As an Occupational Therapist (OT), every day offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. From helping individuals regain their independence, to working with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, the role requires both expertise and empathy. Whether you’re assisting someone in recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply adapting to life’s changes, each moment is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
In this blog, you’ll get a rundown of a typical day in the life from the experience of a Occupational Therapist at Elysium Healthcare, highlighting the crucial interventions, team collaboration, and moments of connection that define their work. From patient assessments to multidisciplinary meetings, you’ll see how OTs contribute to the overall healthcare team and how they play a pivotal role in improving the lives of the people we care for.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Morning ‘Huddle’
The day starts with a team meeting, known as the morning huddle. Here, the OT team gathers to discuss patient safety incidents, daily priorities, and allocate tasks. We also arrange cover for any staff absences to ensure the smooth running of the day. This quick but essential catch-up ensures everyone is on the same page and ready to deliver the best care possible.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Admin Time
After the morning huddle, I focus on administrative tasks. This includes checking and responding to emails, contacting the ward to communicate any cancelled sessions, and signing out money for Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) who may need it for 1:1 sessions, group activities, or event preparations. It’s a brief but important part of the day to ensure everything is in order.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Patient Assessment
Next, I head to the ward to complete a falls risk assessment for a patient who has recently experienced a fall. This is a priority to help minimise the risk of further falls and to ensure the patient’s safety. I conduct the assessment in a quiet room to maintain confidentiality and reduce distractions.
Liaising with the nurse in charge is essential at this point to verify the patient’s medical information, especially if there are any cognitive or communication barriers. I identify the patient’s strengths, barriers, and rehabilitation goals, which will inform their care plan and next steps.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Patient Intervention
Following the falls risk assessment, I move into the intervention phase. Interventions might include prescribing specialised equipment such as walking aids, stand aids, or a profiling bed. I may also offer education on adaptive equipment like properly fitted shoes or recommend modifications to the patient’s room layout to ensure safety.
In some cases, I’ll review the patient’s medications and suggest changes if necessary to minimise the risk of falls. I may also provide a refresher training session for staff on moving and handling techniques to ensure everyone is following best practices.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Lunch Break & Peer Support
After a busy morning, it’s time for a much-needed lunch break. This is also a great opportunity to engage in peer support with colleagues—sharing experiences, advice, or simply catching up. It’s an important part of the job that helps foster a sense of community and teamwork.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Documentation & Care Planning
After lunch, I focus on documenting the day’s work. This includes writing up detailed records for the morning sessions, such as:
- The assessment or intervention provided
- The patient’s level of engagement
- Any needs or risks identified
- Setting SMART goals to guide future care
I update relevant care plans and risk assessments, then share these updates with the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure everyone is aligned on the patient’s progress and next steps.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Patient Meetings & Professional Liaison
In the afternoon, I participate in the weekly ward round, where the multi-disciplinary team meets to discuss the care and treatment plans of 3-4 patients. This collaborative meeting helps ensure we are all working together toward the same goal: the patient’s recovery.
The ward round is a valuable space for sharing insights from assessments or observations and making referrals. For example, if ward staff notice a decline in a patient’s self-care, they might refer them to OT for further assessment and intervention.
External teams and family members are also invited to these meetings. Their insights into the patient’s history, triggers, and motivators provide crucial context, especially for patients who struggle to communicate their needs. It’s vital that we involve external teams and families throughout the patient’s care journey to ensure a comprehensive, person-centered approach.
Every six months, each patient undergoes a Care Program Approach (CPA) review. This meeting focuses on evaluating the patient’s progress toward recovery goals and planning for discharge and transition. CPA reviews ensure that clear and realistic steps are in place to support the patient’s long-term success.
Being an Elysium Healthcare Occupational Therapist is incredibly rewarding role as you watch service users regain independence and confidence in their daily lives. Whether it’s helping someone recover from a fall, adapt to a new way of living, or build the skills they need to thrive, the work is both fulfilling and impactful. If you’re considering a career in Occupational Therapy or you’re a established Occupational Therapist looking for a career move, check out our latest vacancies.
Is a career at an Occupational Therapist at Elysium the Right Career Move for You?
If you have a passion for helping people regain independence, enjoy problem-solving, and have strong communication skills, then a career as an Occupational Therapist could be perfect for you. From working with young adults to assisting adults recovering from injuries, there’s an Occupational Therapist role suited to your strengths.
You’ll develop your skills in rehabilitation, adaptive techniques, and patient care while making a real difference in people’s lives. A career with Elysium as an Occupational Therapist is rewarding, dynamic, and impactful. If you’re ready to support individuals in reaching their full potential, we’d love to hear from you.