VigorBuddy | 5 Tips to Find an Occupational Therapist That’s Right for You | If you have suffered an injury or illness, or are aging and find you need some help navigating your home, getting help from an occupational therapist can prove invaluable in how you heal and navigate your everyday life going forward.
Are you wondering about the occupational therapist’s role in improving your current health status? Most importantly, you need to find an occupational therapist who is the right fit for you.
Read to search for the best occupational therapist near me, read on to learn more.
- OT Experience
Often when you’re seeking the help of a medical professional or any skilled service person, you want to know about their level of experience. The first thing to know is that an occupational therapist has a rich level of experience before ever working with patients on their own.
They have completed a master’s level program, significant interning, and on-the-job training, and have had to pass a state licensing board test.
So, as you interview OTs, remember, even if they haven’t been working in the field long, they have a lot of experience already.
Having said that, some occupational therapists will specialize. Maybe they focus on working with young children or senior citizens. It’s smart to ask if they have an area of specialty.
- Therapist Connection to Patient
Since most therapy is done one-on-one, it’s important to have a good rapport with the therapist you’re working with. Many OTs work as an in-home occupational therapist. Knowing they come into your home and will work in close contact with the therapist, you want to have a connection with them.
It’s important to feel comfortable being around the OT. They may even push you a little. Maybe they will ask you to stretch yourself to improve. It’s much easier to work at something if the person asking you is someone you’re comfortable around.
- Treatment Plan
You want to work with an occupational therapist who approaches your care methodically. They need to carefully evaluate your current abilities and then assess how to help you make progress.
The diagnostic evaluation should help the OT develop a care plan that the two of you will execute as you work together.
- Documenting Results
In addition to developing a care plan, your occupational therapist should document your progress and be doing regular evaluations to monitor your progress. Then as you progress, they should be establishing new goals for your treatment.
A good occupational therapist will know how to write your goals so they give you something to work towards, but not make them so difficult you can’t achieve them.
- Location
As you consider hiring an occupational therapist, you want to have good access to them, especially if you’re going to them. If you’re going to participate in regular therapy over a period of time, it needs to be convenient for you.
It will also be easier to get regular appointments for in-home care if the OT is located in your area.
Find an Occupational Therapists to Help You in Your Home
Use these tips to find an occupational therapist that will be a great fit for your care needs. You want someone who can focus on your specific needs and create a care plan to get you there.
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