Occupational therapists work with
people who are having difficulty in completing the everyday things that are
important to them, which can vary. Their work is based on what their service
users identify. They support individuals at home, in work and at leisure, by
creating bespoke treatment programmes for people of all ages. Occupational
therapists make a difference to people’s lives by enabling people to live with
more confidence by promoting health and wellbeing.
Occupational therapists make a
difference to people’s lives across a variety of settings. The type of illness
or injury they work with varies, it is dependent upon the setting and whether
the person is having difficulty doing the things that are important to them as
a result of the illness or injury.
- Physical
Some of
the conditions occupational therapists might see are service users who have
experienced fractures or surgery, or may be suffering from long-term conditions
such as fatigue or cancer.
- Neurological
Comprising of the anatomy, functions and disorders of the nerves and nervous
system. Some of these conditions include Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Dementia
and Parkinson’s disease.
- Learning
disabilities
Occupational therapists work with a wide range of people with
different types of disabilities. Some patient groups they might work with
include people with dyslexia, autism, non-verbal disabilities or those with visual
motor deficit.
- Mental
health conditions
They help people who are struggling with
adverse life circumstances such as grief, stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar
and many more.
- Diverse
patient groups
Occupational therapists work with people across the lifespan,
from babies to older adults across a variety of settings.
Occupational therapy is a broad
disciple. Some of these people you might work with include:
- people living with cerebral palsy
- refugees seeking asylum
- people who are homeless
- people who are in prison
- children with developmental delays or physical
and/or psychological needs that are impact their ability to thrive in childhood
and meet milestones
- older adults who need additional support to
carry out day-to-day activities, OTs support their ability to remain an
important part of their family and community
- working within the LGTBQIA+ community
- people with any physical and mental health
needs that impact on their day-to-day life.
Within the occupational therapy
profession there are a multitude of job opportunities. You could work in the
NHS, within the public or private sector. For example:
- Public Health in NHS hospitals
- Community clinics
- In people’s homes
- At a school
- Government agencies
- GP surgeries
- Nursing homes
- Education and academia
- Research
- Leadership roles
- Voluntary roles
What can you do with an occupational therapy degree?