Through restorative occupational care and treatment methods, as well as
adaptive techniques, the occupational therapy department at Altru provides
the skills for people of all ages with pain or other health concerns to
do everyday activities.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists help patients learn life skills to become more
independent, such as:
Basic self-care, such as dressing and bathing
Home management tasks, such as cleaning
Community mobility, such as driving and walking
Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy
Occupational and physical therapy focus on the same overall concept of
helping patients achieve the best outcome and return to daily life as
smoothly as possible. The therapists’ different areas of expertise
determine whether a patient is referred to occupational or physical therapy.
Both types of therapy are centered on increasing function, independence
and quality of life via rehabilitation or habilitative therapy.
Physical therapists generally focus on restoring a patient’s physical
mobility, occupational therapists typically help patients regain skills
that help them go about their daily lives. For example, after a stroke,
a physical therapist might help a patient relearn how to walk, and an
occupational therapist might help him or her with the fine motor skills
needed to get dressed.
How Occupational Therapy Benefits Patients and Caregivers
Occupational therapy can benefit both children and adults with several
conditions, including:
Autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorders
Alzheimer’s disease
Birth defects, developmental delays or genetic disorders
Cancer
Chronic pain
Injuries, including burns, broken bones, traumatic brain injury or spinal
cord injury
Major surgeries
Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy or other chronic conditions
In addition to working closely with patients, occupational therapists will
also work with parents, spouses, partners or caregivers to ensure there
is a universal understanding of how to manage the patient’s health
concern. Our occupational therapists will discuss individualized goals
with the patient’s caregivers and/or family. They may also provide
additional resources and information to ensure each person receives the
care and support he or she needs.
Occupational Therapy Services
Altru’s outpatient occupational therapy service areas include:
Driving evaluation that includes a clinical and a practical assessment
Lymphedema care, through which certified lymphedema therapists help patients manage edema
and lymphedema
Neurological rehab, facilitating return to function following a brain or spinal cord injury
Pediatric therapy services that help children with neurological, orthopedic or genetic disorders
learn how to do daily tasks
Regional outpatient services, providing rural patients with the region’s No. 1 source of occupational
therapy for homes, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes
Return to work programs, in which occupational therapists, part of Altru’s injury management
team, create a customized program to help injured workers return to their jobs
Seating and positioning services, assessment of need and appropriate seating systems and mobility devices
for people with acute or chronic mobility issues
Sensory issues services, improving a person’s ability to integrate sensory input to better
enable participation in and performance of normal activities
Independence at Home
Our patients can use a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen during their therapy
sessions, allowing them to practice necessary home management skills with
assistance and advisement. Occupational therapists can complete home safety
evaluations to assess patients’ living situations and offer them
and their families recommendations for safely setting up a home environment
that meets their needs.
Facilities
Bedroom: We have a double bed, thick carpet padding, recliner and alternate light
sources. We use this setting to practice and trial skills to complete
dressing, clothing access/storage, mobility and home maintenance.
Kitchen: Patients can practice using the stove, refrigerator and other applications
of the kitchen environment. The kitchen allows for chair seating for an
informal meal. Dinnerware, flatware and other items are available for
the patient to utilize.
Call
701.780.5000 or find an Altru occupational therapy location near you to schedule an
appointment.
