Occupational therapists help people who have mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. Their goal is to help patients live more independently, despite their limitations. Occupational therapists design programs that help patients improve their skills. Assistants help patients with the activities and exercises in the program. For example, an activity might be to teach a patient how to get into a wheelchair.
Assistants teach activities and provide encouragement.
They monitor and record the patientsprogress. Assistants also record bills that are sent to patients' insurance companies. Occupational therapy aides also work for occupational therapists. They are not licensed, so their duties are limited Aides prepare materials and assemble equipment that will be used in treatment. They also do clerical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and answering the telephone.