Melissa’s Story – Jennifer Poppe
What role does an occupational therapist play when working with people to select the best product?
Occupational therapists are interested in helping people to do what they want and need to do, within their individual context. Because of this, we help people to look past the bells and whistles of each individual product and focus on what works for them. We also know a lot about the human body and how things can change with different conditions, which means that we can give suggestions about what item or movement will be easier, or what could lead to pain or fatigue over time.
For home modifications, we look at all the different activities that a person does – or wants to do – at home, and what parts of the environment make those activities difficult. From there, we use our knowledge of accessibility and assistive technology options to recommend the modifications that will work for that person.
How does someone organise a home assessment with an occupational therapist?
Occupational therapists are interested in helping people to do what they want and need to do, within their individual context. Because of this, we help people to look past the bells and whistles of each individual product and focus on what works for them. We also know a lot about the human body and how things can change with different conditions, which means that we can give suggestions about what item or movement will be easier, or what could lead to pain or fatigue over time.
For home modifications, we look at all the different activities that a person does – or wants to do – at home, and what parts of the environment make those activities difficult. From there, we use our knowledge of accessibility and assistive technology options to recommend the modifications that will work for that person.