What it means
A licensed therapist who helps clients relearn or adapt the tasks of daily life after illness, injury or disability: dressing, bathing, eating, cooking and returning to work. They teach new ways to do a task and suggest equipment such as reachers, button hooks and shower chairs.
For the nurse
Refer to occupational therapy when a client has trouble with activities of daily livingak-TIV-ih-teez uv DAY-lee LIV-ingThe basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.Full entry . A physical therapist works on movement and walking; an occupational therapist works on daily tasks.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | OT |
|---|---|
| Also written | occupational therapists, OT |
Related terms
activities of daily living
The basic self-care tasks of everyday life, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and moving about.
referral
Sending a client to another professional, service or agency for care or help that they need.
self-care
The things people do for themselves to look after their own health and daily needs.