Community-Based Care

Occupational therapy in the community can occur in the client’s home, school or other “community” setting.

Clients typically seen by community occupational therapists include seniors, adults, and children with physical and/or mental health diagnosis.

Presently client caseload restrictions vary by region. Occupational therapy assessment in the community may be requested to follow up on discharge from an acute care or rehabilitative facility; to address client or caregiver safety; to assess environments – both social and structural; or to optimize client’s functional ability/independence.

Forms of Intervention

Intervention may take the form of equipment prescription; client, family and caregiver education; home modification; or advocating for financial or other resources. The community occupational therapist works as member of an interdisciplinary team involving nurses and social workers and may also include physiotherapists, behaviour management specialists, teachers, etc.