Living well with occupational therapy

Occupational therapy uses a creative, personalized approach to help you stay safe, independent and engaged in daily life.

When people first hear of occupational therapy, they often say, “I’m retired” or “I don’t need a job.” It is a common misconception that occupational therapy is related to finding and/or maintaining work.

In occupational therapy, the word “occupation” refers to the everyday activities that fill your day — the things you need to do and the things you enjoy doing. Think of occupations as anything that occupies your time.

These activities may include:

• Getting dressed, bathing, using the bathroom and eating

• Moving safely around your home and community

• Using your hands for tasks like cooking, writing, or hobbies

• Managing medications

• Sleeping well

• Household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and laundry

• Enjoying leisure activities like knitting, fishing, woodworking, puzzles, or golf

• Staying socially connected in your community

• Supporting memory, attention and problem-solving skills

Occupational therapy uses a creative, personalized approach to help you stay safe, independent and engaged in daily life. Occupational therapists help individuals develop healthy routines, adapt tools, tasks, or environments, learn new ways to do things and maintain or improve their ability to participate in meaningful activities.

Occupational therapists are also experts at recognizing that the “little things” are often the big things. Tasks that may seem minor to others can be deeply frustrating for someone who struggles with them. For many people, being able to tie their shoes, button a shirt, or open a milk jug is just as meaningful as being able to walk independently. Nothing is too small to address. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

Another common misconception is that occupational therapy is the same as physical therapy but “just for the arms.” While both professions work together, they have different primary focuses. Physical therapy often concentrates on strength, balance and movement, while occupational therapy focuses on how those physical abilities are used functionally in daily life — from getting dressed to preparing meals to engaging in hobbies. You may notice some overlap, but each profession brings a unique lens that, when combined, maximizes your function and overall quality of life.

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages across a wide range of settings. You might see OTs in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, hospice care, psychiatric units, or even in patients’ homes. OTs also practice in non-traditional, community-based settings — such as prisons, homeless shelters, adult day centers, or vocational training programs — all helping people participate fully in their daily lives.

Occupational therapy is also strongly supported by research. A 2022 systematic review found that people who participated in occupational therapy had lower hospital readmission rates compared to those who did not receive OT services (Lockwood & Porter). Another large study from 2017 found that occupational therapy was the only service consistently associated with lower 30-day hospital readmission rates for conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia and heart attack (Rodgers et al).

Fewer hospital visits mean more time at home doing the things you love with the people you love. Your safety, participation, independence and quality of life matter, and occupational therapy is here to help protect them.

Occupational therapy isn’t only for recovery following an injury or hospital stay — it supports people at many stages of life. Many people benefit from OT during everyday transitions — after a fall, following a new diagnosis, or when daily tasks start taking more time or effort than they used to. You do not have to wait until something feels “too hard” or “serious enough” to ask for help. Early support can prevent bigger problems later and help you stay confident, safe and independent longer.

When it comes to maintaining high quality of life, prevention is key. Occupational therapy is often covered by Medicare and other insurance plans. A referral from your doctor is often all it takes to get the ball rolling to a healthier, happier, more efficient and independent version of yourself.

Changes from aging, injury, or life circumstances can make daily activities more challenging, but they don’t have to stay that way. Working with an occupational therapist can help you hold onto your independence and keep doing the things that matter most. Life can be tough, but even small changes have a big impact. PJC

Maddie Martin is an occupational therapist at To Life! Therapy and Wellness in Squirrel Hill.