It’s impossible to overstate the importance of occupational therapists as a vital role in any senior living community. Occupational therapists have the responsibility and opportunity to help senior living residents live their best possible quality of life. They typically work with seniors after a stroke, surgery, or injury, or in the later stages of cognitive decline or dementia. Through their specialized training, occupational therapists help seniors discover and maintain as much independence as they can, enjoy and rediscover their hobbies and interests, and overcome physical and psychological challenges with as much dignity and grace as possible. Being an occupational therapist (OT) is more than just a “job,” and most OT’s take their role very seriously. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the residents in your care. Using compassion, experience, training, and creativity, being an OT means you can help someone in a difficult and vulnerable situation reclaim their life.
Since this role is unique and incredibly important, OT’s are always in high demand in senior living communities, and Stellar Living is no exception. Being an OT can be very meaningful and fulfilling, but like all roles, it also comes with inherent challenges. Here, we will discover what it means to be an occupational therapist at a Stellar Senior Living Community, the training and qualifications needed to become an OT, and how to get a job once you’ve qualified as an occupational therapist.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
To put it simply, an occupational therapist is a licensed medical professional who works with people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to improve their ability to manage activities of daily living. In a senior living community, this usually means working with senior citizens who have dementia or cognitive decline, have recently had a stroke, accident, injury, or serious illness, or who are disabled. Occupational therapists typically evaluate and document a client’s status and condition and develop a treatment plan to help them restore as much function and independence as possible. This usually includes specific physical and/or mental exercises, which may be done with the client, family member, and/or other care providers. If necessary, OT’s may also help clients learn to use adaptive equipment, like a walker, cane, or wheelchair. Throughout the care process, OT’s will monitor their client’s physical and mental health and adapt the treatment plan as needed. Their goal is to support their client’s physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being, and help them to recover and or create ways to have a comfortable and happy life.
What Does a Day in the Life of an OT Look Like?
A day in the life of an occupational therapist is often engaging, dynamic, and meaningful. It can also sometimes be frustrating and tiring. Typically, you’ll start out your day by reviewing and completing any necessary documentation and catching up on messages. If you supervise occupational therapist assistants, you may also have a meeting to discuss the clients’ care and needs. Then, you’ll spend the majority of your day seeing clients. If you have a new client, you will review their medical history, evaluate their current condition, and create a treatment plan. For existing clients, you’ll usually have sessions that last 30-60 minutes and consist of exercises and activities. You may also help clients with their activities of daily living, like feeding, bathing, and dressing.
At the end of the day or the end of the session, you’ll typically complete a chart where you document what you did during the session, how the client performed, how they are progressing, and any future plans. At many senior living communities, occupational therapists will also have meetings with physical therapists, family members, and other caregivers to discuss concerns, current and future treatment, and progress.
Most occupational therapists enjoy working with clients, and find a lot of fulfillment in being able to help someone in need recover joy and happiness in life. On the other hand, being an OT can also mean a lot of paperwork, which few people enjoy.
How is Occupational Therapy Different from Physical Therapy?
Occupational therapy is similar to physical therapy, but it’s definitely a separate and unique role. Senior living communities that provide the best care need both physical therapists and occupational therapists. Physical therapists focus on a client’s ability to move their body, whereas occupational therapists focus on a client’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Some ADLs include:
- Bathing, showering, and grooming
- Dressing
- Eating
- Getting to and from and using the toilet
- Getting and out of a bed and/or into and out of a chair
Occupational therapists also consider the mental and psychological aspect of performing daily activities, in addition to the physical. They may also work to change the activity or environment of the activity, if learning new skills won’t resolve the client’s problem. This may include home modifications and learning to use adaptive equipment.
For example, if a client is working on feeding themselves, a physical therapist will work on the physical abilities needed to feed oneself, like lifting a fork and chewing. On the other hand, an occupational therapist may work on what foods the client is or isn’t able to eat, whether a fork is the best tool for the job or if an adaptive tool would be more effective, help the client learn to cut food, what size to cut food into, and what foods they prefer, and address any anxiety or frustration the client may be experiencing.
In short, occupational therapists focus more holistically on the person’s full life experience in each activity, whereas physical therapists focus more specifically on body movements, muscle strength, flexibility, and physical condition. Both are essential roles in any senior living community.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become an Occupational Therapist?
If becoming an occupational therapist sounds like a good fit for you, you will need to have a few important qualifications. Before you can practice as an occupational therapist, you will likely need:
- A Master’s degree (or, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree) in Occupational Therapy
- Current registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
- Some supervised experience in this role
- Great leadership skills
- Familiarity with adaptive equipment
You’ll also need to be able to read and write well, use computer software to create and document treatment plans, maintain careful records, and perform assessments. Registered Occupational Therapists often supervise or work with Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs).
What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant?
You can also choose to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). This happens before or instead of becoming a Registered Occupational Therapist. This role has many of the same responsibilities, but you will work under the direction of a Registered Occupational Therapist. Qualifications needed for COTAs include:
- An associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
- Passing a national certification exam.
Being a COTA requires less schooling and less time before you can start working. Since the program is shorter, the schooling required is also less expensive. It’s a good way to figure out if this role is right for you. It’s also a great starting point, especially if you want to work only part time. The responsibilities and day-to-day experience of this job are often very similar to that of a registered OT. You may have less responsibility in this role, and won’t need to act as a leader or supervisor as often. However, COTA’s are also paid less than registered Occupational Therapists.
How are Occupational Therapists Compensated?
There’s a broad range of compensation for occupational therapists, depending on the environment, hours, caseload, location, experience level, education level, and more. In 2022, occupational therapists made on average $93,180 per year, with an average range of $77,700 to $104,730 per year (US News).
Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs or COTAs) in 2023 made, on average, an hourly rate of $32.70, with an average yearly rate of $68,170 (United States Bureau of Labor Statistics). Average salary ranged from $23.40 to $42.90 per hour, or $48,670 to $89,230 per year.
Why is Stellar Living a Great Place to be an Occupational Therapist?
Many OT’s and OTA’s report that Stellar is a great employer. They put people first, and offer great compensation and benefit packages. They are also focused on managing communities in a way that makes them Stellar! Life is stellar not only for the residents, but also staff members.
Are you interested in becoming an OT or OTA at a Stellar Senior Living Community? Click here to browse open positions and submit your application today.
