When people think about social care, they think about social workers – but occupational therapists have always been an essential part of the workforce.
Councils now have a legal duty to promote wellbeing by helping people to achieve their broader goals in work, study, recreation and beyond. The changes should mean that more people benefit from greater collaboration between occupational therapists, social workers, nurses and others.
Providing the right support after hospital is key. We have to understand someone’s needs and goals when they return home, whether it’s regaining the confidence to cook safely, use the stairs, or visit a local club. Older people may have multiple and complex needs, and occupational therapists’ specialist skills in reablement are vital in grasping how existing disabling conditions such as dementia or depression can make daily tasks more difficult.
The Care Act in England calls for a greater focus on the activities someone can do, rather than those they cannot. For a disabled university student, for example, occupational therapists can link with social workers to provide adaptations to student accommodation, equipment to study and support into work after graduation.
We can help individuals who have become disabled at any age to improve their life skills and continue doing all the things they once enjoyed and need to do.
