Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist enhances residents’ independence, safety, and quality of life by evaluating physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs; designing and implementing individualized interventions; and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize participation in daily activities, self-care, and meaningful occupations.

Evaluation and Assessment:
Conduct comprehensive OT assessments for new residents and periodic re-evaluations, focusing on activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs (IADLs), cognition, sensation, upper-extremity function, vision, perception, safety awareness, and home environment.
Identify barriers to independence, falls risk, seating, positioning, and wheelchair/assistive technology needs.

Intervention Planning and Implementation:
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans to improve/maintain function, prevent decline, and promote safe self-care.
Provide therapy for ADLs (grooming, bathing, dressing, feeding), fine motor skill development, dexterity, range of motion, strength, and cognition; address community mobility and home safety.
Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, splints, activity modifications, and energy conservation strategies.
Deliver group or individual activities to promote engagement, mood regulation, and cognitive stimulation.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Support:
Collaborate with physical therapy, speech therapy, nursing, and social work to coordinate comprehensive care plans.
Monitor progress, document outcomes, and adjust interventions as needed.

Environment and Safety:
Assess and modify resident rooms, bathrooms, and communal spaces to optimize safety and accessibility.
Provide fall prevention strategies, seating and positioning recommendations, and safe transfer techniques.

Education and Training:
Educate residents, families, and care staff on energy conservation, activity pacing, adaptive equipment use, and home safety.
Train caregivers and staff on safe handling, transfers, daily routines, and activity adaptations.

Discharge Planning and Community Linkages:
Support discharge planning, transitions to higher levels of care if needed, and connections to community resources.
Assist with caregiver support plans and home modification referrals when appropriate.

Documentation and Compliance:
Maintain accurate treatment notes, progress reports, and outcome measures in the resident’s chart.
Ensure compliance with standards, facility policies, and applicable regulations.