Occupational Therapy for Older Adults

Occupational therapy for Seniors can be enormously helpful as a way of keeping the elderly active and self-sufficient.

It can not only allow them to stay fit but may also help them maintain their physical stability. This can be beneficial when it comes to performing daily tasks such as walking, driving, or getting dressed; meaning they may be able to do those things without needing the help of any assistive caregiver.

Though many people confuse Physical Therapy (PT) with Occupational Therapy (OT), they are very different. Occupational Therapies consider both the physical and cognitive abilities of elderly patients.

It treats disabilities beyond the physical level — like cognitive impairment, limited mobility, etc. On the other hand, physical therapy only focuses on helping with the physical impairment of patients.

Here’s a closer look at the benefits of occupational therapy for the elderly. Read on to learn more!

Reduces Chronic Pain and Prevent Falls

Occupational therapy can also helps older people lead happier lives. It can reduce chronic pain and keeps their muscles active to prevent unexpected falls.

By giving patients the chance to process physical, mental, and social changes that occur with the ageing process, occupational therapists can help them keep up with the world around them.

Boosts Memory Skills and Sensory Stimulation

When elderly patients go through the ageing process, they tend to face a number of different physical and mental health issues. For example, they may forget to complete everyday tasks and gradually lose the natural sensory stimulation.

Occupational therapy can help them to improve their overall cognitive skills.

Emotional Well-Being Improvement

While any adult can suffer from depression, senior adults may be particularly susceptible to physical, emotional, and social effects. But occupational therapists can help.

Oftentimes, these professionals work alongside doctors and other medical professionals to help patients focus on what they can still do instead of what they can’t. It can help seniors regain their independence and confidence.

Enhance Organizational Skills

Occupational therapy can help elderly people regain their organizational skills and learn how to organize things on their own. Occupational therapists also help with home modifications to allow older people to keep living independently.

Reduce Arthritis and Vision Loss

With arthritis and vision loss affecting many seniors, occupational therapists can help these patients get back to their daily tasks more efficiently.

By analyzing the type of arthritis seniors have and the related needs of their vision, occupational therapists can create solutions for them to carry out tasks in a better way.

Assistive Equipment

Whether dealing with vision loss or a physical disability, occupational therapists can work with various assistive equipment to help older people enjoy independent living. Some of the assistive equipment includes:

• Bathroom Rails: This device allows an elderly person to finish their bathroom chores on their own without the fear of falling.
• Easy Grip Cutlery Handles: It helps older adults with their eating needs as these cutlery sets are thick in design and, therefore, easy to handle.
• Long-Handled Combs and Brushes: Long-handled combs can let elderly people comb their hair on their own.
• Swivel Seat Cushion: This device make it easier for them to get in and out of the car.
• Seat Walker: It helps increase the movement range of elderly patients who cannot walk and require a machine to help them move while sitting.
• Mobility Scooter: The mobility scooter, also known as a power-operated vehicle or a power wheelchair, helps the elderly have a higher level of mobility when going out and about.
• Wheelchairs: Like mobility scooters, wheelchairs also help elderly patients move around freely without someone else’s support.
• Lift Chairs: Lift chairs are powered, motorized chairs that help older people get into a standing position while sitting on them.
• Hospital Beds: These beds can be effective for older patients. These beds have an elevated position that helps reduce back strain. Adjustable head and footrests also allow patients to sit up more comfortably.
• Floor Hoists and Ceiling Hoists: Floor hoists are portable, easy-to-use devices with the same transfer options as ceiling hoists. They come with a castor wheeled frame, a mast and a boom, which allow users to safely raise and lower the patient from their bed onto a transport device.