Village & Me
When Daily Life Gets Harder: How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Catherine Lemay
Occupational Therapist
Catherine is a registered occupational therapist in the province of Quebec. She has worked with clients of various ages and diagnoses, and she cares deeply about supporting both individuals and their caregivers with honesty, respect, and compassion.
My maternal grandmother had Parkinson’s, and as her condition worsened, an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessed her and determined she needed a four-wheeled walker, and later a wheelchair. That wheelchair was more than a simple piece of equipment; it let her and my grandfather keep doing their everyday things: outdoor strolls, attending religious services, visiting each other’s rooms, and ultimately staying connected and safe while living their lives and doing their meaningful activities.
So… what is occupational therapy?
Some people think OT is just about wheelchairs and walkers. And yes, sometimes it is, especially for folks with mobility issues or fall risks. But occupational therapy is much more than that.
Occupational therapy is about helping people do the things that matter in their everyday lives — the necessary tasks like getting dressed, bathing, and cooking, and the meaningful activities like hobbies, social activities, and community involvement.
The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) says it like this:
“Occupational therapy promotes health, well-being, and quality of life by supporting access to, initiation of, and sustained participation in necessary and meaningful occupations. Occupational Therapists (OTs) ensure that people of all abilities and backgrounds can participate in the things that they need and want to do.”
OTs can work in pediatrics, mental health, return-to-work, hand therapy, geriatrics, home adaptation, driving rehabilitation… there are so many specialties that it would take forever to list them all. That said, the examples and information in this article lean more toward geriatrics.
Who can benefit from OT?
Many people! Occupational therapy can help individuals living with various conditions, including but not limited to chronic illnesses, neurodegenerative disorders, neurocognitive disorders, mobility challenges, and mental health conditions.
And it helps caregivers too. Sometimes even more than they expect.
What an OT does
An OT looks at the whole situation, not just one problem. They look at:
the person: their physical abilities, cognitive abilities, emotional well-being.
the environment: the home layout, accessibility, social supports.
the occupations: everything the person does or wants to do, like brushing teeth, using the toilet, cooking, driving, playing bingo, gardening, swimming, climbing stairs… literally anything.
Then the occupational therapist figures out what’s getting in the way, what’s risky, and what matters most to the person. The goal is always safety, independence, and dignity, in whatever form makes sense for them.
OT also supports the caregiver
Caregiving is hard. It’s heavy and constant. And occupational therapy can make it easier by:
Finding safer ways to assist with care recipient transfers (e.g., going from the chair to the bed), bathing, and dressing;
Reducing physical strain and injury for caregivers;
Offering strategies for cognitive or behavioural changes;
Recommending equipment that actually makes a difference.
Building routines that reduce stress for everyone;
Guiding you to resources you might not even know exist.
Care is a team effort
Like Village and Me, occupational therapy recognizes that care works best when everyone is involved. OTs collaborate with nurses, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, doctors, social workers, and family members. When the team is aligned, the person’s well-being is stronger and more sustainable.
When to consider occupational therapy
You might consider occupational therapy if you’re noticing that the person you’re caring for is experiencing more falls or fear of falling, difficulty with daily tasks, memory changes or confusion, loss of independence, safety concerns at home, or a desire to continue meaningful activities despite illness or caregiver burnout.
If any of these feel familiar, occupational therapy can help you. You can always reach out to a general healthcare provider for a second opinion and guidance on the best services and support for you and your loved one.
AI Search Tip
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