Occupational therapy helps people of all ages do daily activities. Many times, people whose ability is impaired by physical illness or injury, congenital or developmental disorders, social or emotional problems, or the aging process can be helped by an occupational therapist. The use of occupation, which means being occupied in meaningful day to day tasks, is at the center of occupational therapy treatment. The goal is for individuals to achieve independence with their daily activities by giving them the “skills for the job of living.”

Individuals receive occupational therapy on an inpatient and outpatient basis, at the long-term care facility, and through home health care services. Treatment is initiated upon the order of a physician. Following an evaluation, treatment objectives are identified and coordinated with the patient and/or family, and other members of the health care team.

Occupational therapists evaluate:

• Activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Strength
• Range of motion
• Balance
• Coordination
• Visual-perceptual skills
• Cognitive skills
• Sensation
• Muscle tone

Occupational therapy treatment at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center can include:

• Daily living activities training
• Instruction on use of assistive devices
• Stretching
• Strengthening
• Balance retraining
• Coordination training
• Cognitive retraining
• Visual-perceptual training
• Sensory stimulation
• Splinting
• Joint protection
• Energy conservation/Work simplification

The occupational therapy department offers driver evaluation and training for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services are offered in cooperation with Adaptive Experts, one of the largest, most experienced and qualified driver rehabilitation programs in the nation.

Clients receive a clinical evaluation and a behind-the-wheel evaluation. Depending on the results of the evaluation, occupational therapy staff can provide training or adaptive equipment to help the client drive safely. Examples of clients who may benefit from driving evaluation include senior drivers and patients with brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, arthritis, learning/cognitive disability, amputation or visual impairment.

To learn more about this service, contact the rehab services department at Avera Marshall at 507-537-9172 or go to www.adaptiveexperts.com