Occupational therapy helps patients of all ages who have suffered many different injuries and diseases, including Alzheimer's and other geriatric conditions; cardiopulmonary and orthopedic problems; sports injuries; hip and knee surgeries; and hand and wrist injuries, such as trauma, fractures, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. All treatment programs are individually designed to meet each patient's needs and goals.

Tipton Hospital's Rehabilitation Services Department includes a room specially-designed for occupational therapy. Patients can re-learn specific skills needed to function independently at home in the "kitchen lab." Other areas of the hospital, such as the laundry room, can also be used to re-train specific skills.

Therapists also visit patient rooms to help with motor skills needed in bed mobility, transfers, eating, home management, and personal care. Education and training is provided to family and caregivers to enable them to safely assist a patient at home. When needed, patients also receive home exercise programs.

Home health visits can also be scheduled for homebound patients in need through Tipton Hospital Home Health Services.

What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy assists patients recovering from many types of illnesses or accidents by teaching and re-training them to return to their daily activities. The goal of occupational therapy is to allow the patient freedom to live a more independent and productive life.

Motor skills needed for self-care are often lacking in patients who have suffered strokes, illnesses or injuries, or in patients who have undergone hand, hip, or knee surgery. Simple daily activities, such as eating, dressing, bathing, or moving from one room to another can be restricted. These lifestyle changes are often difficult for patients to accept. Occupational therapy teaches patients how to overcome physical and psychological obstacles through the use of assistive devices and modified methods of activity. Patients are also provided with any assistive devices needed to take home.

Occupational therapy at Tipton Hospital follows these steps:

• Getting a doctor's referral
• Evaluation and planning
• Treatment
• Re-evaluation
• Discharge, with follow-up as needed

For more information, contact the Occupational Therapy Department at (765) 675-8561.