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Elderly who are admitted to hospital may experience a decline in physical and cognitive function after hospital admission. Some also experience a very slow recovery after discharge. Occupational therapy can assist to maintain physical and cognitive abilities while in hospital. 

Accidents, surgery, and certain medical conditions can lead to a temporary or permanent impairment in cognitive function. Occupational therapy can assist in weekly evaluation of cognitive function. This can guide doctors in making more informed discharge decisions.

Prolonged bedrest, e.g. > 2weeks, can lead to decreased endurance and muscle strength. Maintaining physical abilities while in hospital can improve post-discharge functional outcomes. 

Conditions such as dementia and delirium can cause confusion. Daily occupational therapy intervention can assist the confused individual orientate themselves to the present reality. This treatment is especially relevant in the IUC.

Death is not always a sudden occurrence but happens slowly for some patients (e.g. in oncology). This can be extremely difficult for the family of a person who is dying. Occupational therapy can assist the patient and their family cope with the psychological stressors associated with end of life care.

Losing a limb due to an accident, after surgery, or due to diabetes can be life altering. Occupational therapy can assist these individuals to cope with the mental and physical challenges associated with amputation. Occupational therapists are also trained to do diabetic foot care education sessions. This education aims to prevent a progressive amputation and a second amputation (e.g. amputation of both lower limbs at a later stage).

A hospital is not only a place where adults are admitted. Children and adolescents are also admitted for various reasons. Occupational therapists are traditionally know for their involvement in paediatrics and in a hospital we can offer valuable insight w.r.t. treatment and care.

Getting a hip or knee replacement comes with a list of DO's and DON'ts. Occupational therapists are trained to do educational sessions with the patient so that the patient knows how to care for and protect the operated hip/knee.

Some patients who are admitted for a medical, neurological or orthopaedic conditions also have pre-existing mental health challenges. This may pose a challenge, or in some cases, a threat to their physical recovery (e.g. patients who are suicidal). Occupational therapists are experts in treating a range of psychiatric conditions, including borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, generalised anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder.

Hand function is crucially important, especially for working individuals. Occupational therapists are skilled at evaluating and treating hand function.

A variety of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and lower back pain can be treated (at least partially) with behavioural modification and ergonomics. Occupational therapists can do educational sessions with patients so that further damage and discomfort is avoided. 

It is not well known but pain conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, somatic symptom disorder, and many others can be treated by an occupational therapist.