My Journey into Adult Social Care

By this stage, I knew I wanted to work in the community because it provides occupational therapists with the most accurate insight into a client’s functional abilities, physical and social environment, and the impact on their day-to-day life.

How My Final Placement Shaped My Career

My final placement was with the adult social care ‘home assessment team’ at the council where I now work. It was my last placement, and I was immediately drawn to the role.
Having access to resources that could make an immediate difference to a person’s ability to manage daily activities was incredibly rewarding.

For more complex cases, being able to prescribe major adaptations gave many clients and their carers real hope that their quality of life would significantly improve. The support and guidance from my colleagues helped boost my confidence as I transitioned into a newly qualified OT role.

I love the variety of my work—no two days are the same, which means I am constantly learning and developing.

Life as a Qualified Occupational Therapist

I’ve now been qualified for nearly six years, with five of those spent working in two local authorities in adult social care.

My role has involved providing major and minor adaptations, recommending specialist equipment, supporting carers with moving and handling solutions, working in intermediate care, and making referrals to both statutory and non-statutory agencies. I take a client-led approach and frequently collaborate with a range of professionals to ensure the best outcomes for those I support.

What I Love Most About My Role

The diversity of my role is what I enjoy the most—every day presents new challenges and opportunities to develop my skills. The availability of continued professional development (CPD) and service development opportunities also allows me to keep growing in my career.

I find immense satisfaction in problem-solving, thinking creatively, and finding solutions that truly make a difference. There’s always something I can do to help someone, and having access to the right resources means I can support clients in achieving meaningful goals.

The Importance of Occupational Therapists in Adult Social Care

Occupational therapists play a vital role in adult social care, making a significant impact on people’s lives. We focus on empowering clients to make informed choices about their care and living arrangements, helping them maintain their independence for as long as possible.

Research from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (2008) highlights the wider economic benefits of occupational therapy interventions, including reducing or delaying the need for long-term care, supporting carers, and reviewing care packages—ultimately saving the government thousands of pounds per person each year.

Beyond the statistics, the true value of our work is felt in the daily lives of our clients. Whether it’s supporting someone to achieve a meaningful goal or helping a carer who is experiencing strain, the positive impact of occupational therapy is what makes my job so rewarding.

Frances Ali* – Occupational Therapist