The Process

Typically, when you start with an OT there is the Assessment/Evaluation, Goal Setting, and then Creating a Plan.

Occupational Therapy Evaluation

It all starts with an evaluation, where I will collect information on a patient’s health history, health status, and any activities that are currently limited.

As an Occupational Therapist, I have access to an incredible number of standardized OT assessments, many of which are targeted at specific diagnoses. I am trained to assess the following:

  • Pain
  • Mental Status
  • Range of Motion
  • Coordination
  • Level of Assistance Needs with ADLs

I will then use this information to work with the patient (and/or families or caregivers) to create a plan of care (POC). A POC includes specific goals—both short-term and long-term—as well as the treatment techniques I will employ to help the patient achieve those goals.

Occupational Therapy Image

Below are some of the diagnoses I currently treat. If you don’t see yours on the list, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Goal Setting

Once the evaluation is done, I will work with you to set goals for your OT treatment. Goals need to be measurable and relate back to the reason for your visit or referral. Your OT will craft long-term and short-term goals.

Here is an example of a short-term goal:

Within two weeks, the client will be able to complete basic grooming while standing for 5-minute increments.

As a client, it is extremely important to know your goals. You should feel comfortable asking for a copy of your goals, as your buy-in to goals will impact the degree to which OT is successful.

Creating a Plan

After setting goals, I will set out a plan for achieving them. At a minimum, the plan will include how often you will benefit from therapy, how long you will benefit from OT services, and what strategies you will use to achieve the stated goals.

Here is an example of a plan:

The client will benefit from skilled OT three times per week for six weeks for therapeutic exercise and ADL training.