What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy helps people to carry out daily activities as independently, enjoyably and appropriately as possible once again. These are activities that are important to you. For example, looking after yourself, working, studying, doing household chores, caring for others, maintaining social contacts or enjoying your leisure time.
Sometimes these activities no longer come naturally. This may be due, for example, to physical symptoms, a chronic condition, mental health issues, overexertion, tiredness, ageing or changes in daily life. An occupational therapist helps you to find a new balance between what you want, what you can do and what is expected of you.
In doing so, we look not only at symptoms, but above all at possibilities. Within occupational therapy, we often use the PEO model. This model examines the relationship between:
- yourself: who you are, what you can do and what is important to you;
- your surroundings: such as your home, workplace and the people around you;
- your daily activities: for example, working, caring for others, exercising or relaxing.
By looking at these aspects together, we can work out why certain activities have become difficult and what might help. For example, a different way of doing things, a piece of equipment or an adjustment to your environment.
What does an occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist will work with you to identify which everyday activities have become difficult and why. In doing so, we look not only at what you are unable to do, but also at what you are still able to do.
An occupational therapist can, for example, provide support with:
- the distribution of energy and workload throughout the day;
- carrying out daily activities;
- coping with physical or cognitive impairments;
- advice on assistive devices or adaptations;
- improving independence at home, at school or at work;
- finding a better balance between activities and recovery.
Together, we will look at which approach best suits your situation and goals.
Would you like to know whether your condition is suitable for occupational therapy? If so, please read on on the page ‘When should you see an occupational therapist?’.
Working with the physiotherapist
Movement is an important part of everyday life. That is why physiotherapists are also part of Rondom. They support people in improving their movement, strength, fitness and recovery when physical complaints are a factor.
Where appropriate, the occupational therapist works alongside one of our physiotherapists. The occupational therapist focuses on carrying out daily activities, whilst the physiotherapist helps to improve the movement required for this. In this way, the treatments complement each other well and you receive support tailored to your personal situation and goals.
Areas of focus within occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a broad field. Our occupational therapists have different areas of expertise and specialisms, ensuring that the support provided is tailored to your needs and circumstances.
The following areas of focus are available within Rondom:
- Occupational therapy for problems with daily functioning
- Occupational therapy for children and young people
- Occupational therapy for adults
- Occupational therapy for older people
- Occupational therapy for work and reintegration
- Occupational therapy for workplace advice
- Occupational therapy for advice on assistive devices
- Occupational therapy for concussion or brain contusion
- Occupational therapy for dementia
- Occupational therapy for informal carers
- Occupational therapy for rheumatism
- Occupational therapy for neurological conditions
- Occupational therapy for neurological conditions
- Occupational therapy for chronic conditions
- Occupational therapy for pain symptoms
- Occupational therapy for mental health and psychosocial issues
- Occupational therapy for cognitive problems
- Occupational therapy for developmental disorders
- Occupational therapy for people with intellectual disabilities
- Occupational therapy for physical disabilities
- Occupational therapy in rehabilitation and recovery
- Occupational therapy for burnout and boreout
- The use of physiotherapy within Rondom
Collaboration with other healthcare providers
Sometimes, several factors come into play simultaneously in relation to daily activities and functioning. That is why, where appropriate, our occupational therapists work together with other healthcare professionals both within and outside Rondom.
Consider, for example, collaboration with physiotherapists, psychologists, lifestyle coaches, dietitians, podiatrists or other healthcare professionals.
By working together, we ensure that care is well co-ordinated and that you receive support that suits your everyday life.