Compass Memorial Healthcare offers a range of services designed to improve the well-being of the patients and communities we serve. One of these services is Occupational Therapy (OT), which is a beneficial, personalized approach for individuals facing physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges. OT helps patients reclaim independence and confidently return to the activities that matter most.
What is Occupational Therapy?
A common misconception is that you need to have a job, or “occupation,” to benefit from OT. In reality, occupations are the everyday activities that bring meaning to your life, from getting dressed and cooking meals to working, learning, and enjoying hobbies.
Occupational Therapy supports people of all ages in regaining, developing, or maintaining the skills needed for daily living, work, and play. Whether recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, OT is focused on helping you get back to being yourself.
Occupational Therapy vs Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?
While both Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy (PT) are essential rehabilitation services, they focus on different outcomes:
- Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps patients perform daily activities and improve independence
- Physical Therapy (PT): Focuses on movement, strength, mobility, and physical function
Together, these therapies often complement each other to support a full recovery.
Key Benefits of Occupational Therapy
- Focus on Function: Improve the ability to perform daily tasks such as getting dressed, eating, cooking, and working.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a customized plan including evaluation, therapy, and environmental modifications.
- Skilled Development: Address fine motor skills, hand dexterity, visual-perceptual abilities, cognitive function, and sensory processing.
- Support for All Ages: From children with developmental challenges to adults recovering from injury and older adults experiencing cognitive or physical changes.
Signs You May Benefit from Occupational Therapy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Pain/ dysfunction in hands, wrists, elbow
- Lower/Upper extremity swelling (lymphedema)
- ADL dysfunction
- Generalized weakness
- Upper body weakness
- Need for wound management support (in conjunction with CMH wound nurse)
- Post-stroke challenges following a stroke
- Cognitive decline or memory difficulties
Additional Occupational Therapy Services:
- Driving evaluations for safety and independence
- Power and manual wheelchair evaluations
- Electric scooter evaluations
Meet Our Occupational Therapy Team
The Occupational Therapy team at Compass Memorial Healthcare includes:
- Deanna Girling, COTA/L
- Brandt Becker, OTR/L
Our dedicated therapists are here to guide patients every step of the way, helping build strength, improve independence, and regain confidence in their daily life.
Take the Next Step
If you or someone you love could benefit from Occupational Therapy, we encourage you to learn more or speak to your healthcare provider about a referral. Your journey back to independence can start today.
