June 5, 2018
Occupational therapy (OT) helps people to do the things they want and need to do during their daily lives. For many patients, occupational therapy is required after injury or illness to help return to regular activity.
Here are some benefits of occupational therapy:
- Fall Prevention Falls are a big problem for the senior community. Luckily, OT helps participants become aware of all the fall risks around them. With OT you can learn how to avoid scenarios which have a higher risk of falling while still staying active. Therapists can also teach balancing and muscle building exercises.
- A Safer Home The home can present many safety hazards. Occupational therapists can identify where installation of safety devices such as handrails, grab bars and shower seats throughout your home can help. OTs can also recommend safety modifications and removal of hazardous obstacles throughout the home. These recommendations can promote independent living and prevent harmful
- Upper Extremity Pain and Impairment Management As people age, pain and physical limitations in range of motion and strength are very common throughout the body. Occupational therapy can work with you to reduce your painful condition and help restore range of motion, strength, coordination and function to make your everyday tasks easier.
- Caregiver Relief Caring for a person in need is hard work, but luckily OT can help alleviate some of that pressure! Occupational therapists can work with your loved ones to help them make better decisions about your daily care needs. Just as OTs teach patients how to live independently, they also teach caregivers how to separate themselves from their caregiving.
- Conquering Everyday Life Sometimes it feels like each new day is the hardest of your life – it doesn’t have to be that way! OT teaches recipients how to dress, feed, socialize, manage their home, manage urinary incontinence, volunteer or even work, all while compensating for any hardships. Therapists consider common problems such as chronic pain or arthritis and develop strategies that can help tackle these without sacrificing happiness.
- Mental Restoration Age-related mental decline often seems unavoidable. Studies have shown that brain training exercises play a role in preventing or delaying the effects of these conditions. Occupational Therapists are trained in targeting mental health and cognitive disorders and use brain teasers to help restore your brain power.
- Aging in Place Many seniors are unable to continue living on their own as they grow older and less independent. OT teaches seniors how to “age in place” by developing partnerships with older adults, family caregivers, and community members to help people maintain their independence and coordinate and receive appropriate assistance as needed.
- Edema Management Edema is a condition characterized by the collection of excess watery fluid in cavities or tissues of the body. This commonly occurs in feet and legs, but may also occur in hands and arms. Occupational Therapy can assist with acute edema management and provide training and equipment recommendations for the home to help with long-term management to keep edema at bay.
- Education and Knowledge Many people lack the training and education that could help them stay independent. An OT can provide this knowledge, tips and strategies to utilize in your daily life. Therapists can help with vision or hearing impairments and mobility limitations to prevent falls, use proper joint protection principles, conserve energy and simplify workload. OTs are concerned with increasing the quality of your life and helping you feel more satisfied and lead a healthier and safer lifestyle.
- Rehabilitation Assistance After surgery, many seniors are completely disabled until they begin to recover. Consulting with an occupational therapist can help facilitate the recovery process and get patients back to living like their normal OTs can offer suggestions on personal care and daily activities while limited with movement.
Aegis Therapies is a nationally recognized leader in contract rehabilitation and wellness services with more than 7,500 therapists and clinicians providing therapy services in over 1,400 facilities across 41 states.
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