Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals achieve independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

An Occupational Therapist (OT), takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering the physical, emotional and social aspects of a person’s life.

An OT’s main focus for treatment is to ENHANCE our client’s well-being and quality of life!

I focus on helping you “age in place” which means remaining in your home, safely, as long as you can!

Who does Kathie help?

My focus is on treating adults who, due to injury or medical conditions:

  • have experienced a fall and/or are having difficulty safely moving about their home

  • are experiencing difficulty performing their personal care activities

  • are experiencing difficulty performing household tasks including cooking, cleaning and financial management

  • are experiencing increased mental or emotional stress due to limited social connection/support and coping strategies

  • are experiencing decreased enjoyment/quality of life due to inability to participate in hobbies/leisure activities

Why should I see Kathie?

Most people desire to “age in place” which means remaining in their homes as long as they can.

Determining how you can remain safely in your home requires assessing all the “pieces” of the puzzle…. from your own physical, emotional and cognitive status, to how well your home and social environment supports your level of function!

I understand that adapting to new limitations can be overwhelming!

In addition to my Occupational Therapy skills, and personal commitment to thoroughness, my life coaching skills provide me with a unique way of connecting to clients! I believe that until a client feels “safe, cared about and understood” therapy will not be effective. I am masterful at identifying peoples’ values and strengths and empowering them to set goals!

But do you know what?

It is NOT essential that you can perform every aspect of your life independently or “the same way you once did” in order to be able to enjoy a safe and fulfilling life within your own home!

This is where I come in…

I help identify creative and practical solutions to improve your safety, function and quality of your life.

Sometimes these strategies involve education and skills development, use of assistive devices (such as a walker), or home modifications (such as grab bars).

And sometimes you might need help with things that are beyond my skill set! As appropriate, I will help connect you to other professionals who will best serve your specific needs.

It is profoundly rewarding for me to help you STAY SAFE and HAPPY in your home!

What to expect?

Kathie will perform:

  • a thorough home assessment, to identify safety risks

  • physical social, cognitive and emotional status screening

  • assessment of your functional ability within the home

What types of treatment could I receive?

  • exercises to increase strength, coordination, posture and safety

  • skill development to promote functional independence (managing medications/finances/cooking etc)

  • education on strategies to address joint protection, energy conservation, body mechanics

  • developing strategies for more efficient daily routines

  • recommendations and training for assistive devices (for example: raised toilet seat/bath transfer bench)

Will there be follow-up visits?

If follow-up therapy is deemed appropriate, I will recommend a TREATMENT PLAN to include visit frequency and duration.