Occupational therapy is designed to help stroke survivors regain and build skills that are important for functioning on their own. The occupational therapist will help the person evaluate levels of function.

The occupational therapist will:

• test a person's strength, range of motion, endurance (the ability to continue an activity or effort), and dexterity (skill in using hands) to do everyday tasks that were done easily before an illness or injury happened
• design a program of activities and solutions that ensure the greatest possible independence
• provide training to relearn everyday activities of daily living like eating, grooming, dressing, toileting, bathing, and leisure activities
• decide whether special equipment is needed, such as wheelchairs, feeding devices, transfer equipment, hand and skin devices
• help the stroke survivor fight tiredness and problems with thinking