Occupation is everything people do to occupy themselves, including what people do to look after themselves (self-care), enjoy life (leisure), and contribute socially and economically to their communities (productivity).

Occupational therapists address the barriers that can make everyday activities difficult. An occupational therapist examines not only the physical effects of illness, injury or aging, but also addresses the psycho-social, community and environmental factors that influence function.

Some examples of how an occupational therapist can help you include:

Learning how to do things with the abilities you have. For example:

• Feeding, meal preparation, dressing, bathing, toileting, cleaning, laundry
• Strategies for remembering things when you have difficulty with your memory
• Develop new skills, abilities and interests in daily activities

Recommending equipment or adapting the equipment and materials that you use. For example:

• Manual and power wheelchairs; customized seating systems; positioning and mobility devices
• Personal care equipment such as bath seats, grab bars, dressing and feeding aids
• Bed mobility and positioning; supportive, pressure reducing sleep surfaces
• Equipment to transfer safely such as overhead lifts, sit stand lifts, etc.

Provide client and caregiver education. For example:

• Link to available resources, supports and programs
• Teach family or other caregiver(s) how best to help you
• How to transfer and mobilize safely in the home
• Falls prevention and energy conservation techniques

Making changes to your environment. For example:

• Modify/re-arrange the lay-out of your home to make it more accessible
• Renovations and equipment such as ramps, stair lifts and widening doorways