The goal of occupational therapy is to help people reclaim their independence and ability to complete daily tasks without assistance following an injury or illness. Sometimes a doctor will also prescribe occupational therapy if a patient suffers from a chronic condition that has affected their self-care skills. While therapy can be performed at home, it's typical for the patient to visit an occupational therapy center to work with a physical therapist and regain a variety of individual functions, from fine motor skills to techniques for living with memory loss. If you have been referred to receive physical therapy as part of your aftercare plan, it's time to find an occupational therapy center. Some important things to keep in mind during your search are described below.

1) Consider the location.

This is one of the most important factors to remember. Since you will likely be visiting the occupational therapy center a few times a week, you should find a location that is easy for you to travel to regularly. A center that is too far away could become an inconvenience, especially if you have made arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you to the building. If you are uncertain which occupational therapy center within your geographic proximity is best for you, you can ask your doctor or local hospital for recommendations. You can also check the American Occupational Therapy Association's website for the specific association in your state that can point you in the right direction of a suitable center for you.

2) Determine the treatment methods used at the center.

Effective physical therapy treatment relies on a wide range of techniques. Look for an occupational therapy center that can provide a holistic and sensory-rich environment with a variety of different equipment options. Depending on your unique reason for physical therapy, it's important to find an occupational therapy center that offers the right materials to help you get the best results during sessions. For example, occupational therapists working with individuals who require support with walking should utilize gait trainers, while patients with motor skill difficulties should have access to specially-designed hand therapy devices. If you are looking for a more natural approach, you can look for a center that focuses on relaxation, movement therapy, and guided imagery. A great occupational therapy center will conduct an analysis of your needs to ensure that the correct assistive tools are used for you. Be sure to choose an occupational therapy center that also creates written goals for your treatment before you begin. 

3) Decide if the occupational therapy center and therapist make you feel comfortable.

As you will be spending quite a bit of time at the occupational therapy center, don't forget to consider how the overall atmosphere of the place feels to you. Look at how the center is set up and whether you will be treated in a private room or an open area with other patients. Additionally, ask your prospective therapist some important questions, such as what training and certifications they've completed and how they will measure results. The therapist's personality should be compatible with you, as occupational therapy can be a sensitive process that requires a supportive therapist. If you get a sense of discomfort at any point, then you should think about looking for a different center.

With these factors in mind, you can choose the right occupational therapy center for your rehabilitation. For more information, reach out to a local therapy center, like Wilkins Health & Rehab.