When someone has a stroke, one or both sides of their body become weaker or non-functional. Strokes affect cognition, too, like remembering how to do something such as putting on a belt. A stroke can also cause a vision field cut. This means that part of the visual field is reduced in both eyes. Your eye may only register half of what it’s looking at. The eye itself doesn’t have the problem; rather, the brain isn’t receiving signals properly. “All of these things can make ADL very challenging,” Wholey says. This is where OTs bring their holistic thinking and practice. “Much of what we do is problem-solving,” he says. Occupational therapists also help with stroke and TBI recovery by figuring out the right adaptive equipment or strategies. For example, you may need to use custom utensils when eating. Or you may need to learn the steps for how to put a shirt on without the full function of one arm. If someone does have their motor function return, Wholey gets them involved in fine motor activities like tying shoes and buttoning shirts. Right now, he has a patient who crochets, and he’s been working with her on regaining that ability. OTs can also work with people to improve cognitive and social skills — something stroke and TBI patients often need. OTs can practice conversing with patients and may do memory exercises or simple word or math games. “If they have a caregiver who is helping, we also have them come in and be involved,” Wholey says.