OT Assistant/PT Assistant

The OTA/PTA role will practice under the guidelines and direction of a qualified Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist in the provision of patient care within the Acute Stroke Unit, either in a directly collaborative or delegated capacity. Under the directions of the Therapists, the OTA/PTA engages the client in purposeful activity, functional mobility, transfers and ambulation, therapeutic exercise and/or adaptive strategies (eg. ADL re-training) in conjunction with therapeutic methods, medical and safety precautions to achieve identified goals. The OTA/PTA monitors and documents the client's progress on flow sheets and /or interdisciplinary notes on the patient's health record as required. The OTA/PTA communicates with supervising Therapists about client progress and need for possible program modifications on a consistent and timely basis and may discuss and instruct caregivers regarding client activities and will support and reinforce treatment plans under the directions of theTherapists. The OTA/PTA will facilitate individual and/or group programs utilzing a patient and family centred approach under the guidelines of the OT/OT treatment protocol. The OTA/PTA may provide clients with adaptive aids and equipment as well as perform adjustments, modifictions and minor repairs to this equipment as assigned. Non-patient care duties may include services related to the management of OT/PT treatment areas and equipment and supply inventory in order to ensure provision of optimal patient care. The OTA/PTA may assist the Therapists in identifying/updating community resources, preparing educational materials and reinforcing community linkages, which support the implementation of the discharge plan. The OTA/PTA may also have the opportunity to be involved in student educational activities. Some coverage of other clinical areas may be provided as needed.