What is the primary role of an occupational therapist?

The primary role of an occupational therapist centers on evaluating and improving daily living skills. Occupational therapists assess a person's ability to perform essential tasks that enable them to live independently or with minimal assistance. This can include activities like dressing, cooking, personal hygiene, and employment-related tasks. Their focus is on helping individuals regain or develop the skills necessary for daily life, which may involve adaptive strategies, equipment, or therapeutic exercises.

By emphasizing the importance of daily living skills, occupational therapists play a crucial role in enhancing patients' quality of life and promoting independence. This focus sets them apart from personal care aides, who primarily provide direct assistance with daily tasks, and physical therapists, who primarily work on mobility and physical functioning. Moreover, unlike medication management or conducting physical examinations, the scope of occupational therapy is more about functional performance in everyday settings.