Occupational Therapists Change Lives Each Day

If you have a parent, spouse, or loved one who has encountered struggles with daily tasks, you know that the frustration can be daunting.  Aging can make doing things that used to be simple much more complicated.  Sometimes, a little help can make all the difference.

Occupational therapists help people of all ages live their lives with independence and confidence.  According to the National Institutes of Health, the profession of occupational therapy is instrumental in fostering goal-directed activity.  By evaluating a person’s interests, daily routines, competency, goals, and skill levels, an occupational therapist will create a plan and work with the individual to help them gain the ability to achieve daily activities.  This can include bathing, dressing, and eating by improving fine and basic motor skills, range of motion, dexterity, and strength.

There are so many ways that occupational therapy can help older adults feel strong and capable of handling everyday activities.  Here are some of the main benefits of occupational therapy for seniors:

• Fall prevention:  Occupational therapists provide exercises that focus on balancing and muscle building to prevent falls.
• Life changes:  Older adults can deal with transitions in life like relocation and retirement.  An occupational therapist can give seniors healthy coping skills when a life change leaves them feeling alone.
• Home modifications:  An occupational therapist can examine a home and recommend modifications like handrails or grab bars in the shower, slip resistant flooring, or medical alert systems to increase safety.
• Help for people with memory issues:  An occupational therapist can provide recommendations for those living with dementia or memory concerns to make life easier, like the addition of music to soothe, exercises for pain management, and foods that have a more appealing texture when eating is challenging.
• Caregiver support:  By teaching caregivers healthy coping strategies, occupational therapists can provide help to stave off caregiver burnout.  They also provide a sounding board for caregivers to share their concerns, feelings, and frustrations.

April is Occupational Therapy Month, a perfect time to thank the occupational therapists who have our loved ones enjoy their lives fully through the use of therapeutic exercise. Your friends at CarePatrol honor the work that you do to help keep our seniors safe and living their best lives.