Occupational Therapists (OTs)

The prime function of OTs is to maximise the independence of the patients through assessing their needs and prompting the restoration of the maximum use of function. As specialists in the provision of disability equipment they offer practical advice on adapting the environment to the needs of the individual.

OTs will be found working in many areas of health care; learning disability, mental illness, geriatrics, physical disability, paediatrics, day care and rehabilitation centres. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, day centres, claimant’s own homes and residential accommodation.

Their work focuses on enabling people to perform every day activities such as washing, dressing, cooking and shopping. They help people to readjust to independent living after discharge from hospital.

Where OTs work with people with mental health disorders or learning disabilities, they prepare these patients to return to as full a life as possible in the community. This may involve psychology or behavioural programmes including group work, for example, desensitisation programmes for agoraphobia or social skills training for people with long-term mental disorders.

Reports from Occupational Therapists

Reports from occupational therapists can provide very useful information since they link disability to need.

Sometimes OTs can prove difficult to identify as a source of information, especially if the patient is only seen on one or two occasions before discharge or in their own home.

If an elderly person is assessed at home a copy of the report may be available in his or her general practice records.

Claimants themselves may also have a copy of their assessment report.