Many of the clients I have had the pleasure of getting to know say this when I introduce myself as an Occupational Therapist: “I have been retired for years, I don’t need to find an occupation.” The word occupation means job, simply put. Many of us have daily jobs (AKA occupations) we complete every day. Occupations look very different for each individual. Some individual’s daily occupations include getting themselves washed and dressed and some occupations include preparing a seven-course dinner for a family of 4. Occupations are personal and client specific.
You may ask yourself how you can get the most out of your Occupational Therapy treatment. Try answering these questions:
- Think about what is hard for you because of your vision. Is it reading the mail, seeing the buttons on your microwave, or chopping vegetables?
- Think about how you are currently completing your daily occupations (jobs). Have you found ways to be successful? Is there a specific part of the job that is difficult because of vision? Do you use a special magnifier or piece technology to get the job done?
- Think about how important the occupation is to you and how important it is for you to be independent with the task.
- Think about how much effort it takes you to complete the task. Is it too effortful?
- Think about your support network. Are there ways we can work together as a team to accomplish a goal?
Being prepared for an Occupational Therapy evaluation and treatment session ensures that the visit will maintain the focus on YOU. Occupational Therapy is grounded in client-centered care. We want to make sure that we are addressing YOUR goals and that you are as successful and independent as possible with your daily occupations. If it is important to you, it is important to us!
We provide training, tools and resources to individuals of all ages who are blind and visually impaired and even offer a full calendar of activities. If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss and could benefit from our services, please contact Future In Sight at [email protected] or 603-224-4039 today!
About the Author: Hannah Paquette is an Occupational Therapist at Future In Sight.