What is Occupational Therapy?
What exactly is occupational therapy, and how can it help in everyday life? In this post, we explain OT in plain language using the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model, with real examples from aged care and the NDIS.
5/8/20241 min read
Occupational therapy helps people do the things they need and want to do in daily life. This might include tasks like showering, cooking, working, or getting out into the community.
We often use something called the PEO model, which stands for Person, Environment, and Occupation. It means we look at the person (your health, abilities, and goals), the environment (your home, surroundings, or support system), and the occupation (the task you’re trying to do). We work out where the barriers are and help make things fit better.
For older adults, that might mean installing grab rails and a shower chair so you can shower safely and independently.
For NDIS clients, it could mean helping someone with autism build daily routines and recommending tools to support organisation and focus.
OT is about finding practical solutions so you can live the life you want.