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Occupational therapists are the regulated providers of occupational therapy services, with the goal of providing support to individuals with physical or cognitive limitations by helping people regain their independence following an injury or illness and empowering them to engage in their regular activities again.
OTs use different treatment plans depending on the individual, but some common interventions include occupational therapy, Cognitive therapy, and Concussion Rehabilitation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a physical or cognitive limitation, Affinity Wellness’ occupational therapist may be able to help. Contact Affinity Wellness today to see how we can help you.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists often referred to as OTs, are regulated health care professionals who assist individuals to engage in the daily activities that are most important to them when injuries or illness limit a person’s ability to participate. Occupational therapists use their specialized knowledge and skill set to provide evidence-based solutions to physical and mental health-related issues while considering the whole person and all the factors that contribute to a person’s function.
Not only can occupational therapists provide rehabilitative and compensatory strategies that lead to improved health, well-being, and productivity, but they can also provide education and recommendations to prevent injuries before they occur. Occupational therapists work closely with their clients to establish functional goals and design personalized plans to achieve them.
We also offer direct billing to most major insurance companies as well as ICBC. Please see our direct billing page for more information.
Occupational Therapy Services
- Concussion management
- Brain injury rehabilitation
- Stroke/neurological rehabilitation
- Mental health management
- ADHD: executive skill training and compensatory strategies
- Pain and chronic illness management
- Ergonomic assessment (limited to home offices initially due to hours of work)
- Seniors care: home safety assessment, equipment selection, fall prevention
- Power mobility assessments
- Equipment and home modification recommendations
Affinity fee schedule
Initial Assessment (60 mins) – $150
Subsequent Visit (30 min) – $130
Subsequent Visit (45 min) – $100
Virtual /Tele-health (45-60 min) – $100-$130
Home visit (45-60 min) – $130 plus hourly rate for travel time
Concussions- What you Need to Know:
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head suddenly and violently hits an object. This can cause the brain to move around inside the skull, which can lead to bruising, tearing and bleeding. Concussions can also occur when the head receives a sudden impact, even if there is no direct contact with the object. For example, a concussion may occur if you are in a car accident and your head snaps forward and then back again.
There are three stages of concussion:
- Grade I concussion: This is the least serious type of concussion. There are no symptoms other than brief confusion.
- Grade II concussion: This is a more serious concussion that can cause vomiting, headache, difficulty waking up and blurred vision.
- Grade III concussion: This is the most serious type of concussion and can cause loss of consciousness, memory problems, seizures and paralysis.
If you think you or someone else may have a concussion, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. There are many ways to treat a concussion, but the most important thing is to rest and avoid any activity that could make the symptoms worse. If you have a concussion, you should not return to your normal activities until your symptoms have completely resolved.
Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist to help you recover from your concussion. Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy can help with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and balance problems and they can help with symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating and memory problems.
Occupational Therapy FAQ and Treatment List
What Is OT?
OT is short for occupational therapy or occupational therapist. Occupational therapists are the regulated providers of occupational therapy services. The goal of occupational therapy is to provide evidence-based support to individuals with physical or cognitive limitations, empowering them to engage in activities that are meaningful and important to them.
What Do Occupational Therapists Do?
Occupational therapists work collaboratively with the client, and often a team of health care providers or family members, to help clients find the tools and strategies they need to overcome barriers and enable them to perform everyday tasks. These tasks could include self-care, leisure activities, vocational work or volunteering, community access, and managing a household.
Who Benefits From Occupational Therapy?
Since occupational therapy is holistic, client-centred and focused on function, anyone who would like to improve, maintain, or restore their ability to participate in daily living would benefit from occupational therapy.
When Should I Visit an Occupational Therapist?
If you have trouble participating in day-to-day activities due to an injury, illness, or disability, occupational therapy can help you reach your goals!
What Can I Expect From My Occupational Therapy Sessions?
The occupational therapist will:
- talk to you about your goals and current abilities
- complete an assessment to identify your strengths and limitations
- address physical, cognitive, institutional and/or psychosocial factors affecting functional engagement
- work with you to create an individualized plan to reach your goals
- provide education, resources, and/or strategies
- provide rehabilitation services to help improve your quality of life
- monitor your progress, modify the plan as needed, and support your transition to independence
Is Occupational Therapy Covered by MSP or My Extended Health Care Benefits?
Unfortunately, occupational therapy is not covered under MSP or by some extended health care benefit plans. If you have a Health Spending Account, you may be able to submit your receipts for reimbursement through this option. If you would like to have occupational therapy coverage in the future, please ask your OT for a template letter to send to your benefits provider, to request that occupational therapy services be added to your options of health care practitioners.
Is Occupational Therapy Covered by Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC)?
Yes! Occupational therapy services may be covered by VAC for direct client care, home safety assessments, and equipment recommendations. Call Pacific Blue Cross to confirm your specific coverage details.
Do I Need Occupational Therapy if I Already Have a Job?
Occupational therapy refers to “occupation” as any meaningful activity that occupies your day. Occupation does not solely refer to a person’s job or vocation; however, occupational therapists can assist individuals to return to work after an illness or injury.
Conditions We Treat:
Our professional team provides effective rehabilitation services for a wide variety of conditions including but not limited to:
- Concussions and other brain injuries
- Strokes
- ADHD
- Neurological conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s and ALS
- Arthritis
- Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Chronic pain and illnesses
- Orthopedic injuries
- Motor vehicle collisions
- Dementia
- Frequent falls
