I have worked with OTs in a variety of situations (educational) and found them to be incredibly valuable in many ways.
As for dementia, may I agree with the person who said personal experience is the best teacher? I'm sure many OTs do a great job without having had personal experience, but it certainly is a bonus.
Things I consider to be important:
Talk first to the patient, not the Carer - unless it is totally clear that the patient cannot respond. It shows very little respect for the patient if the Carer is asked about the patient, in the patient's presence.
Talk to the Carer AWAY from the patient so you can understand the Carer's issues , as well as the patient's. Many patients will insist they are "fine" or that they take care of them-selves, when their Carers can tell you that is patently untrue!
ASK the Carers what they need - which areas of caring are difficult and what would make a positive difference. Many people are unaware of the help available and you might discover you can make the world of difference by just asking what the Carer needs for the patient.
Tell the Carers what they can expect in the way of support. Many TPers have only discovered things from being on TP - it is almost as if there is a "conspiracy of silence" to keep information from Carers in case they start asking for too much!
Remember that even when patients are in Care Homes, the family members (or friends) remain Carers. Altho' they no longer have primary responsibility for the patient, they are still very involved in the patient's care. Also, because their focus is on one person, rather than a ward full of people, they are much more aware of the
individual needs of the patient, in most cases.
Carers are sufferers too. Caring is very hard work, physically and emotionally. It tears people (and families) apart. It is a HUGE stress. Please DON'T make people "fight, argue, scream" for help that is their right. We are tired and worn out from caring - we need support, not
another battle to get the help our patient is entitled to.
More on the above: if you can't help, explain clearly "why" and give a realistic time frame of when you
can help. Don't fob people off with "I'll get back to you" and fail to do so.
Realise that the patient will NOT be able to learn new things. You might have all sorts of wonderful equipment, ideas, etc. but unless the person was using these before dementia, s/he will be unable to use them now.
More on the above: so you need to address the Carer's issues as much as the patient's problems.
I realise I have laid a great deal of stress on the caring side. I hope you will understand why and not feel I'm being one-sided.
As for the dementia sufferer, there are two things that I believe really guide "best practice":
1 Learn as much as you can about the disease - not only from a medical perspective but also from a social one (TP forums are very useful for this).
2 "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". I know the Golden Rule is a cliche, but it is still our best guide. Ask yourself: if this was ME that had dementia, would I like the way I was being treated by my OT? If it was my parent or spouse that was the patient, would I be happy with the way this OT is treating him/ her? If you can honestly answer "yes", you are doing a good job!
Every best wish for a satisfying future in your chosen field.