April is Occupational Therapy Month

April is Occupational Therapy Month. Occupational therapy teaches people how to prevent or live better with injury, illness, and disability. Occupational therapists help people of all ages do the things they need and want to do with the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).

Carmen Repnow, occupational therapist at Mid Dakota Clinic, explains that occupational therapy can be beneficial in a variety of settings. “Occupational therapy benefits people who are having difficulty with their activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking a meal. This can be due to range of motion, joint pain, or a balance issue.”

Occupations are strategies or modifications that help an individual improve function, resolve problems, and support everyday living activities. This allows individuals to get beyond their problems and find solutions that allow them to live life to its fullest. Common interventions include helping children with disabilities participate in school, helping those recovering from an injury regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Repnow, who frequently works with patients who have Parkinson’s Disease, says the best part about her work is seeing her patients’ faces at the completion of the program. “Most tell me they got their ‘normal’ old life back! The follow up cards they send are what make me know I’m in the right career field!”

If you or a loved one is looking for experts to help you meet your goals and live your life your way, call (701) 530-6497 for an appointment with Carmen.

To join the discussion about Occupational Therapy Month on social media, use #OTMonth