An occupational therapist may specialize in certain kinds of problems. It is important to choose one carefully. Occupational therapy treats any physical or mental problem that interferes with a person's ability to perform activities of daily living. Therapy can be provided for anyone from young children to older adults. Occupational therapy can address any task that a person needs to do to take care of himself or herself.
Tasks can involve personal care, the household, or personal business.
Personal care tasks include bathing, washing hair, applying make-up, shaving, getting dressed, eating, and using the toilet. Household ADLs include fixing meals, making a shopping list, washing dishes, doing laundry, making a bed, and cleaning. Personal business tasks include going to the bank, keeping track of money and bills, shopping, and making decisions. The goal is to enable the person to do activities alone, with limited help, or with the use of devices. A person who is unable to do ADLs is dependent and must rely on others to help.