Gerontology Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists (OT, OTR/L) work on the specific activities a person needs to do — dressing, writing, driving, returning to a job. Where a physical therapist typically targets the movement itself, an occupational therapist targets the task, including adapting the task or the environment.

Older adults, with an emphasis on maintaining daily function and independence.

The formal definition

Occupational therapists work with older adults in virtually every setting: assisted living, wellness programs, hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, clinics and in the home. Occupational therapists bring an understanding of the importance of participation and occupation for overall well-being to those who are experiencing disabling conditions related to aging. The primary overarching goal of occupational therapy services with this population is to maximize independence and participation, thereby enabling an older person to continue to live successfully in his or her chosen environment. Occupational therapists can help older adults by developing strategies to help or maintain safety and well-being, to assist with life transitions, and to compensate for challenges they experience in activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, leisure participation, social participation, and productive activities.

Source: NUCC Health Care Provider Taxonomy code set. This is the definition used for billing and registration, which is why it reads the way it does.