October is Occupational Therapy Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the impact of occupational therapy across the healthcare system and the role occupational therapists (OTs) play in helping people maintain or regain independence. In home care, that can mean supporting clients with daily activities after an illness or injury, adapting to changes in their abilities, finding the right equipment or developing strategies to make everyday tasks safer and more manageable.

This year is especially meaningful as occupational therapy in Canada marks 100 years since the founding of its national association in 1926. This 100-year milestone is an opportunity to celebrate a century of contributions, strengthen understanding and visibility of occupational therapy and look ahead to how the profession will continue to evolve.

To mark this special occasion, we asked occupational therapists from VHA Home HealthCare and Champlain Rehab Solutions to share what they love about working in home care and some of the experiences that have stayed with them.

Meet Our Occupational Therapists  

---

Hadjar Saidi, OT Reg. (Ont.) 
Champlain Rehab Solutions, Ottawa

“One of the things I love most about my work is the practical problem-solving I do every day. We help people find simple ways to make everyday life safer and more manageable, while considering their routines, support systems and what is actually realistic.

For example, I worked with one client who was having difficulty opening a door independently. An automatic door opener would have been an ideal solution, but the cost and installation requirements weren’t feasible. Instead, we explored a simple magnet door stopper that could achieve the same goal and better fit the client’s circumstances.

For me, that’s where occupational therapy can make such a meaningful difference. It’s not always about the most sophisticated equipment or the biggest change. Sometimes, it’s about finding a small solution that reduces frustration, supports independence and makes life a little easier.”

---

Tickalyn Martin, OT Reg. (Ont.)
VHA Home HealthCare, Toronto Central

“What I love about occupational therapy is that we start with the person and what they need or want to be able to do, and then look at what’s getting in the way. What works in a clinical setting doesn’t always work at home, where things like narrow spaces or a bathroom layout can change what’s possible.

I recently supported a client who returned home from the hospital with a manual wheelchair. She couldn’t independently propel the wheelchair up and down the ramp outside her building. It also didn’t fit well in her kitchen, and there wasn’t enough space to turn in her bathroom. We explored a power wheelchair instead, which allowed her to get in and out of her home independently and move around more easily.

This was a great reminder that occupational therapy isn’t just about recommending equipment. It’s about understanding what someone needs to do in their everyday life and finding a solution
that actually works for them.”

---

Simone Zamper, OT Reg. (Ont.)
VHA Home HealthCare, London & Southwest

“One of the things I love about occupational therapy is how broad the work is. People sometimes hear the word ‘occupation’ and think it simply means helping someone return to work. But occupation actually refers to all the meaningful activities that fill our lives—from dressing, showering, and cooking to caring for family, participating in the community and enjoying leisure activities.

I also love helping people discover that using a mobility device such as a walker or wheelchair can actually give them more independence, not less. The right equipment can help people feel stronger, less worried about falling and more confident in their everyday activities.

I often say to my clients: ‘I’m not here to tell you what you can and cannot do. I’m here to help you find safe ways to continue doing what you want and need to do.’ That’s what makes this profession so rewarding—working alongside my clients to problem-solve, overcome challenges and find a way forward.”

---

This Occupational Therapy Month, we celebrate Hadjar, Tickalyn, Simone and the more than 200 occupational therapists across VHA Home HealthCare and Champlain Rehab Solutions who make such a difference in the lives of our clients and families every day. Thank you for everything you do!