A patient with multiple sclerosis is referred for physical therapy at home and requires training in bathing, dressing, and eating, with potential use of adaptive devices. The physical therapist should refer the patient to which professional?

A patient with multiple sclerosis is referred for physical therapy at home and requires training in bathing, dressing, and eating, with potential use of adaptive devices. The physical therapist should refer the patient to which professional?

• A. Social worker
• B. Orthotist
• C. Occupational therapist
• D. Home health nurse

Answer: (C)

Training in bathing, dressing, and eating with adaptive devices is the domain of the occupational therapist. OT focuses on enabling independence in daily activities by evaluating self-care tasks, teaching safe and efficient methods, selecting and training with assistive equipment (like shower chairs, grab bars, built-up utensils, and dressing aids), and optimizing the home environment for ADLs. In home health, an OT would assess the patient’s ability to perform self-care, introduce the appropriate adaptive tools, and teach strategies to conserve energy and prevent fatigue. Social workers handle psychosocial needs and access to resources, orthotists design and fit braces or splints, and home health nurses manage medical care, medications, and wound care rather than ADL retraining.

Training in bathing, dressing, and eating with adaptive devices is the domain of the occupational therapist. OT focuses on enabling independence in daily activities by evaluating self-care tasks, teaching safe and efficient methods, selecting and training with assistive equipment (like shower chairs, grab bars, built-up utensils, and dressing aids), and optimizing the home environment for ADLs. In home health, an OT would assess the patient’s ability to perform self-care, introduce the appropriate adaptive tools, and teach strategies to conserve energy and prevent fatigue. Social workers handle psychosocial needs and access to resources, orthotists design and fit braces or splints, and home health nurses manage medical care, medications, and wound care rather than ADL retraining.