Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. Occupational therapy assists people in developing the "skills for the job of living" necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Some of the health conditions that benefit from occupational therapy include:

• Finger, wrist or elbow injuries
• Work-related injuries/over use syndromes/tendonitis
• Limitations following a stoke or heart attack
• Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions
• Pediatric and/or infant learning problems or developmental disabilities
• Spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries
• Vision or cognitive problems (that interfere with self cares)

Mercy Outpatient Occupational Therapy Department Services:

• Evaluation and treatment
• Upper extremity strengthening, neuromotor re-education and coordination
• Training for independence in activities of daily living
• Home safety education
• Cognitive evaluation and treatment
• Perceptual evaluation and training
• Lymphedema management program
• Driving evaluation and training
• Seating/positioning
• Splinting
• Hand rehabilitation
• Adaptive equipment
• Instruction in joint protection
• Instruction in work simplification
• Pediatric/infant rehabilitation

All patients are seen for an initial evaluation upon referral from the physician. Occupational Therapy services also are provided in the Inpatient Rehabiliation Unit, Skilled Nursing Unit and acute hospital setting. Treatment and goals are established based upon the outcome of the evaluation. Each patients plan of care is established in coordination with the referring provider.

Cheri Thomazin                                             Tracie VandenBerg
Outpatient Supervisor                                   Inpatient Supervisor

Located at Cheslea Creek
1501 Fourth Street SW
Mason City, IA 50401
641-428-7498, or 800-433-3883, ext. 87498