An occupational therapist (OT) is there to help you make a plan following your accident. An OT is also required to complete an assessment to receive personal care assistance from ICBC for eligible clients. The road to recovery is different for everyone, and OTs are there to help you return to your daily routines and reclaim your abilities.
They may ask you to talk about the barriers you are experiencing after your accident, whether that is neck pain, depression, trauma, or physical barriers like living on the 2nd floor when you can’t climb stairs. OTs are unique in the therapy they provide and can add value to your recovery in ways that complement your physiotherapy and other services.
Our Occupation therapists are trained in three areas of practice:
- Physical Injury and Chronic Pain
- Mental Health Conditions
- Concussion
What are some unique ways that an OT can help you in these areas?
Physical Injury and Chronic Pain:
- Assess and prescribe adaptive equipment (a bath seat or high raised toilet seat for example). You are eligible for medical equipment with your ICBC claim.
- Unique chronic pain management techniques such as the Progressive Goal Attainment Program.
- A new approach to reclaiming life roles and activities after pain.
Mental Health Conditions:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for Insomnia.
- Exposure therapy (in-vivo sessions in person, in the community).
- Anxiety management techniques.
- Working with you and your employer to develop a graduated return to work plan when appropriate.
Concussion:
- Cognitive remediation and training.
- Memory and attention improvement exercises.
- Practice of executive functioning in the community (multi-tasking)
- Working with you and your employer to develop a graduated return to work plan when appropriate.
Whether the goal is to return to work, or live independently, an occupational therapist can help you take those first steps after an accident.
What is an Occupational Therapy assessment like?
Home Evaluations
An occupational therapy assessment at your house usually includes a detailed interview about what your life was like before the injuries. How did you spend your time? What were your daily responsibilities? Were you looking after other people like children or elderly family? How was your health before the accident? Did you have a fitness routine?
Once the assessor has a good understanding of your daily routines, they will then want to know how your life has changed since your accident. They may ask you to complete some questionnaires, to observe physical tasks like walking, reaching, climbing stairs, or to show them whatever tasks you are finding difficult. Letting an occupational therapist see your home is not only key to helping them understand your domestic responsibilities, but also to making recommendations that will help keep you safe and comfortable as you recover.
Contact Brian O’Rourke, experienced Occupational Therapist in BC, at Logic Rehabilitation. For inquiries, call 778-819-2453 today!