Napoleon, OH — Occupational therapy enables people of all ages live life to its
fullest by helping them promote health, prevent—or live better with—injury,
illness, or disability. It is a practice deeply rooted in science and
is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each individual
is supported by data, experience, and “best practices” that
have been developed and proven over time.
“As the occupational therapist at Henry County Hospital I feel that
it’s important to provide each patient personalized care. I listen
to patients’ desires, develop a plan, and help patients achieve
their goals. With nearly 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist
I have learned each patient has a different picture of what their life
will be after therapy and it is my job to help guide them on that journey
to a quality life,” commented Haley Schwab, OTR/L
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on “doing”
whatever occupations or activities are meaningful to the individual. It
is occupational therapy’s purpose to get beyond problems to the
solutions that assure living life to its fullest. These solutions may
be adaptations for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings, or helping
individuals to alter their own behaviors.
When working with an occupational therapy practitioner, strategies and
modifications are customized for each individual to resolve problems,
improve function, and support everyday living activities. The goal is
to maximize potential. Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational
therapy helps individuals design their lives, develop needed skills, adjust
their environments (e,g., home, school, or work) and build health-promoting
habits and routines that will allow them to thrive.
By taking the full picture into account—a person’s psychological,
physical, emotional, and social makeup as well as their environment—occupational
therapy assists clients to do the following:
- Achieve goals
- Function at the highest possible level
- Concentrate on what matters most to them
- Maintain or rebuild their independence
- Participate in daily activities that they need or want to do.
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational
therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The Association educates
the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing
resources, setting standards including accreditations and serving as an
advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s
major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional
development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services
so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to
www.aota.org.
For more information on occupational therapy services at Henry County Hospital,
referral information, or to schedule an appointment call 419-591-3818.