“O” is for occupations!
As implied by the name, occupational therapists work with individuals on fulfilling their meaningful and necessary occupations. Occupations are what you engage in every day, by need or by choice. These include activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), rest & sleep, education, work, leisure, play, and social participation. Within each or these occupations lies specifics which are listed below for your viewing pleasure. Occupations are what OTs address. OTs work to promote independence within an individual’s necessary and meaningful occupations.
Occupations:
ADLs – feeding, eating, toileting, bathing, dressing, functional mobility, sex, personal hygiene
IADLs – care of others, care of pets, health maintenance/management, home maintenance/management, money management, meal preparation, safety
Rest & sleep – participation in rest & sleep
Education – formal & informal participation, education exploration
Work – seeking employment interests, work participation
Play – play exploration & participation
Leisure – leisure exploration & participation
Social participation – with family, friends/peers, and the community
What are some of your necessary and meaningful occupations?
