For many Older Adults, aging comes with a plethora of physical and mental barriers that affect day-to-day life. Dementia, arthritis, and injuries impact activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. When facing these issues, families must make difficult decisions. Aging at home is the preferable and less traumatic option. And, quite often, a combination of Occupational Therapy and in-home care helps Older Adults successfully age in place. Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with Senior Citizens to help them regain mobility and independence.
What is Occupational Therapy?
In a nutshell, Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people across the lifespan accomplish activities of daily living. It is useful for those who suffer from pain, injury, disability, and mental illness. However, OT is different from other treatments. This type of therapy considers the individual needs of the person in relation to their environment and activities. OTs use a variety of tools to help Older Adults continue the essential activities of their daily lives, including self-care, work, and leisure.
A Holistic Approach
Barriers to independence are multifaceted and complex. Occupational Therapy focuses on the unique needs of the individual. By taking a holistic perspective, OTs center their treatments on improving the overall quality of life of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. They consider aspects that matter to the individual and pinpoint skills that are important for everyday life. The goal is to treat the underlying issues and build a foundation of functional capabilities that helps the individual as a whole.
Aging-in-Place
Occupational Therapists and in-home caregivers both work to improve the long-term health of their clients. OTs help Seniors adapt to the new challenges they face. They can guide Seniors and caregivers to make home modifications using person-centered design. Some Seniors may need to adjust their daily routines and habits to age-in-place more effectively. OTs bring a unique perspective to help Older Adults adapt as they age. By strengthening functional daily living skills, Older Adults can stay independent for longer.
At Anita’s Angels, Inc., one of our Certified Homemaker-Home Health Aides can make sure Seniors get to their OT appointments. They can also assist with any daily home exercises that the Occupational Therapist prescribes. Let’s talk about how we can help you—call 908-788-9390.
