As we get older, certain physical activities or basic daily tasks can become more difficult to perform on our own. Luckily, healthcare workers such as occupational therapists can help people maintain, develop, or recover the skills required to perform necessary and meaningful daily activities. Let’s take a look at occupational therapy and how it can benefit seniors.
Related Blog: 7 Services Offered at Our Moorings Park Outpatient Therapy Clinics
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a blend of physical, psychological, and mental exercises designed to help people of various ages regain or maintain the ability to perform everyday activities. All patients are different and their bodies respond differently to different therapies. For example, a senior experiencing challenges due to mental disabilities may require therapies focused on mental health restoration, while a person recovering from a fall may require physical rehabilitation.
Occupational therapists critically analyze patients to find out the root causes of their challenges and devise the best therapy suited for their specific needs. They also educate and work closely with patients' primary care team like doctors, social workers, caregivers, nurses, and family to ensure they receive the proper care to help them meet personal goals.
Performing basic activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, and home management, among others, can be challenging for seniors. It can be even more difficult if someone is recovering from illness, injury, disability, or mental problems. If this happens, they may feel embarrassed, lonely, or overwhelmed and get frustrated easily.
To help with these challenges, occupational therapists help them perform varied exercises and rehabilitation techniques. Since every individual will have different needs, they will be given unique exercises to help them overcome the challenges they are experiencing such as easily sitting or standing up.
As we get older, our memory may not be as sharp as it used to be and can develop into Dementia or Alzheimer's. However, not all memory losses are irreparable. Occupational therapists can involve seniors in cognitive rehabilitation activities such as:
Like memory loss, vision can also deteriorate with age. But some cases such as double vision and lazy eye can be improved through occupational therapy. A therapist can recommend work and home changes such as:
Occupational therapists will assess the patient's home to get a feel of how they walk around every day. Depending on individualized needs, they may recommend several modifications to make basic activities safer. The modifications instill confidence and prevent injury when doing daily tasks. They include:
At Moorings Park Communities, we offer the best comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to clients who have suffered a multitude of disorders. We have a multi-disciplinary team of experienced physical, speech, and occupational therapists to help every client. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you, your relatives, friends, or loved ones.