SP-3-01-D-01
ACROSS THE BRIDGE TOWARD THE 21ST CENTURY
Kumiko Terayama (President of Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists, Tokyo Metropolitan College of Allied Medical Sciences)
1. Brief professional history of occupational therapy in Japan
2. Present states and problems of OT in Japan
3. Toward the 21st Century
4. Others
SP-3-01-E-O1
QUALITY & INDEPENDENCE IN COMMUNITY LIFE AFTER YEAR 2000
Ellis Margaret, (West Square Associates, London, SEll 4SP, UK.)
As the percentage of disabled and elderly people in the world population grows there is increasing demand for Occupational Therapists to assist with independent daily life. Governments must plan for appropriate staff numbers, education and training to handle the increased and developing work tasks. Occupational Therapists must adapt to the new demands for coping with disability in the community. Daily living patterns may be differ but is essential to assist in good mental and physical health and function. This may include advising family, carers and assistants on positioning and handling of the disabled or elderly person. Simple adaptations, orthoses and special equipment help preserve maximum independence. Hobbies and pass times may play an increasing importance in later life and these should be included in the total rehabilitation programme.
Occupational Therapists, working as part of the rehabilitation team, can assist through assessment and treatment ensuring quality and independence. In this way they will assist in enabling greater satisfaction for the disabled and elderly person, their family and governments in the years to come.
