Occupational Therapy interventions to support MS
Occupational Therapy is all about helping individuals living with a neurological diagnosis like Multiple Sclerosis to remain as independent as possible with daily activities and providing the necessary support to enable this.
MSWA’s team of experienced Occupational Therapists work across WA to provide person-centred, holistic interventions tailored to support Clients from the point of new diagnosis throughout their journey with their condition.
In this article, we explore common reasons OT interventions can help individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
Common OT interventions for MS
Managing symptoms of MS
Common occupational therapy interventions for MS focus on managing symptoms and regaining or improving daily function. OTs use various assessment tools, including task analysis, observational and standardised assessments and more to find out how your symptoms impact you and how we can help based on this.
Occupational therapy can help people living with MS remain independent and engaged in daily tasks by supporting you to manage various MS symptoms like fatigue, mobility and falls, altered sensation, thermoregulatory dysfunction, cognitive dysfunction, impaired sleep and much more.
Promoting independence in daily living
Occupational therapy is all about keeping people living with MS doing the things that are important to them. OTs can support independence by working on a range of skills and tasks, including meal preparation, dressing and grooming tasks, showering, toileting, medication management and other household tasks.
Leisure-based or social aspects are also extremely important and OTs can help maintain engagement in these tasks, whether it be attending social groups, remaining active and accessing the community, keeping up with a hobby or learning a new one. At MSWA, the Occupational Therapy team loves to get creative and brainstorm custom solutions to help our Clients keep doing the things they love!
Providing access to Assistive Technology
Sometimes we all need a little help. Assistive Technology (AT) covers items that can make life a little easier. These items can range from falls alarms to adapted cutlery and eating aids, bottle openers for the kitchen, wheelchairs or lifting aids.
MSWA OTs have access to an extensive AT catalogue. That, combined with extensive neuro knowledge, can help Clients find items to support daily living in the areas they find most challenging. Once OTs assess what the challenge is, the team will advise on what AT there is to help.
Home and living supports
Are there any areas around your home that are challenging to access?
OTs will complete assessments and adaptations of the home environment to help people living with MS maintain their independence. This can include education, re-organisation and planning as well as non-structural home modifications or the addition of AT.
OTs can also provide specialised home and living supports. If a home is no longer suitable, the team can explore Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA) options.
Take the next step with MSWA
MS and other neurological conditions can be challenging, but there is so much Occupational Therapy can do to help people keep you engaged with what is important to them.
MSWA Occupational Therapists empower individuals to maintain independence in daily life and feel confident and supported. If you or a loved one would like to learn more, please know our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch and find out how MSWA’s Occupational Therapy services can help you.
