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Occupational Therapy (Outpatient)
If you've suffered an illness or injury that has made performing everyday tasks difficult, your doctor may recommend outpatient occupational therapy.This means you’ll live at home and go to your local Essentia clinic or rehabilitation center to receive therapy.
Overview
The skilled and supportive occupational therapists at Essentia work with patients of all ages. We can help you relearn or improve daily living skills like getting dressed or cooking so you can regain your independence. We will work with you to develop a personalized care plan based on your goals and needs.
What's Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy is designed to improve your functional independence and help you take part in the things you want and need to do. As part of your treatment your therapist will:
- Evaluate your abilities and challenges
- Help you build personal care skills like bathing, dressing, and cooking
- Make recommendations for assistive devices if necessary
- Provide education
As part of your care, your therapist may also conduct evaluations like:
- Dementia evaluations and caregiver education
- Functional capacity evaluations
- Neuromuscular evaluations for strengthening
In some locations, our occupational therapists may also help with:
- Hand conditions
- Lymphedema
- Pelvic floor disorders
Occupational Therapy for Children
Our therapists can help your child develop skills needed to learn, play, and complete daily activities. We will work with your child to improve:
- Fine-motor skills
- Focus and attention
- Hand-eye coordination
- Self-care tasks, such as bathing and dressing
- Social skills
Assistive Devices
Rely on your therapist to teach you how to use assistive devices to help perform tasks and activities. These devices may include:
- Mobility aids, including wheelchairs
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Memory aids
- Computer software and technology, such as screen readers
- Devices to help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and more
Driving Assessments
If you've had a stroke, heart attack, or head injury, a driver's assessment will tell you how safe you are able to drive. Older adults who have had mild changes in thinking and problem solving and have not had a recent illness or injury may also take this test. This service is only available in Duluth, Minnesota, at Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center.
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Rehabilitation Services
Choose Essentia Health for comprehensive rehabilitation services that use proven therapies and advanced technology in a supportive environment.