Occupational therapy helps people do everyday tasks and life activities after illness, injury, or disability. We spoke with Lauren Flook, a registered Occupational Therapist who currently works as the Health and Wellbeing Lead at Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Canterbury. With a background in neurology, she uses her knowledge and experience to help people with MS live well day to day.
Can you tell us about your role as an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational Therapists (OTs) support people to participate in the activities and roles that are important to them. “Occupation” refers to all the things we do in everyday life, including self-care, family roles, work, education, hobbies, social activities, and community participation. As an OT, my role is to work alongside people to understand what matters most to them and help them find ways to continue engaging in those meaningful activities, despite the challenges that may come with living with long term conditions, such as MS. This can involve adapting tasks, modifying environments, developing new skills, introducing equipment, or building on a person’s own strengths and resources. With a background working in neurological, chronic pain management and mental health, I am particularly interested in supporting people to live well alongside long-term conditions, navigate change, and maintain a sense of purpose, identity, and wellbeing.
How do you support people with MS in their day-to-day lives?
MS affects everyone differently, so support is always tailored to the individual. I work with people to identify the activities, roles, and routines that are most important to them and explore practical ways to maintain participation. This may involve adapting how activities are completed, managing fatigue, problem-solving barriers, improving routines, introducing supports, or finding new ways to engage in valued occupations. Long-term health conditions can sometimes involve loss, uncertainty, and the need to adjust to changes in function, lifestyle, or life roles. OTs support people through these transitions, helping them adapt to challenges while maintaining participation in the activities and relationships that matter most. While some aspects of life may change, there are often opportunities to develop new skills, explore different ways of doing things, and find new sources of meaning, purpose, and wellbeing.
What kinds of challenges might lead someone to see an OT?
People may benefit from seeing an OT if they are experiencing difficulties managing everyday activities due to symptoms of MS. This might include challenges with fatigue, mobility, memory, concentration, hand function, work, household tasks, self-care, driving, leisure activities, or participating in family and community life. People may also seek support when they are adjusting to changes in function, experiencing a loss of confidence, navigating changes in life roles, or finding it difficult to balance the demands of daily life. OTs can help people work through both the practical and emotional aspects of these changes.
How do you help people conserve energy and manage fatigue?
Fatigue is one of the most common and challenging symptoms experienced by people with MS. OTs help people understand how they use their energy throughout the day and develop strategies that enable them to use that energy more effectively. This may include pacing activities, prioritising tasks, planning, simplifying routines, incorporating rest breaks, and identifying tasks that can be modified or delegated. Many people develop activity patterns where they push through symptoms on their “good” days, only to experience increased fatigue and reduced function afterwards. This can create a cycle of overactivity and recovery that is difficult to sustain. OTs may also explore how a person’s beliefs, expectations, and values can influence how they approach activity. For example, some people may feel they should keep going despite fatigue, find it difficult to ask for help, or place pressure on themselves to maintain previous levels of productivity.
What role do you play in equipment, home modifications, or accessibility?
OTs assess how a person’s environment impacts their ability to participate in daily activities safely and independently. This might involve recommending equipment, suggesting home modifications, identifying assistive technology, or finding alternative ways to complete tasks. We can also provide advice regarding workplace modifications and community accessibility. Often, relatively small changes can make a significant difference in reducing effort, improving safety, and enabling continued participation in everyday life.
How do you work alongside whānau to support independence?
Whānau are often an important source of support for people living with MS. OTs work collaboratively with both the individual and their whānau to understand goals, strengths, challenges, and support needs. Together, we explore ways to promote independence while recognising that everyone’s support needs are different. Independence doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything alone. It means having choice, control, and the opportunity to participate in meaningful activities and relationships. Supporting whānau to understand the impact of MS can help strengthen confidence, communication, and resilience for everyone involved.
How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals?
OTs are part of a multidisciplinary team and work closely with neurologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, speech-language therapists, social workers, GPs, and other health professionals. Each team member brings a different perspective, and by working together we can support the person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing. Collaboration helps ensure care is coordinated and focused on the individual’s goals and priorities.
What are some simple strategies people can try to make daily tasks easier?
What works best will vary from person to person, so it’s important to find strategies that fit individual circumstances and goals.
Some simple strategies include:
- Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
- Taking regular rest breaks rather than pushing through fatigue.
- Planning demanding activities for times of the day when energy levels are highest.
- Keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
- Using calendars, reminders, or phone apps to support memory and organisation.
- Prioritising activities that are meaningful and necessary.
The most effective strategies are often the ones that fit naturally into a person’s own lifestyle, routines, and priorities.
When is the best time for someone to see an OT, and how can they access this?
Many people think they should wait until difficulties become significant before seeking support, but early intervention can be very valuable. Seeing an OT early can help people develop practical strategies, build confidence, plan ahead, and address small challenges before they become larger barriers to participation. Depending on location and circumstances, support may be accessed through public health services, community providers, rehabilitation teams, or private Occupational Therapy services.
What’s one key message about maintaining independence with MS?
There may be times when MS brings loss, uncertainty, and the need for adjustment. It’s important to acknowledge those experiences and recognise that adapting to change can be a journey. Occupational Therapy focuses on helping people identify what matters most, build on their strengths, adapt where needed, and find ways to continue participating in areas that are important to the person. Sometimes that means continuing valued activities in a different way. Sometimes it means developing new skills, embracing different roles, or finding new opportunities that provide meaning and fulfilment. Whilst some roles and activities may change, there are often new opportunities to find meaning, connection, and fulfilment.
What helps you stay balanced or recharge outside of work?
Outside of work, I value spending time with family and friends, getting outdoors, and making time for activities that I find meaningful and enjoyable. I also enjoy opportunities for learning and trying new things, whether that’s developing a new skill, exploring a new interest, or challenging myself in different ways. As Occupational Therapists, we often talk about the importance of participating in activities that provide purpose, enjoyment, connection, and a sense of achievement. Meaningful activity looks different for everyone, but having opportunities to engage in things that matter to us and continue learning and growing can play an important role in our health and wellbeing throughout life. It’s a principle I try to apply in my own life as well. Making time for rest is important, but so is making time for the activities, relationships, and experiences that bring purpose.
Thank you so much to Lauren for sharing her knowledge with us and providing valuable insight into the work OTs do.
Last Updated September 24, 2026