Who is responsible for helping clients regain their activities of daily living (ADL) skills?

Occupational therapists are specifically trained to help clients regain their activities of daily living (ADL) skills. Their primary focus is on enabling individuals to perform everyday tasks that promote independence and quality of life. This can include a range of activities such as personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, and functional mobility.

Occupational therapy involves assessing a client's specific needs and impairments, then creating personalized interventions to develop, recover, or maintain the skills necessary for daily functioning. The goal is to help clients adapt to their environments and improve their ability to participate in meaningful roles within their daily lives.

While physical therapists do focus on improving physical mobility and strength, their scope is broader and not limited to daily living skills. Speech therapists primarily address communication and swallowing difficulties, and nutritionists focus on dietary and nutritional needs. Each of these professionals plays a vital role in overall health care, but when it comes to ADL skills, the clear expertise lies with occupational therapists.