Affiliations: Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability, London, UK
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Liz Broadhurst, Head IV Occupational Therapist, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, West Hill, London SW15 3SW, UK. Tel.: +44 0208 780 4500; E-mail: lbroadhurst@rhn.org.uk
Abstract: This article looks at the importance of leisure as a key principle within occupational therapy practice. A review of current literature and two in-patient case studies are used to discuss the role of the Occupational Therapist in adapting leisure occupations for individuals with complex neurological disability. The article highlights the use of leisure as an occupation through which therapeutic goals can be achieved. Goals should underpin leisure, enabling an individual to participate in their chosen leisure occupations. It is recognised that there is importance in using a client-centred approach to ensure that meaningful occupations are used and that the occupation fits the needs of the individual and not the other way around. Working in this way, there is a benefit to individuals, assisting them to cope with loss and the onset of disability and also preventing occupational deprivation.
Keywords: Occupational therapy, leisure, occupation, occupational deprivation, adaptation, client-centred practice
