Summary
- Occupational Therapy Month is observed to highlight the importance of occupational therapy in our daily lives.
- Occupational therapy is a growing profession in Canada.
- There are more than 20,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants, and students who operate or study in Canada.
- Occupational therapists can significantly improve the physical and mental health of patients.
- OT professionals prepare plans for patients according to their history, condition, life experiences and interests so that they can live a healthy life.
Occupational Therapy Month is observed to celebrate the achievements of occupational therapy (OT) professionals and to recognise this field.
It is equally observed in Canada and the US, but both countries celebrate it in different months. Let’s delve into the details as to how these professionals operate and how they help societies at large.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy (OT) is a treatment process through which professionals help people to improve their routine lives. These OT professionals help people who have gone through accidents, trauma, or long-term disabilities to live a better life.
OT professionals prepare a plan for patients according to their history, condition, life experiences and interests. The aim of such plans is to comprehensively improve the ability (both physical and emotional) of a person to not only perform daily activities but also live a meaningful life.
These OT professionals usually have degrees or diplomas without which they can’t operate in the field.
The government also makes sure that only those professionals who have relevant qualifications and expertise can work.
All these requirements are placed to regulate the profession and protect the interests of the patients.
Why is Occupational Therapy Month Observed?
Occupational Therapy Month is observed to highlight the importance of occupational therapy. It is also observed to spread awareness about this profession as well.
Occupational Therapy Month is celebrated in different months in Canada and the US. For instance, Occupational Therapy Month is observed in October in Canada, while it is celebrated in April in the US.
However, the broad aim remains the same, and that is to promote this industry.
Occupational therapy is a growing profession in Canada. There are more than 20,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapist assistants and students who operate or study in Canada, according to the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (COAT).
Occupational therapy organisations organise events during Occupational Therapy Month to promote occupational therapy so that this profession could become an integral part of the Canadian health industry.
How Do Occupational Therapists Work?
Occupational therapy usually has three stages: assessment, interventions, and evaluations and outcomes.
OT professionals first meet the people and do an early assessment of what they need. At the second stage, occupational therapists implement the strategy that they prepared in the first stage of assessment.
At the third stage, the therapists analyse how their interventions worked by continuously monitoring the situation of the patient.
Occupational therapists can significantly improve the physical and mental health of patients.
OT professionals help people with injuries, disabilities, trauma, and so many other issues. There are so many traumas, such as burns, strokes, spinal cord injuries, bone fractures, etc.
Occupational therapists also play a crucial role in so many chronic conditions, such as cancer, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
Conclusion
Occupational Therapy Month is an excellent opportunity for the industry to showcase its contributions to the healthcare of the country.
It also provides an opportunity for the industry professionals as well to come together and share new scientific research and development that occurred in the last year.
In short, occupational therapy professionals are playing a significant role in society, and their contributions are also increasingly recognised at different levels.
Join the Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant Program at Edison College
Edison College offers a 6-month Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant Diploma. This hybrid recreation aide course also has a 6-week practicum in Victoria, British Columbia.
The program participants will receive practical experience through practicum and learn how to handle supervised activities for people who need help and those who have cognitive and physical challenges, etc.
In this therapeutic recreation activity program, students will learn how to improve the quality of life of their patients through different recreational activities such as sports and other physical activities, etc.
Contact us for more information.
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