Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession focused on enhancing health and well-being through active and independent participation in daily activities. From its inception, occupational therapy has been based on the understanding that engaging individuals in meaningful daily activities can improve health and well-being. The ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to return individuals to their natural living environment and ensure their independence in daily functioning and quality of life. The Glavić Clinic provides the GLARTH protocol, a combination of neurorehabilitation therapies. Within this protocol, conventional occupational therapy is integrated with robotic therapy, yielding high-quality and lasting results.
Below, we will outline 5 things you need to know about occupational therapy, helping you become acquainted with the various possibilities and services this profession offers.
- What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy is a regulated, scientifically proven, and cost-effective profession that enhances independence and quality of life. The primary focus of occupational therapy is an individual’s daily activities or occupations. Through involvement in daily activities, we aim to improve health and elevate the quality of life. Occupational therapy is intended for individuals whose ability to perform daily activities is reduced due to development, injury, illness, or aging, and is influenced by psychological, cultural, or social factors.
- Who are Occupational Therapists? Occupational therapists are highly educated healthcare professionals with a degree in occupational therapy. After completing their university education, therapists must undertake a one-year internship and pass a professional exam at the Ministry of Health to obtain a license. Continuous professional development is a duty of occupational therapists, which the Glavić Clinic facilitates through various courses and training. This enables therapists to acquire diverse theoretical and practical skills to provide patients with quality and effective therapy.
- What Do Occupational Therapists Do? Occupational therapists work with patients on important life activities and skills. The occupational therapy process, led by the therapist, begins with an assessment to determine the areas and extent of difficulties. Specifically, the therapist identifies:
- Activities/occupations the patient engages in daily and their needs.
- Activities that pose a problem due to illness, injury, or other difficulties.
- The process continues with goal setting in collaboration with the patient and/or family members. At the Glavić Clinic, we set long-term goals at the start of rehabilitation and short-term goals on a weekly basis. Following goal setting, intervention begins, consisting of various activities and exercises aimed at achieving these goals. Activities may include personal care, household management, learning to dress after a stroke, cooking, using the toilet, mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair, walker, cane), and using assistive devices for self-care (e.g., adapted utensils, dressing aids, personal hygiene). After interventions, an evaluation is conducted to assess the success of the therapy and the achievement of goals.
- Who Benefits from Occupational Therapy? Occupational therapy is intended for individuals who, due to illness, injury, or condition, cannot participate in daily activities as they could before. At the Glavić Clinic, it is designed for patients after stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neuropathies, autoimmune diseases, Parkinson’s disease, and more. It is applied to individuals of all ages, including children with special needs, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and those with cognitive, sensory-motor, and social difficulties.
- How is Occupational Therapy Conducted at the Glavić Clinic? At the Glavić Clinic, conventional occupational therapy is combined with robotic therapies to elevate the therapy experience and achieve quality rehabilitation outcomes. In addition to practical exercises, activities, and tasks, therapy is conducted using robotic devices, aiming for optimal functioning in daily life. Through this approach, we strive to provide the best service to all patients with an individual approach.
We hope this information has brought you closer to understanding occupational therapy and its benefits. If you believe occupational therapy could improve your quality of life, feel free to contact the Glavić Clinic. With educated professionals and quality rehabilitation, in collaboration with each individual, positive results are guaranteed.
bacc. therap. occup. Lucija Bašić
