Tegevusterapeudid

Tegevusterapeudid, or occupational therapists, are health professionals who help people participate in meaningful daily activities despite physical, mental, or cognitive challenges. The goal is to enhance independence, safety, and quality of life by enabling people to engage in daily tasks, work, education, and leisure.

Therapists assess a client’s abilities, routines, environments, and goals to develop individualized treatment plans. Interventions may include activities to improve hand function, cognitive and perceptual skills, or fatigue management; training in activities of daily living such as dressing, cooking, and personal care; advice on adaptive equipment or assistive devices; home and workplace modifications; energy conservation and ergonomics; and strategies for returning to school or work. They also address sensory processing, mental health supports, and community reintegration, often employing a client-centered, goal-oriented approach.

Working settings are diverse and include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, schools, community health centers, and home care. Tegevusterapeudid collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that may comprise physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and educators to coordinate care and support.

Education and regulation vary by country, but generally require a university degree in occupational therapy and professional registration or licensure. In Estonia and other EU contexts, the profession is supported by national guidelines and professional associations, and practitioners work within public health services as well as private practice.