Occupational Therapy Process
Occupational therapy to improve daily living uses everyday activities with specific goals to help people of all ages prevent, lessen, or adapt to disabilities. In this way, it can allow people to continue performing the tasks that bring them meaning and enjoyment. This is a crucial aspect of senior home care, which can provide the mental and physical stimulation many seniors need to stay healthy as they age.
Whether due to illness, injury, or just the natural aging process, many older adults find that they cannot handle daily chores like cooking and cleaning, running errands, or even getting out of bed without assistance. This is when senior home care becomes an option. A qualified home health aide can help with all of these and more. In addition, a senior who receives home care may find it easier to get around, which can reduce the risk of falls and other medical issues that could lead to hospitalization.
Before selecting an agency or individual to provide senior home care, ask friends and neighbors who they have used. Also, a local senior center or other community groups may be able to make recommendations for services. Once a provider has been selected, an evaluation will be done to determine the type of care needed, which is then tailored to meet those needs. For example, an assessment might reveal that a person has trouble standing for long periods of time or has difficulty using the stairs in their home, which can then be addressed by recommending a lift or removing rugs that are a tripping hazard.
In addition to addressing daily living skills, occupational therapy can help older adults deal with the emotional and social aspects of aging. OTs are trained to identify and address the underlying causes of dissatisfaction or frustration that can lead to isolation. Often, this means helping them to establish new relationships or find new interests so that they can feel more confident in their abilities and enjoy life again.
In addition to being trained to assess the needs of individuals, an OT must have a thorough knowledge of the human body and how it works. They must graduate from an accredited program, such as the one at Pacific, and complete fieldwork requirements to be licensed. This, coupled with their advanced training in anatomy, physiology, and psychology, makes them uniquely qualified to address a variety of needs. They also must pass a rigorous national certification exam. This makes OTs an extremely sought-after profession worldwide.