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How Do You Know If It’s Time to See an Occupational Therapist?

 When life’s daily activities feel overwhelming, and the routines that once brought joy now feel burdened, it may be time to consider occupational therapy (OT) not just as a treatment, but as a pathway to living life well.


At LifeWorks OT, our purpose is clear: we give people with complex and persistent health conditions the knowledge, skills, and power to move forward with confidence and overcome barriers so they can live their best possible life. We don’t just treat symptoms, we partner with individuals to unlock meaningful, lasting change.


Signs It May Be Time for Occupational Therapy

1. Daily Activities Feel Heavy or Out of Reach

If simple tasks like getting dressed, managing the household, or maintaining routines now feel draining, you’re not alone. Occupational therapy offers practical, innovative strategies to restore independence and confidence in everyday life. An occupation-based approach has consistently shown improvements in daily performance and satisfaction among people with chronic health conditions.1

2. Mental Health Challenges Impact Engagement

When anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, or psychosocial disability take the form of functional roadblocks, diminishing participation in work, study, relationships, or leisure, OT becomes a powerful ally. Our therapists use sensory tools, activity-based routines, and coping strategies to help clients regulate emotion, rebuild routine, and reconnect with what matters most.

3. Physical, Neurological, or Cognitive Barriers Are Limiting Participation

Stroke, injury, persistent pain, or cognitive challenges like diminished memory or concentration can all disrupt independence. OT interventions like environment adaptations, assistive technology, and executive function strategies, empower clients to regain their functional freedom across settings.

4. Preventing Decline & Fostering Wellbeing

OT isn’t just rehabilitative, it’s preventative and wellness-focused. For individuals navigating the fatigue of chronic pain, aging, or other health risks, we craft routines and energy-conservation strategies that support maintenance of function and quality of life before decline occurs.


Your Referral Guide: Who Might Benefit?

Consider referring to LifeWorks OT when someone is:

  • Facing daily functional struggles with self-care, household tasks, work/study, or community involvement.

  • Living with mental health or neurodivergent challenges that affect routine, mood, or motivation.

  • Experiencing physical, neurological, or cognitive limitations impacting their independence.

  • Looking for an innovative, personalised, real-world solution to manage symptoms and restore meaningful activity.

At LifeWorks OT, we listen with respect, approach every person with integrity, and craft individualised, evidence-informed solutions through collaboration. 


Why LifeWorks OT?

  • Personalised Care Meets Evidence‑Based Practice: We tailor interventions to your life story, never a one-size-fits-all model.

  • Holistic, Real‑World Solutions: We focus on what makes a meaningful difference in your daily routines, not just clinical symptoms.

  • Accessible, Flexible Options: Whether it's in‑clinic, via telehealth, or in your home, we align care with your comfort and needs. 

  • Warm and Empowering Partnership: You’re not just another client, you’re our partner on your own recovery journey.


References

  1. Jackson J, Carlson M, Mandel D, Zemke R, Clark F. Occupation in lifestyle redesign: The intervention tested in the USC Well Elderly Study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 1998;52(5):326‑336. 

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