Our Occupational Therapy Assessment: Your Key to Better Outcomes

Since you had a stroke, you’ve had a hard time putting on your shoes. It’s frustrating that such a simple task, one often taken for granted, is now the source of anxiety. However, an occupational therapy assessment can help you make the adjustments needed for daily living activities. 

Not sure what happens during an occupational therapy assessment? We’ll review some of the main points and give you an idea of what you can expect.

At Brunswick Cove, our certified occupational therapists have assistive devices that can help you or your loved one. We understand that when you can no longer care for your loved one at home, you can experience worry, fear or even guilt. But you don’t have to go it alone. We have helped countless families. Let us care for the one you love so you can move out of the role of caregiver and back into the role of son, daughter, sibling or spouse. Schedule a tour today. 

What Is the Purpose of an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

Basically, this assessment lets us know what your loved one is capable of doing and what tasks they have difficulty completing. We’ll examine whether or not they can dress, bathe or feed themselves. 

Evaluation isn’t a one-time event. While we will do an initial occupational therapy assessment at intake, we will consistently revisit and revise this assessment as your loved one progresses. 

Of course, we realize an occupational therapy assessment is about much more than what they can do; it’s about who they are. We take a holistic view of every situation to learn the patient’s complete medical history, interests, values and needs. Our residents are much more than mere diagnoses to us. They are all special individuals who contribute to our community atmosphere, and in many ways, they are like members of our own families.

What Factors Are Examined During an Occupational Therapy Assessment?

There are two facets to these assessments. They are:

• An occupational profile: This summary takes a closer look at daily living patterns, occupational history and how these are relevant in life context.
• Occupational performance analysis: By using assessment tools, we can measure factors that influence how well the resident can accomplish tasks. 

Some of the factors that are examined include:

• Mobility
• Self-care, such as bathing and dressing
• Swallowing
• Memory
• Attention span
• Carrying objects
• Balance

If you have any questions about the specific tools we use to evaluate these functions, just ask. Our Brunswick Cove family is always available to your family, and we are happy to provide the clarification and information you need.

Are a Patient’s Goals Considered During the Evaluation Process?

Absolutely! Goal-setting is an integral part of the care plan. 

Our therapist will work with you or your loved one to determine which activities matter most. We’ll then create goals around those activities. This may mean finding different ways to accomplish tasks through adaptation. Adaptation may include using assistive devices.

The bottom line? These goals are centered around your loved one’s life. We do not reduce our residents to a mere checklist. Instead, we partner with them to help them accomplish activities that are meaningful to them. 

How Do the Results of the Assessment Impact Your Therapy Plan?

These results impact the therapy plan by:

• Identifying problems that must be addressed through therapy
• Providing a baseline to help us monitor progress
• Helping our medical team monitor outcomes over time
• Tying back to the resident’s goals

Brunswick Cove Supports Your Loved One Through Occupational Therapy

If your loved one has had a stroke, joint replacement, injury or serious illness, they may find it difficult to do tasks that were once simple and straightforward. That’s where our occupational therapy comes in. By carefully assessing them, we are able to create a tailored plan of care to help them adjust to the activities of daily living.

We offer a peaceful, supportive environment your loved one will be happy to call home…and you’ll be relieved knowing they have 24/7 support and access to highly trained, certified occupational therapists. We invite you to schedule a tour today.