OT for Independence: A Shelter-Based Approach

Authors

Joshua A. Dotson, Eastern Kentucky UniversityFollow

Files

Description

This Capstone project was conducted at the Clark County Homeless Coalition in Winchester, Kentucky, focusing on supporting individuals experiencing homelessness through occupational therapy (OT). The main objective was to understand shelter staff roles and clients’ occupational needs while helping clients engage in meaningful activities to improve their quality of life and independence. Research showed a strong need for OT services among homeless and mentally ill populations, with client-centered, choice-based interventions proving most effective. Tools like the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) informed the approach, though outcome measurement was limited by inconsistent client participation. Nonetheless, the COPM guided meaningful goal-setting. Informal interviews and skilled observation revealed improvements in client engagement, including confident cooking, social interaction, time management, and medication management. These outcomes demonstrated increased occupational performance and client satisfaction. Leadership was a key component of the experience, involving advocacy for OT’s role in shelter systems and education of staff and clients on the discipline’s value. The project allowed the application of academic OT knowledge in a non-traditional setting, with support from my Capstone coordinator. It reinforced that all individuals are occupational beings and that structured, meaningful activity plays a critical role in recovery and stability. This experience expanded the understanding of OT’s relevance to marginalized populations and emphasized the importance of tailored, evidence-based interventions in promoting client growth and long-term housing readiness.

Graduation Date

2025

Keywords

Occupational therapy, community health, homeless population, clinical practice, education, advocacy

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Comments

Click here for the link to the presentation: https://youtu.be/eT-_xrc69D8

Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Document Type

Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

Site Mentor

Amy Horn