A Goal: Something in your life that you want to achieve, learn how to do, do more often or improve.
Goals can be small or large. An individual may have goals for the present and/or goals for the future. Goals are generally more effective when they are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound).
Occupational Therapists (OTs) work together with individuals and families to support their goals for daily tasks and activities that they want to do and have to do.
Here at Geronimo, OTs work with participants and families to ensure that goals are as client-centred and neuro-affirming as possible. Client-centred goals are based on what the individual would like to work on. Setting goals that are client-centred promotes motivation, engagement and autonomy. Creating goals that are neuro-affirming is a strengths-based process to ensure that each individual’s different support needs are respected.
OTs can work with individuals on a variety of goals including self-care, domestic and community goals:
Self-care goals may include tasks such as learning to tie shoelaces, brushing teeth and improving sleep.
Domestic goals may include tasks such as meal preparation, completing laundry and cleaning the house.
Community goals may include tasks such as using public transport, getting your driver’s license and getting a job.
Geronimo OTs can also work on goals regarding skills which can support participation in many tasks. The skills may include executive functioning (memory, planning, organisation, etc.), fine motor skills (small movements of the hands & fingers e.g. dexterity, precision), gross motor skills (large body movements e.g. balance, coordination), emotional regulation and social skills. Many individuals may also have goals of understanding their sensory needs and preferences.
At Geronimo, goals are usually first discussed in the initial meeting. In this meeting, the individual’s performance in many areas will be discussed, including the individual’s strengths as well as the things they find difficult.
Goals can be also set following completion of formal and informal assessments. These assessments may assist in identifying areas that an individual may find challenging or would like to improve.
Goals guide the interventions and activities worked on in OT sessions. Goals are often reviewed and may be changed or altered if the goal is too difficult or has been met. To begin working on goals, it is important that rapport is developed between the individual and their OT.
If you are finding it difficult to think about what goals you would like to work on, your OT can guide and support you to think about different tasks or skills that you may be interested in learning or improving.
Written by Sarah Hockey, Occupational Therapist, Geelong