Which daily activities can occupational therapy address?

Occupational therapy addresses a wide range of daily activities, which are broadly categorized as "occupations"—any task a person performs to take care of themselves, interact with others, or contribute to society. These activities can be divided into several key areas:1

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): These include essential self-care tasks such as dressing, eating, hygiene, toileting, and functional mobility (walking).2
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): These are more complex tasks necessary for independent living, including cooking, housekeeping, managing medication and money, shopping, and using the telephone.2
• Productive and Social Activities: Occupational therapy also supports participation in work, education, volunteerism, and leisure or recreational activities.21

Therapists analyze these tasks to identify barriers caused by illness, injury, or disability. They then develop personalized programs to improve a patient's skills, adapt the activity (such as using specialized tools), or modify the environment to enable successful participation. By focusing on these meaningful daily tasks, occupational therapy aims to promote health, prevent disability, and increase independent function.13