An occupational therapist can play many roles. Their role is to assist people with disabilities and illnesses. These could be due to aging, illness, or accidents. They help people to continue to do their daily tasks. An occupational therapist will consider all aspects of the client’s life, including their physical, psychological, and social. An occupational therapist will evaluate it to determine if it can impact the client’s well-being and then put in place mechanisms to assist them.
Occupational therapists aim to help patients participate in everyday life as fully as possible. They can help patients with a variety of activities to make their lives easier. This is particularly important for elderly care because it allows them to live the best life possible, without having to depend on others.
Services Available For Aged Care
As each person is different, there are many services available to seniors. They may offer the following services to patients in aged care:
- Modifications to your home to make it more comfortable
- Self-management and home management
- Help in learning new skills for self-care
- Mobility aids: Assessment, customization, and supervision
- Referral to medical services
- When necessary, client advocacy
Of course, there are many other services available. However, these are the most popular. The service offered will depend on the patient’s needs. If these changes occur, the services can be modified.
The Benefits of Occupational Care
When you are considering occupational care, there are many benefits that you should consider. These are the top benefits that you need to keep in mind.
Consider Your Needs
An occupational therapist can provide an individualized solution for seniors, which is one of the main advantages of occupational care. People can receive the support they require, which is dependent on their individual needs. It might be used to assess if an individual requires assistance with public transport or functional assessments, such as if an elderly person needs help with cooking. It ensures that every need is met. Occupational care recognizes that every elderly person is unique.
Rehabilitation
As you age, you are more likely to develop a disability or condition that can negatively affect your quality of living. A stroke, hip replacement, or even a stroke are just a few examples. It is important that the elderly person can have their lives re-arranged if this happens. Occupational care can help individuals get the best treatment and be taught how to use any equipment that may benefit them. These include things that improve mobility, such as walkers. 40% of people over 60 have a disability. There are more than 250 million people over 60 who have a severe disability.
Helps with Chronic Pain
Even simple tasks can become more difficult as we age. Although it is not unusual for seniors to feel chronic pain as they age, this doesn’t mean that it’s easier to manage. While one person might react by launching into a tirade when they feel the need, others may choose to withdraw from those around them and suffer in silence.
An occupational therapist will work with the patient to develop better-coping strategies that will help them manage their chronic pain. The occupational therapist will recommend alternative strategies that are safe for the patient and others.
Support with Everyday Living
The right OT can help people stay at home longer and prevent them from having to move into full-time care. They can help people who live at home avoid falling or other hazards. They will add value and meaning to every day of an individual’s life. Consider the equipment available to meet a person’s mobility needs, such as a stairlift. It will depend on the requirements of each person and their home.
Supporting Memory for People with Dementia
Memory loss is the first sign of dementia. One in six people over 80 have some type of dementia. 70% of those in care homes have severe memory impairments that affect their daily lives. Individuals with memory loss need occupational care to ensure they get the support they require. They can change the environment in which the person lives. You can place everyday items where people will be able to find them easily. They can also create memory games that can help individuals improve their memories. You could use calendars or notebooks as key tools. Teaching elderly people how to use computers can open up their world to more interesting and exciting possibilities.
Encourages Independence
Another advantage to occupational therapy is its ability to encourage independence. It’s not uncommon for people to lose independence as they age. Occupational therapy can help people thrive in their personal and professional lives. There are many ways that independence may be lost. It could be that the person is unable to travel alone to new places or move around their house. It is important that people feel empowered to take on as many tasks as they can. This will allow them to live independently for longer periods and attain higher levels of happiness.
Increases Quality Of Life
Occupational therapy for older people has many benefits that can lead to a better quality of your life. This helps patients live a more active and healthy lifestyle that allows them to make the most of their lives. This makes the elderly person happier because they receive the right support to live a happy life, even if they’re in an aged facility.
Fun Occupational Therapy Activities
It is worth looking at some of the most common tasks that occupational therapists use to assist the elderly. This could include physical therapy, such as walking up stairs or climbing up them. This will ensure that all parts of your body get exercise and that no part of your body is left behind. This helps seniors avoid mobility problems that can develop from not getting enough exercise.
You can also use tasks to improve the fine motor skills of elderly people. You could work on puzzles to stimulate brain activity, or you might be able to write. It is important to use writing techniques for seniors as it allows them to continue communicating in many different ways. This is especially useful for someone with hearing loss.
Individuals may be able to modify their homes to improve their mobility. This could happen independently or under the supervision of an occupational therapist. These modifications could range from handrails to complete ramps that are perfect for someone who is in a wheelchair.
Finally, occupational care can also include mental health exercises. If an elderly person is suffering from a variety of personal problems, this can be very helpful. They could have chronic pain. Chronic pain patients may have problems with their mental health, and could even be suffering from depression. An occupational therapist can help people deal with such mental health issues.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article useful and understand the importance of occupational therapy in older care. There are many areas of occupational therapy. Each has its benefits. The needs of each individual will determine which approach is best for them. An occupational therapist will review all information and make sure that the patient is fully informed.
Occupational therapists can help people with disabilities achieve a better quality of life. They can help seniors maintain their independence by providing the personalized care they require.