treatment team. A functional approach is taken toward the therapeutic process, with the long term goal always focused on maximizing a patient's independence and return to a safe environment.

Occupational therapy treatments are carried out by state licensed occupational therapists or state certified occupational therapy assistants. Some of the therapeutic interventions utilized are self care skills, joint range of motion and strengthening, independent living skills such as cleaning, cooking, home maintenance, job/vocational responsibilities, education regarding disability, adapted techniques, and splinting. Each plan of care is tailored to reflect the patient's goals.

Inpatient occupational therapy is active on the acute, skilled, and rehab units of the hospital. Outpatient therapy is provided at the physical medicine building. Home health is also available and is located in the Augusta Community Care building on the hospital campus.