Occupational Therapy Goals and Examples
Occupational therapy goals serve many purposes. One of those is to ensure a client is benefiting and progressing from their sessions. Occupational therapy goals also track client progress, in addition to identifying when a client is ready to take a break from therapy. These goals also help determine when a client requires additional services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, or behavioral health support.
What are the different types and formats of occupational therapy goals?
There are many different types and formats of occupational therapy goals. No matter what type of goal you are making, make sure to include the client in the goal writing process. By doing this, you can help your client feel empowered during the therapy process which will ultimately lead to better engagement in therapy and a better therapy experience for both you and your client.
Why are occupational therapy goals important?
Occupational therapy goals are not just important for the therapist, but also for the client. If a client feels connected or inspired by their occupational therapy goals, they’re more likely to engage during sessions. When this happens, clients tend to get inspired by the therapy process which results in a higher chance they’ll attend and follow through with their occupational therapy sessions.
What is a SMART goal in occupational therapy?
SMART is a common type of goal used among many occupational therapists. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time Based. By using this acronym as a guide, you can ensure your goals contain all the relevant information necessary. SMART goals are also universally used and easy for you, your client, and any other medical professionals involved to understand.
What format should an occupational therapy goal follow?
Occupational therapists typically follow a standard format. There’s an overall long term goal, followed by multiple short term goals. These short term goals help the client reach their long term goal by making it more attainable.
What’s the difference between long term and short term goals?
When it comes to long term and short term goals in occupational therapy, there are a few things to consider.
- A long term goal is typically more broad and highlights an overarching theme or goal for a client. Long term goals will typically have a time frame of six months to a year.
- A short term goal supports the long term goal. They’re generally more specific than a long term goal, and there will typically be multiple short term goals supporting a long term goal. Unlike a long term goal, short term goals can typically be achieved in one to three months.
Long term occupational therapy goal examples
For more clarity on what a long term occupational therapy goal looks like, we’ve created some examples below.
- Client will get dressed independently with 90% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Client will be able to hold a pencil with a developmentally appropriate grasp and write their name independently with 80% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Client will be able to don their lower extremity clothing including their socks and shoes, while following hip precautions with 100% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Client will demonstrate developmentally appropriate engagement with their sibling, without aversion 80% of the time, in ⅘ trials.
Short term occupational therapy goal examples
Short term goals are worked on to help the client achieve their long term goals. Some examples may include:
Long term goal: Client will get dressed independently with 90% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will don a pullover shirt with moderate assistance with 80% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will don a pair of pants with maximum assistance with 80% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
Long term goal: Client will be able to hold a pencil with a developmentally appropriate grasp and write their name independently with 80% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will complete fine motor strengthening activities to improve their hand strength, with minimal assistance with 80% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will hold a pencil with a developmentally appropriate grasp and imitate vertical and horizontal lines with minimal assistance with 80% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
Long term goal: Client will be able to don their lower extremity clothing including their socks and shoes, while following hip precautions with 100% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will don a pair of pants with a long handled reacher while following their hip precautions with 100% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will don a pair of socks with a sock aid while following their hip precautions with 100% accuracy in ⅘ trials.
Long term goal: Client will demonstrate developmentally appropriate engagement with their sibling, without aversion 80% of the time, in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will engage in parallel play near their sibling, without aversion 50% of the time, in ⅘ trials.
- Short term goal: Client will share an item with their sibling for 1 minute, without aversion, in ⅘ trials.
How to use occupational therapy goals with your EMR
Once you have made your occupational therapy goals for your client, it’s easy to add them to your EMR. When adding goals to an occupational therapy treatment plan, it’s helpful to first add your long term goals, and then your short term goals after. By formatting your goals this way, it allows you to easily track your client’s progress and see what areas your client is progressing and what areas they may be having difficulty.
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