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Occupational Therapy at The Ottawa Hospital helps people regain or maintain the skills they need for everyday life.
Whether recovering from illness, injury or managing a long-term condition, our team of more than 75 occupational therapists and 25 rehabilitation assistants supports patients in doing the things that matter to them—like caring for themselves, working, and enjoying hobbies.
We assess physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs, and tailor care to each person’s goals and strengths. We focus on practical solutions that promote independence, comfort and safety.
Occupational therapists and rehabilitation assistants work as part of a wider health-care team. Our role is to identify the patient’s capabilities and limitations, and to collaborate with the other members of the health-care team to facilitate a safe discharge plan.
Occupational therapists work with patients to:
Learn new ways to do daily tasks
such as dressing with one arm after a stroke
Adapt tools or equipment
such as modifying a spoon handle for easier feeding
Make changes to the home or environment
such as recommending a shower chair for safety
Services
Occupational therapists provide a variety of services for inpatients and outpatients throughout the hospital.
The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre
Occupational therapists work within all four care streams to help patients with complex physical, cognitive and emotional needs regain independence. Therapy for inpatients and outpatients focuses on improving daily function, reducing pain and building strength so they can return to meaningful activities at home and in the community.
Acute care units
Occupational therapists are found in acute care units across the hospital, including Cardiology, Nephrology, Surgery, and many others. There, they assess how illness or injury affects daily life and help inpatients recover physical and cognitive abilities, promote safety and support early discharge planning through personalized strategies and equipment recommendations.
Transitional care units
Occupational therapists in transitional care support patients who need extra time to regain function before going home. They focus on building independence, adapting routines and preparing for a safe return to the community.
Geriatric services
Occupational therapists work Geriatrics and the Geriatric Medicine Clinic to assess older adults experiencing changes in memory, mood or physical ability. They help patients maintain independence by evaluating home safety, daily routines and cognitive function, and recommending supports tailored to individual needs.
The Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit
Occupational therapists within the Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit provide focused rehabilitation for patients recovering from illness or injury. Therapy helps improve strength, coordination and problem-solving skills needed for everyday tasks, supporting a safe return home.
Mental health
In mental health settings, occupational therapists use psychoeducational groups and cognitive behavioural therapy to help inpatients and outpatients living with mental illness build life skills and coping strategies. Special focus is placed on developing organizational skills, setting goals, being assertive and managing stress. Therapy helps inpatients prepare for life in the community after discharge and helps outpatients manage challenges while living in the community.
Hand therapy
Occupational therapists at the Riverside Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic treat people with hand injuries and post-surgical conditions to restore movement and reduce discomfort. Using exercises, splints and other techniques, therapy helps patients retain, maintain or maximize strength and function for everyday tasks while teaching them how to live with the injured hand.
Referrals
All patients need to be referred to occupational therapy services by a physician or other health-care professional at The Ottawa Hospital.
Contact us
Sandra MacLeod
Professional Practice Manager, Rehabilitation Services
613-737-8007
613-739-6670
The Ottawa Hospital – General Campus
Room M-1260, Box 305
501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6