Can OT be done at home? If yes, how?

Can OT be done at home? If yes, how?

Before delving into this topic of Can OT be done at home, it is first important to understand what is OT. After which we can look at how OT is made possible in the home environment.

OT or Occupational therapy is a powerful tool that is used to help improve the daily lives of people of all ages and abilities . They help them to actively & purposefully engage in their daily lives. OT’s work with individuals to assess their needs & determine the best path to develop, modify, adapt or regain skills that are challenging because of their limitations.

They combine all their senses in order to make sense of our environment. The main role of an OT is to inculcate daily life skills which include day-to-day tasks such as grooming, self-care, leisure or work. They work to promote, maintain, & develop the skills needed to be functional in different settings.

Traditionally, occupational therapy is done in professional settings, such as hospitals and clinics. However, with the advent of the Internet and telehealth services, it is now possible to receive occupational therapy services from the comfort of your own home. Occupational therapy at home is a natural setting for living as its place for self-care, dressing, grooming, bathing & other activities of daily living. Also, for Instrumental activities of daily living like home management, meal preparation, paying bills, and other tasks.

So, can occupational therapy be done at home? The answer is absolutely yes! There are many different ways that occupational therapy can be delivered at home. Let’s take a closer look at some of these methods.

OT Exercises at home by parents or caregivers

Here are a few activities that you can do at home –

• For tactile needs – Playing with dough. Firmness can be varied as per the needs to the child
• For proprioceptive needs – Pushing heavy objects like box of toys, or pulling heavy blanket or even moving furniture. Object and activity can be varied as per the requirement.
• For vestibular needs – Bouncing on ball or rotating on chair or swinging. Speed can vary as per the child needs.
• For auditory needs – Different music can be introduced depending upon child’s sensory needs
• Motor planning & control – Obstacle course can be made for child with purposeful activity. Elements of the course are selected as per child’s motor skills development.

Telehealth Services

One of the most popular ways to receive occupational therapy services at home is through telehealth services. Telehealth services allow patients to connect with occupational therapists remotely using video conferencing technology. This makes it possible for patients to receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes, without having to travel to a clinic or hospital.

Through telehealth services, occupational therapists can provide a wide range of services, including:

• Evaluations and assessments
• Individualized treatment plans
• Therapy sessions (individual and group)
• Caregiver education and training
• Home modification recommendations
• Adaptive equipment recommendations

Professional Home Visits

Another option for receiving occupational therapy services at home is through home visits. Home visits are particularly useful for patients who are unable to travel to a clinic or hospital due to mobility or other physical limitations.

During a home visit, an occupational therapist will visit a patient’s home to provide therapy and support. This can include:

• Evaluations and assessments
• Individualized treatment plans
• Therapy sessions (individual and group)
• Home modification recommendations
• Adaptive equipment recommendations
• Educating family members and caregivers on how to support the patient’s progress

Online Resources and Programs

 

In addition to telehealth services and home visits, there are also many online resources and programs available to help patients receive occupational therapy services at home. These resources can be particularly helpful for patients who are unable to attend therapy sessions in person due to scheduling conflicts or other issues.

Online resources and programs can include:

• Educational materials on a wide range of topics related to occupational therapy, such as activities of daily living, exercise, and stress management
• Virtual therapy sessions that is accessible from anywhere at any time
• Occupational therapy worksheets designed to improve fine motor skills, memory, and other cognitive abilities
• Virtual communities and support groups where patients can connect with other individuals who are experiencing similar challenges

Benefits of Doing Occupational Therapy at Home

There are many benefits to receiving occupational therapy services at home. These benefits include:

• Greater convenience and flexibility – patients can receive therapy from the comfort of their own homes, and can choose the time and day that works best for them
• Increased privacy and comfort – patients may feel more comfortable sharing personal information in the comfort of their own homes
• Greater accessibility – patients who are unable to travel to clinics or hospitals because of physical limitations can still receive therapy services
• Implementing strategies into your daily routines – Sometimes it is hard for caregivers to carry over strategies provided by their therapists – so having the therapist present at the moment to observe routines & show caregivers how to implement strategies within daily routines and provide any additional tips
• Utilize Toys & equipment at home – Therapist can see what toys/ items you already have at home and can guide you how to use it in different ways to achieve various goals for improving child’s skills.
• Improved outcomes – research has shown that patients who receive occupational therapy services at home may experience better outcomes than those who receive therapy in clinical settings

Conclusion

Shortly, occupational therapy is absolutely possible at home. With the help of telehealth services, home visits, and online resources and programs, patients can receive high-quality occupational therapy services from the comfort of their own homes. If you or someone you know is in need of occupational therapy services, consider exploring the many options available for receiving therapy at home.

You can book an online OT appointment with us at 1SpecialPlace. Contact us to know more. Click here to book a session.