Occupational Therapy

At Marianjoy, your occupational therapist works with you to reduce the effects of your injury or condition, prevent further disability and help you upgrade or relearn activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, dressing, homemaking and using the bathroom. Your occupational therapist is a vital member of your care team and works together with your physiatrist, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers and nurses to provide the highest standard of rehabilitation possible.

Upon your arrival at Marianjoy, your occupational therapist will evaluate your strengths and limitations, set functional goals and establish a plan of care in collaboration with you and your family. Using customized treatment interventions, your therapist will work with you to maximize your ability to engage in daily life. Depending on your circumstances, your occupational therapist may:

• Provide training that improves your ability to complete daily tasks.
• Recommend equipment for your home that can help you in completing tasks, such as dressing, bathing and preparing meals.
• Fabricate a customized splint to improve your hand function.
• Build your physical endurance and strength.
• Help you compensate for vision and memory loss.
• Provide activities that rebuild your self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Educate you and your family on ways to prevent potential problems related to your injury or medical condition.
• Suggest home modifications that may improve safety.
• Instruct your family members and caregivers in safe and effective ways to help you once you leave Marianjoy.

Activities of Daily Living Apartment

Marianjoy’s apartment simulates a normal home environment and enables you to learn and try out adaptive ways of performing self-care tasks before you leave the hospital. When the apartment is not in use for independent living practice, our occupational therapists teach functional tasks that everyone has to do at home such as meal preparation. It can also be used as an overnight stay for you and your family to experience what life at home will be like once you leave Marianjoy.

You Want the Best

Services are provided by licensed occupational therapists and certified occupational therapist assistants (COTAs). Our occupational therapists (OTR/Ls) are graduates from university programs accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). They are required to complete at least four months of clinical experience and pass the certification exam administered by the National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Additionally, they are all required to maintain safe licensure from the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.