April celebrates Occupational Therapy Month and the important role Occupational Therapists play in a patient’s recovery. For many of us, we take for granted the everyday life skills used to get ready for the day, functions needed to do your job at work or minor tasks that we all complete on our own.
The American Occupational Therapy Association defines occupational therapy as: the therapeutic use of occupations, including everyday life activities with individuals, groups, populations, or organizations to support participation, performance, and function in roles and situations in home, school, workplace, community, and other settings.
At Valley Baptist Health System, Occupational Therapists are a key component to patient recovery and helping patients immerse themselves back in to life by maximizing their independence with self-care skills so patients are prepared to return home safely. Occupational Therapists also address limitations patients may have with overall arm and hand strength, coordination, and endurance. Occupational Therapists are able to assist patients in an inpatient and outpatient setting based on physical needs and assessment.
“Our Occupational Therapists help people of all ages, who suffer and are dealing with a range of physical, emotional and cognitive illnesses or disabilities,” said Rosie Aguilar, Program Director for the Rehabilitation Unit at Valley Baptist Health System. “It is our job to help our patients to gain the strength and ability to do the things they love most in life. Activities that we can take for granted can have a huge impact on a patient’s emotional well-being. Our Occupational Therapists can help patients with self-care, such as eating and grooming, getting back to everyday leisure activities, as well as work activities involving mental or physical effort.”
Valley Baptist Health System boasts an 22-bed Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit with private rooms, as well as an Outpatient Rehabilitation facility with a wide-range of services to meet the varying needs of patients. Valley Baptist rehabilitation specialists will work with you and your doctor to develop an individualized treatment plan. Our therapists work one-on-one with you, providing outstanding, compassionate care through the recovery process.
“Our goal is always to increase function and help our patients live the life they want,” said Aguilar.
To find out more information on rehabilitation services available call: (956) 389-1550 or visit www.ValleyBaptist.net/medical-services/rehabilitation.
