Occupational therapy is a health profession providing services to people whose lives have been disrupted by physical injury or illness, developmental problems, the aging process, or social/psychological difficulties. The goal of occupational therapy is to assist each individual in achieving an independent, productive, and satisfying life. Who can benefit from occupational therapy? You or a family member of any age could benefit from occupational therapy if you have physical, emotional, or developmental problems such as: • Arthritis • Stroke • Amputation • Hand injury • Mental Health/retardation • Birth defects • Orthopedic injury • Burns • Head injury   • Spinal cord injury • Depression • Learning disability • Drug/alcohol abuse   What services do occupational therapy personnel provide? Through evaluation and treatment, occupational therapy personnel can help people: Dress themselves and care for their personal needs Shop, prepare meals, and carry out household chores Regain the use of an injured hand Arrange their homes so they can move about and work without assistance Plan and carry out daily tasks more efficiently Develop or improve the skills necessary to participate in school, work, or leisure activities What are the professional credentials of occupational therapy personnel? Occupational therapists are graduates of a Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate degree program. An occupational therapy assistant is an Associate degree program. Both take a national certification examination administered by the American Occupational Therapy Association. All states require that occupational therapy personnel must be licensed to practice. ProCare Health and Fitness is proud to be one of the region’s leading providers of Occupational Therapy. If you or your loved one should need O.T., please call us and we’d be happy to assist you. Our contact information is listed by facility.