A to Z of MS
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A to Z of MS Occupational therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists (often known as OTs) help people with multiple scleosis in a number of ways. The British Association of Occupational Therapists website describes the role as "help[ing] people engage as independently as possible in the activities (occupations) which enhance their health and wellbeing".
The main aim of occupational therapy is to help people continue to live life as fully as possible. Very often OTs do this by visiting the individual in their home or workplace and making simple suggestions for changes in lifestyle, or useful equipment and adaptations.
Examples of how they can help are:
- making assessments and providing suggestions and equipment to help someone maintain their ability to perform activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, etc
- helping employers and people with MS at work, by making simple adjustments to working environments
- fatigue management courses, including lifestyle and pacing advice
Occupational therapists may specialise in different areas, such as driving assessments, home adaptations, or access to work. OTs can work in hospitals or community-based settings, either as part of the health service or provided by local government. In some cases, they may work with nurses and other therapists as part of multidisciplinary teams.
A GP or neurologist can make a referral to an occupational therapist.
Occupational Therapist is a protected title. Anyone using this must be on the register held by the Health Professions Council. You can check whether your OT is registered using the search facility on the Health Professions Council's website.