What is the primary focus of occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy primarily focuses on enabling individuals to gain or regain the skills needed to participate in daily activities or occupations that are meaningful to them. This can include personal care tasks, work activities, and leisure pursuits. The goal of occupational therapy is to enhance a person's ability to perform these activities, thereby improving their overall quality of life and independence.

The breadth of occupational therapy encompasses a variety of interventions tailored to the individual’s needs, including modifications to the environment, adaptive techniques, and the development of coping strategies. While physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and medication management can be components of an individual's overall care plan, they are not the central focus of occupational therapy. Instead, it addresses the holistic needs of individuals, considering not just physical abilities, but also cognitive, emotional, and social factors that influence participation in daily life.