Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • No, a referral for service is not required. Individuals can simply call 204-990-3960 to self refer.

  • Generally, there is no wait time for occupational therapy services. Various appointment times will be offered, and timing for scheduling is mostly dependent on client availability.

  • Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement (WFOT, 2012).

  • Occupational therapists help people, such as those with disabilities, live independently. Occupational therapists evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help clients meet goals to develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills needed for daily living and working.

  • Assessment

    The occupational therapy process is based on initial and repeated assessments. The occupational therapist works together with the individual, family, or group receiving occupational therapy to focus on personal capacity and environmental factors that may impact performance of important daily activities. Assessment includes the use of standardized procedures, interviews, observations in a variety of settings, as well as consultation with significant others.

    Planning

    The results of an occupational therapy assessment form the basis of a plan that address short and long-term aims of intervention. The plan is relevant to the developmental stage, habits, roles, life-style preferences, and environment of the person, group, or community receiving occupational therapy.

    Intervention

    Intervention focuses on person-oriented programmes designed to facilitate the performance of everyday tasks and adaptation of settings in which the person, group, or population receiving occupational therapy works, lives, and socializes. Examples include teaching new techniques and providing equipment to facilitate independence in personal care; and reducing environmental barriers by providing resources to lessen stress.

    Cooperation

    Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants recognize the importance of teamwork. Cooperation and coordination with other professionals, families, caregivers, and volunteers are important in the realization of the holistic approach used in occupational therapy (World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2023).

  • Occupational therapy provided in a private community-based setting is not covered by Manitoba Health. Many private insurances and government institutions will cover the cost of occupational therapy. It is recommended to contact your insurance company to receive specific details on your coverage.

  • Occupational therapy is not a provincially insured service but it is covered by many private insurance plans. You should contact your provider to get information on private coverage. If you have no insurance, you can pay out of pocket and received services at Kinex Therapy or you may wish to speak to your healthcare professional to determine if you would be eligible for occupational therapy services offered through a healthcare facility setting (which are sometimes covered).