Occupational therapists discover the perfect match between patients' skills, needed and desired activities, and their home environment so that patients may function safely and effectively at home. You're also worried about your patients' abilities to handle their illnesses. An occupational therapist can help you determine what tasks are best handled by which family members or caretakers and suggest ways to keep them safe and able to perform these tasks. Home health occupational therapy is provided in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, and clients' homes. Occupational therapists work with individuals, families, and groups to develop and implement treatment plans that address both acute injuries as well as chronic conditions. They also conduct research studies on topics related to rehabilitation medicine. An occupational therapist's role is very broad because it involves more than just treating patients who have illness or injury. Their responsibilities include evaluating client needs, developing treatments plans, conducting follow-up assessments, and providing counseling when necessary. Many occupational therapists work full time while others practice part time. Some travel extensively providing services to patients in need. Others work in large organizations where they may have a team of therapists who work together to provide services to a wide range of patients. Home health occupational therapists often work under the direction of a physician, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare professional.