What criteria should I use to determine if a patient would benefit from a referral to occupational therapy for daily living activities?

Referral to occupational therapy for assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) should be considered when a patient has physical, mental, or social needs that limit their ability to perform daily routines independently or safely. Key criteria include:

• Difficulty with physical functioning: Impairments in movement, balance, transfers (e.g., bed to chair), trunk control, or use of walking aids that affect daily activities ³.
• New or existing cognitive, communication, or emotional difficulties: These may impact the patient’s ability to engage in rehabilitation or manage ADLs ³.
• Challenges in maintaining or improving health and wellbeing through daily routines: Patients who need support to identify, rehearse, and carry out daily activities to maintain independence and quality of life, especially older adults ².
• Need for assistive devices or adaptations: Patients who require assessment for or provision of assistive technology to overcome functional challenges in posture, mobility, or communication ¹.
• Complex rehabilitation needs after injury or illness: Patients requiring multidisciplinary assessment and ongoing reassessment of physical and functional abilities to determine occupational therapy needs ³.

Overall, referral is appropriate when a patient’s ability to perform ADLs is compromised by physical, cognitive, or psychosocial factors, and when occupational therapy can provide tailored interventions to improve independence and wellbeing ¹,²,³.