What is Occupational Therapy?
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy is a health profession that helps people continue doing the everyday activities that are important to them. These activities, often called “occupations”, are the things that give our lives purpose, meaning, and a sense of who we are.
For one person, this might mean being able to get washed and dressed without help, prepare a favourite meal, or feel confident moving around their home. For someone else, it might mean returning to a hobby, spending time with family, caring for a loved one, or continuing to be involved in their community.
What makes Occupational Therapy so special is that we look at the whole person. We don’t just focus on a diagnosis or what someone is finding difficult. We look at their physical abilities, thinking skills, emotions, routines, habits, relationships, environment, and the things that are important to them.
Every person is different, which means every solution is different. Occupational Therapists work alongside people and their families to understand what matters most and find practical ways to help them do the things they want and need to do, as safely and independently as possible.
Whether someone is recovering after a hospital admission, adjusting to changes in their health, getting older or simply wanting to stay independent for longer, Occupational Therapy is about helping people continue to live the life that matters to them.
When Might Occupational Therapy Help an Older Adult?
Occupational Therapy can help when changes in health, mobility, memory, confidence, or daily life start to make things more difficult. You might consider OT if an older adult is: - Finding everyday activities harder, such as washing, dressing, cooking, or managing at home - Recovering after a hospital admission, illness, injury, or fall - Feeling less confident or safe moving around their home - Experiencing changes in memory, thinking, or problem-solving - Having difficulty managing routines or staying organised - Considering equipment or changes to their home to make life easier - Wanting to stay independent and plan ahead for the future Occupational Therapists help identify what is making daily life more challenging and work with the person and their family to find practical solutions. The aim is not to take away independence — it is to help people continue doing the things that matter to them, in a way that is safe, meaningful, and realistic.
Would Occupational Therapy help your situation?
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what support is needed or where to start. You may have noticed that an older family member is finding everyday life more difficult, has lost confidence, or is no longer managing in the same way they used to. Occupational therapy may help if you're asking questions like: "Are they safe at home?" Perhaps you're worried about falls, moving around the house, or whether they can manage everyday tasks safely. "How can they stay independent?" Activities such as washing, dressing, preparing meals, using the toilet, or getting around the home may be becoming more difficult. "What has changed?" Has there been a recent hospital stay, illness, injury, a fall, or changes in memory or thinking that have affected everyday life? "Could life at home be made easier?" Would simple equipment, small changes to the home, or different ways of doing things help them manage more safely and confidently? Occupational therapists look at the whole picture — the person, the activities they need and want to do, and the environment they live in. You don't need to wait until there's a crisis. Seeking advice early can often prevent small difficulties from becoming bigger problems and help someone remain independent at home for longer.
How is Occupational Therapy different to other professions?
Occupational Therapists often work alongside physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and doctors. Each profession brings a different area of expertise, and together we work as a team to help people achieve the best possible outcomes.
Physiotherapists focus on movement, strength, balance, and physical recovery. Psychologists support thoughts, emotions, coping, and mental wellbeing. Social workers help people access services, supports, and resources.
Occupational Therapists focus on how a person’s health affects their everyday life. We ask: “How is this person’s health affecting the things they need and want to do?”
We look at the whole picture — the person, their physical and cognitive abilities, their environment, and the activities that are important to them. This might mean helping someone return home safely after hospital, adapting their home, finding new ways to complete daily tasks, or supporting them to remain independent.
What makes OT unique is that we don’t focus only on a person’s condition. We focus on helping them continue to take part in the activities, roles, and routines that give their life meaning.
Why I LOVE Occupational Therapy!!
I could talk about Occupational Therapy all day! What I love most about OT is that we truly get to know the person behind the diagnosis. We don’t just see a stroke, a fall, dementia, arthritis, or a medical condition. We want to understand who they are as a person. What makes them happy? What roles are important to them? What does a normal day look like? What routines, habits, and activities make them feel like themselves? The things we do every day are so much more than just tasks. They give our lives structure, purpose, enjoyment, and a sense of who we are. It might be making a cup of tea in the morning, cooking a favourite meal, looking after grandchildren, meeting friends, gardening, walking the dog, or simply feeling confident managing your own routine. When someone’s health changes, it can affect much more than their ability to complete a task. It can affect their confidence, independence, routine, and sense of identity. This is what makes Occupational Therapy so special. We look at what matters to someone and find ways to help them continue doing those things. We look at the person, the activity, and the environment around them, then use our problem-solving skills to find practical solutions. I love that OT combines compassion with creativity. We don’t just ask, “What can’t this person do anymore?” We ask, “What is important to them, what is getting in the way, and how can we make it work?” For me, that is the heart of Occupational Therapy — helping people continue to live the life that matters to them.
Myth Busters
There are lots of misunderstandings about Occupational Therapy. Here are some of the most common ones: Myth: “Occupational Therapy is just about equipment.” Reality: Equipment is only one part of OT. We look at what someone wants and needs to do, what is getting in the way, and find practical solutions. This might involve adapting a task, changing the environment, creating new routines, or using equipment when needed. Myth: “OT and Physiotherapy are the same.” Reality: Both professions work together, but our focus is different. Physiotherapists focus on movement, strength, balance, and physical recovery. Occupational Therapists focus on helping people manage everyday activities and continue doing the things that are important to them. Myth: “An OT will tell me what I can no longer do.” Reality: OT is about finding ways to help people remain as independent as possible. We don’t focus on what someone cannot do — we look at what matters to them and how we can make it work safely. Myth: “You only need OT after something goes wrong.” Reality: OT can also help people plan ahead, adapt to changes, and make small changes that support independence for the future.
About Me!
Content on My Therapy Hub is written and reviewed by Lisa McKeon, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, an Occupational Therapist registered with CORU (Ireland) and AHPRA (Australia). The information reflects evidence-informed occupational therapy practice and is intended to support older adults, families and carers internationally.