Our Services
Description
Occupational Therapy is the treatment of the physical, psychological and psychiatric conditions through specifically selected meaningful activities in order to help the client reach the maximum level of function and independence in all aspects of daily life.
Occupational Therapists assess and address independence in personal self-care, domestic tasks, work related activities, functional abilities at school, leisure and socialization.
Procedure
Persons receiving care and treatment in hospitals or are living in the community can be referred by a Consultant within the Department of Health or by his/her family doctor. Cross referrals from other professionals are also accepted in some areas.
Eligibility
All Maltese citizens or foreigners holding a residency permit can be referred for assessment and can benefit from Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Services.
Required Documents
A referral form and personal ID card are required.
Who benefits from Occupational Therapy?
Persons of any age suffering from physical/psychological problems resulting from congenital conditions, traumatic injuries, orthopaedic conditions, post-surgical procedures, medical as well as neurological conditions will benefit from OT.
Persons suffering from mental health conditions and cognitive dysfunction to improve quality of life, functional independence at home and work, social skills, socialization and community living skills.
Children with physical/cognitive problems, developmental delay, physical disabilities, genetic disorders, co-ordination problems and learning disabilities.
Elderly persons living either in the community or within an institutional setting to maintain or restore functional performance, stimulate cognitive abilities and provide leisure/socialization opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where do Occupational Therapists work?
Answer: OTs work in a variety of settings including the acute general hospital, the rehabilitation hospital, palliative care settings, schools, residential homes for the elderly, in the community and the patient’s home, at the work place and vocational training units e.g. The Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre and the Lino Spiteri Foundation, in day care centres (adult, psychiatric and elderly day centres), with NGO’s e.g. Inspire and KNPD as well as with support groups.
Question: What is a home/work/school visit?
Answer: Occupational Therapists are often required to carry out a site visit to assess the environment and make recommendations on modifications, installation of equipment, practice functional tasks and give advice to the persons involved in that setting in relation to the client. The OT also guides the service user on the application for services or funding to obtain the required equipment.
Question: What is the aim of group therapy?
Answer: In a number of settings OTs organise group therapy sessions for specific conditions or for client groups with similar needs. The aim is to educate, provide information through demonstration of skills and use of equipment, teach new coping strategies and encourage self-help skills, socialization, communication and support.
Question: How else can I benefit from OT?
Answer: OTs are specialized in carrying out detailed seating assessments, driving skills, cognitive abilities, social skills training, activities related to education al tasks, work assessments as well as in the prescription of assistive devices and technology.
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