Occupational therapy looks at the activities people need and want to do in everyday life. Independence does not always mean doing everything alone. It can also mean having the right strategy, equipment, environment or assistance to participate safely and with greater choice.
At a glance
Key points
- 01The focus is on meaningful everyday activities.
- 02Assessment considers the person, the task and the environment together.
- 03Recommendations should be realistic for the person’s actual routines and supports.
What kinds of activities are included?
Everyday occupation covers much more than paid work. It includes the tasks, roles and routines that give structure and meaning to daily life.
- Personal care and getting ready
- Preparing food and household tasks
- Managing routines, fatigue and organisation
- Moving around home and community environments
- Study, work, volunteering and social participation
- Leisure, relationships and valued roles
How does occupational therapy approach a problem?
The occupational therapist first works to understand where the task becomes difficult and what is contributing. The barrier might involve movement, cognition, motivation, sensory experience, fatigue, the physical environment, the way a task is organised or the support available.
Possible responses include practising a different method, changing the environment, using equipment, simplifying steps, building a routine or adjusting assistance.
What makes a recommendation practical?
A useful recommendation fits the person’s goals, preferences, culture, resources and real-world environment. It should also be understandable to the people who will use or support it.
If a strategy does not work for the person, that is information. The strategy can be changed rather than treating the person as the problem.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance may change. Check the linked source for the most current information.