Occupational Therapy
Helping you actively participate in everyday life
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Regain Your Independence with Occupational Therapy
Illness or injury can create challenges that make normal activities difficult. Occupational therapy gives you tools and training to adjust to these challenges. It can get you back to doing the things that matter to you — as safely and independently as possible.
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, occupational therapy is part of our Rehabilitation Services. We offer inpatient rehabilitation care with teams that are organized based on your condition. Our services require a referral from a BIDMC physician.
All of our OTs have either a bachelor's or a master’s degree. With our team's training, experience and compassion, they develop a personalized treatment plan for you while working closely with other members of your health care team. The plan is designed to meet your needs and give you the support and confidence to move forward. You may request to not work with a student if that's your preference.
Inpatient Occupational Therapy
During a hospital stay, occupational therapy may be an important part of your care. We work with case managers and other care providers to address your needs.
For example, if we provide you with a customized splint, we may check in with you daily to monitor your splint. We may also help you by teaching you ways of dressing using only one hand.
Inpatient occupational therapy services are available Monday – Saturday on the medical/surgical units and Sunday – Friday on the psychiatric unit, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Services on weekends and holidays are limited to prioritized consults and those patients being discharged home on that day.
Outpatient Occupational Therapy
In the hospital, we focus on helping you with problems that limit your ability to function. But one of our main roles is to recommend a rehabilitation plan for you when you leave the hospital. We don’t have a rehabilitation unit at BIDMC. However, if you require more help after discharge, we work closely with case managers and make recommendations for future outpatient care. How often you receive occupational therapy, and for how long, depends on your diagnosis or the type of surgery you have.
More About Occupational Therapy
Our therapists use a variety of assessments and treatments when providing your care. If you receive hand therapy, neurological rehabilitation or orthopedic, spine and sports medicine treatment, our OTs may work together with physical therapists. Their combined expertise helps you get the most effective care.
Activities of Daily Living Assessment
We assess your ability to take part in daily activities, such as bathing and dressing. Part of our assessment includes determining whether certain factors, such as problems with your senses or voluntary movement, are impacting your abilities. Often, we make recommendations to help you adapt to your situation. For example, if bathing is hard for you, we might suggest using a tub bench to ensure your safety.
Behavioral Assessment & Training
If you have a behavioral health condition, we offer group therapy to help you. The groups focus on your ability to participate in life activities, such as work and leisure. We also teach you coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques.
Cognitive Assessment & Training
We evaluate your ability to take in and understand information. This can be important if you’ve had a traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain tumor or other brain impairment. We also observe you as you perform routine tasks, such as eating a meal or brushing your teeth. Watching you helps us determine the impact of your condition on your ability to function.
Developmental Assessment
If you have a premature newborn or newborn who needs a developmental assessment, our OTs who specialize in pediatrics can assess your baby for developmental delay. They consult with your baby’s treatment team on ways to help the baby process information from their senses and adapt to their environment. Their overall goal is to encourage normal infant development. Our therapists can also help teach you how to care for your infant.
Home Safety Assessment & Training
Our therapists provide hospital discharge advice to you, your family and your treatment team. Your safety at home and in the community is important to us.
We may ask detailed questions about your home, such as your kitchen set-up. The questions help us determine if it’s safe for you to return home. We may also simulate your home environment in our kitchenette and ask you to perform certain tasks, like preparing a hot beverage. If we think you might benefit from it, we recommend home occupational therapy. We also create recommendations for your home therapist.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Assessment
When the time to leave the hospital approaches, we can evaluate your potential to return to your community. We look closely at your ability to perform activities that are important to you.
Our therapists may also evaluate your ability to shop for groceries, manage your finances or return to your job. They work with your treatment team to develop a discharge plan that will ensure your safety.
Additional Services
Our occupational therapists work in many different specialty areas of the hospital to provide you with comprehensive care.
