Occupational Therapy For Adults
Have you ever heard of occupational therapy? It’s a type of therapy that can help adults with their everyday activities. You might not know much about it, and that’s okay.
Let me give you some more information about Occupational therapy, also known as OT. It is all about helping people improve their ability to do things like getting dressed, cooking, or going to work. It’s like having a coach who can teach you new ways to do these activities and make your life at ease.
Did you know that only 10% of people in a survey could actually describe what occupational therapy is? That means there are a lot of people out there who need to take advantage of the benefits of OT. If you’ve never thought about adding occupational therapy to your allied health services, it might be something you’re considering. It makes a difference in the lives of the people you help.
However, it may prove to be invaluable in helping you stay safe and well at home. Let’s take a closer look at how an occupational assessment for older adults might help you maintain your independence.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy, or OT, is a special service that helps people with their daily needs and interests. It’s like having a personal coach who gives you exercises, activities, and special tools to help you become more independent. OT is for everyone, from kids who want to learn new things and be better behaved to adults who got hurt at work or are having a tough time with their feelings. So, if you ever need help with these things, remember that Occupational Therapy, or OT, can make a big difference in your life!
Adult Occupational Therapy (OT) is really helpful for older adults and the elderly. It helps them adjust to the physical and mental changes that happen as they get older. You know, things like having a harder time showering by themselves, struggling with so you’re budgeting, or talking to people in their community. An occupational therapist, whom we can call an OT, can help with all these things and more. They’re like super helpful superheroes that make life easier for older adults and the elderly. So, if you or someone you know needs help, remember Adult Occupational Therapy (OT)!
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Adults
Occupational Therapy (OT) can provide a diverse array of enhancements to elevate your quality of life, tailored to meet your unique needs. Experience the transformative benefits that OT brings to your overall well-being.
An occupational therapist can assist you in improving both your fine and basic motor skills. Through targeted interventions, they will address your strength, skill, and range of motion. These enhancements will facilitate your daily activities, such as meal preparation and showering, leading to a greater sense of self-care. Consequently, your confidence and mental well-being will also experience positive growth.
Being able to handle multiple tasks on your own, without depending on friends, family, or support workers, can really impact your well-being.
How an OT Can Help You Stay Well and Safe at Home
There are many other ways occupational therapists can help you stay more independent. They can show you what adaptive equipment or modifications might help you around the home. Not only will this increase your independence, but it will reduce the risk of falls.
Some examples of home modifications or additions might include:
- Handrails throughout the home and in the bathroom
- Medical alerts or alarms
- Ramps or lifts over stairs
- Installing slip-resistant flooring
The OT won’t just recommend you install these items. They will also help you find the best way to use won’t you feel more confident around the home.
How an OT Can Help You With Challenges of Aging
Occupational therapists can also give you tools so you can reduce a decline in cognitive abilities or even cope with a loss of vision. Your therapist can work with you to keep your brain engaged and challenged with appropriate cognitive tasks. The goal of these exercises is to allow you to continue to manage your finances, diary, or other commitments for longer.
If you’re experiencing vision loss, your OT assessment might recommend some alterations in the home when you’re reading:
- Adding more light and contrast to the home
- Buying magnifiers to help you see more things
- Adding bright stickers on appliances like the dishwasher or washing machine so you can keep using them easily
- Adding contrasting colors on steps and light switches so you can see them more easily
- Print your medication labels in larger print.
These strategies reduce your risk of falls and keep you in your home for longer.
If you’re recovering after an injury or surgery, occupational therapy may prove vital to your journey to health. Even for a temporary period, a therapist can help you use mobility or other adaptive aids. These can help you prevent re-injury and speed up recovery.
How OT Can Be Part of Your Home Care Package
At Speak Live Play, we can talk to you about whether you should add occupational therapy to your list of services.
Our friendly team is committed to finding you the right professionals for your allied health team, and an occupational therapist may just be the next piece of your wellness puzzle.
If you’re ready to talk to us about engaging an occupational therapist, schedule an appointment today!
