Which member of the interdisciplinary team teaches patients how to take an active part in the tasks of daily living?

The role of an occupational therapist is fundamental when it comes to assisting patients in becoming actively involved in the tasks of daily living. Occupational therapists focus on enabling individuals to participate in meaningful activities or “occupations” that are important to them, which often includes daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and other self-care activities.

Occupational therapy incorporates the patient's interests, needs, and abilities to promote independence and improve their quality of life. The therapist assesses the patient's abilities and challenges, then designs personalized strategies and solutions that can assist them in carrying out daily activities more effectively and with greater confidence.

In contrast, other professionals, such as a physical therapist, typically focus on improving physical function and mobility, a psychologist concentrates on mental health and emotional wellness, and a speech therapist addresses communication and swallowing disorders. Each of these roles is important, but they do not specifically target the development of skills for active engagement in daily living tasks as the occupational therapist does.