Activities of daily living
Personal care, including dressing, bathing, eating and moving around during daily routines.
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Find support for everyday life.
Start with an activity you want to do, or explore a topic below. Then narrow the resources by your location and needs.
The nine occupations of everyday life
In occupational therapy, occupations are the activities that make up daily life. Choose an area you want support with. About the nine occupation areas from AOTA.
Instrumental activities of daily living
Managing home and community tasks, such as shopping, preparing meals, money and transportation.
Health management
Managing appointments, medications and routines that support your health.
Rest and sleep
Resting, preparing for sleep and establishing sleep routines.
Education
Participating in school, training and other learning opportunities.
Work
Finding, preparing for and participating in paid work or volunteering.
Play
Exploring, imagining and taking part in enjoyable play activities.
Leisure
Making time for hobbies, recreation and chosen interests.
Social participation
Connecting with family, friends and community.
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Daily living
Dressing, meals, sleep, and home routines.
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Explore channel →Children & school
Play, classroom participation, and family support.
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Explore channel →Sensory support
Environments, tools, and practical strategies.
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Explore channel →Work & independence
Employment, accessibility, and life transitions.
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Explore channel →Caregiver support
Education, community programs, and respite.
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Explore channel →Local services
Find organizations and services by location.
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Explore channel →Mental health
Emotional support, finding care, peer groups, and help for loved ones.
Explore channel →Mobility & transportation
Find mobility specialists, current transit schedules, accessible travel information and paratransit.
Explore mobility resources →Find resources for your care setting
Choose a care setting, then narrow by everyday activity and location.
- Acute care / hospital — Resources for hospital care and planning the transition after discharge.
- Outpatient pediatrics — Clinic-based occupational therapy and related support for children.
- Aging in place — Support for continuing to live in your own home as you age.
- Group homes — Information about shared residential settings and support with daily life.
- Rehabilitation facilities — Resources for physical rehabilitation after illness, injury or surgery.
- Mental health facilities — Information about mental health treatment settings, including inpatient, residential and outpatient care.
- Assisted living — Information about residential support with everyday activities and choosing a community.
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Source links and recorded review dates accompany listings. Some details remain unconfirmed. Sources & citations
Medicare or Medicaid questions?
Find Medicare counseling, Medicaid help and resources for healthcare costs.
Early intervention, school & college
Understand IDEA, IFSPs, IEPs, Section 504 and the transition to college accommodations.
Pediatric sensory support
Explore primitive reflex information, sensory diets and questions for your child’s OT.
Volunteer in your community
Find local or remote ways to contribute, with questions to help you choose an accessible role and a manageable schedule.
Support after a diagnosis
Cancer, bariatric care, and serious or terminal illness guidance — find local starting points and practical support for consumers and caregivers.
Grief & loss support
Find counseling, peer support and choices that respect your beliefs, including secular support.
Explore grief support and counseling →Leisure & adaptive sports
Explore hobbies, accessible parks, adaptive sports and activities that fit your interests. Ask organizations about equipment, support, access and costs.
Find leisure and adaptive sports resources → · Recreation guide