What’s an Occupational Therapist and What Do They Do at Cygnet?

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?

In simple terms, an Occupational Therapist helps people overcome barriers that get in the way of doing the everyday things that are important to them. In the world of an OT, an “occupation” isn’t just a job, it’s any meaningful activity that fills a person’s time and gives their life purpose. This could include:

• Self-care: like getting dressed or preparing a meal.
• Productivity: like going to work, volunteering, or learning a new skill.
• Leisure: like enjoying a hobby or spending time with friends.

Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages who have difficulties with these activities due to physical injury, mental health challenges, disability, or aging. They take a “whole-person” approach, looking at the individual, their environment, and the tasks they want to achieve. The goal is to find practical solutions, whether that’s adapting a task, changing the environment, or teaching new skills.

The Role of an Occupational Therapist at Cygnet Health Care

At Cygnet, Occupational Therapists are essential members of our multi-disciplinary teams. Their work is central to our focus on recovery and rehabilitation, particularly within mental health services, autism, and learning disability care.

Here’s a closer look at what an OT does on a daily basis within our services:

• Creating a Path to Independence: From the moment a person is admitted, an OT works with them to understand their personal goals. This could be anything from relearning how to manage their money to building the confidence to travel independently.
• Using Meaningful Activities: OTs don’t just talk; they do. They use meaningful activities to help individuals develop and practice new skills. This could involve using a therapy kitchen to practice cooking, engaging in art or gardening to improve emotional regulation, or taking part in vocational groups to prepare for a return to work.
• Ensuring a Safe and Successful Discharge:<span”> The OT’s work is heavily focused on preparing a person for a successful life after they leave our care. They assess living skills and can make recommendations for adaptations to a person’s home or environment to help them live as independently as possible.
• A “Sensory-Rich” Environment: In many Cygnet services, OTs are key in creating a “sensory-rich environment” that is calming and supportive. This might involve creating a sensory room or designing spaces that support better emotional regulation and functioning.

Ultimately, OTs at Cygnet are there to help people rebuild their lives through meaningful occupation, with the aim of helping them transition back into the community feeling confident and capable.