Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month: Embracing Change and Enhancing Lives

April is Occupational Therapy Month, a time to celebrate the crucial role that occupational therapists (OTs) play in helping individuals live life to the fullest. Mary Reilly, during her Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture, beautifully described occupational therapy as “That man, through the use of his hands, as they are energized by mind and will, can influence the state of his own health” (AOTA, 2017). Today, occupational therapy is defined as “the therapeutic use of everyday life occupations with persons, groups, or populations for the purpose of enhancing or enabling participation” (AOTA, 2020).

At Ecumen, we align our care philosophy with the core principles of occupational therapy, incorporating the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle and Awakenings philosophies into our approach to older adult care. This empowers residents to engage in meaningful activities, maintain independence, and find joy in daily life.

Historical Origins of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy has its roots in the Moral Treatment Movement and the Arts and Crafts Movement, which emphasized the importance of engaging in occupations—such as arts and crafts—to improve health. In 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) was founded, with key figures like Eleanor Clarke Slagle and William Dunton laying the groundwork for the profession. During the World Wars, occupational therapists helped soldiers recover from PTSD and physical injuries through purposeful activities.

In the decades that followed, the profession evolved from a rehabilitation focus to a more holistic approach, incorporating psychological and social aspects of health and function (AOTA, 2017).

Occupational Therapy Today

Occupational therapy continues to prioritize the use of everyday activities to promote well-being. The 2024 Minnesota Statutes define occupational therapy as supporting individuals to develop, recover, and maintain various aspects of performance—such as sensory, emotional, and cognitive skills (“Public Health Occupations: Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants,” 2024). Today, the profession also supports mental health, promoting well-being in non-psychiatric settings (AOTA, 2022; Karr, 2024).

At Ecumen, we embrace a holistic approach that includes mental health treatment alongside traditional therapy interventions, expanding the role of occupational therapy within rehab therapy. This evolution aligns with the values of autonomy, dignity, and purposeful living.

Ecumen Therapy’s Holistic Approach

We are excited to introduce Lexie Chambers, an occupational therapy student from the University of Kansas Medical Center, who is spearheading a capstone project titled “Beyond the Medical Model: Supporting Mental Health of Older Adults in a Continuing Care Retirement Community.” This project aims to develop group protocols that support physical, mental, and social health, including:

• Chair Yoga: A mindfulness-based exercise group.
• Morning/Mid-Day Muscle Moves: A full-body exercise group for strength and mobility.
• Functional Mobility & IADLs: Practicing shopping and mobility tasks to reduce isolation.
• Meal Prep: A hands-on group to develop kitchen skills.
• Outdoor Exploration: Activities to enhance well-being through outdoor exposure.

Lexie’s work, along with our integration of Montessori Inspired Lifestyle and Awakenings, reflects Ecumen’s commitment to supporting holistic care. Through these philosophies, we create environments where residents maintain autonomy and live with dignity and purpose.

This Occupational Therapy Month, we celebrate the profession’s transformative impact on individuals’ lives. At Ecumen, we are proud to embrace occupational therapy’s holistic principles, helping residents live meaningful, fulfilling lives. You can find more information about Ecumen Therapy services on our website. Click here.