Changes in cognitive functioning can affect a person's ability to manage everyday activities, work, relationships and independence. Occupational Therapy cognitive rehabilitation focuses on understanding how these difficulties affect day-to-day function and developing practical, individualised strategies to support participation in the activities that matter to the person.

Cognitive rehabilitation may be appropriate for people experiencing difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, processing speed, planning, organisation, problem-solving or executive functioning.

As part of cognitive rehabilitation:

• Complete an initial consultation to explore current cognitive concerns and determine whether Occupational Therapy cognitive rehabilitation is appropriate.

• Complete a functional cognitive assessment, considering how cognitive changes are affecting everyday activities, routines, work and independence.

• Identify areas of cognitive strength and difficulty and how these interact with the person's environment, fatigue and daily demands.

• Support difficulties with memory, including remembering appointments, tasks, information and future intentions.

• Develop practical strategies for attention, concentration and managing distractions.

• Support difficulties with planning, organisation, prioritisation, problem-solving and task completion.

• Introduce compensatory strategies such as calendars, reminders, checklists, routines, environmental prompts and other external memory supports.

• Explore appropriate assistive technology and digital tools to support cognition and everyday functioning.

• Support the development of strategies for managing cognitive fatigue, overload and reduced cognitive endurance.

• Use meaningful everyday activities and individual goals to practise and embed cognitive strategies.

• Support the application of cognitive strategies within work, education, home and community environments, where appropriate.