Are you or one you love struggling with daily tasks, dressing, eating, or turning pages in a book? One of the most difficult components of the aging process is recognizing the effortless daily activities of the past are suddenly awkward and challenging. Confusion and frustration begin to be constant companions. Luckily, Occupational Therapy helps Seniors regain these skills and provides many other benefits.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Most people understand what Physical Therapy entails but wonder about the purpose of Occupational Therapy. A simple explanation is to envision Physical Therapy involving large motor skills such as walking, holding your head up, climbing stairs, and walking on uneven surfaces. Occupational Therapy involves small motor skills such as buttoning clothing, tying shoelaces, holding eating utensils, brushing teeth, or picking up small items.
Occupational Therapy varies with individual needs. Occupational Therapists work with a patient’s support team to understand their individual role as part of the patient’s care program. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Occupational Therapy slows the aging process, improves overall health, and is helpful in preventing falls.
The Benefits of Occupational Therapy
- Fall Prevention –Statistics show 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 65 have a fall each year. Falls may seem like a minor issue but often lead to other diagnoses, even death. Occupational Therapy shows Seniors how to prevent falls by using balance and muscle building exercises.
- Self-Care Improvement – Whether the concern is personal hygiene or finance management, Occupational Therapists help with the performance of everyday tasks—how to dress oneself, proper hygiene, writing a check, and the use of appliances.
- Memory Rehabilitation – Occupational Therapy provides Seniors with a variety of mental benefits as well as physical improvements. Most elderly have some memory loss. Occupational Therapists help patients regain memory skills by having them engage in brain activities, puzzles, crossword puzzles, or matching games. People who live with mental health disorders, Parkinson’s disease, or depression find a better quality of life when Occupational Therapy is used.
- Mood and Attitude Improvement – A key benefit of Occupational Therapy is obtaining an improved outlook on life. It is natural to wonder how the rest of life will be when simple tasks become monumental undertakings. Occupational Therapy demonstrates a fulfilling life is possible even with changes in bodies and minds. Occupational Therapists help provide patients the confidence and determination needed to make the most of their life.
- Vision Improvement – Approximately 1 in 3 Americans have some form of vision-reducing eye disease by the age of 65. Occupational Therapists offer activities to improve peripheral eyesight, pattern detection, and overall visual awareness. Occupational Therapists may suggest changes in the home or workplace to avoid having vision loss hinder everyday activities.
Although each Senior’s health is different, one belief remains the same; we all want to continue doing the things we love well into our later years. Occupational Therapy, combined with other supportive care services, contributes to a person’s overall quality of living. Bridge to Better Living is here to help you find a home offering the quality of life you desire. If Occupational Therapy is wanted and/or needed Bridge to Better Living will be sure the community chosen accommodates your request. Choosing a Senior Living Option is all about YOU. Bridge to Better Living helps make wishes come true.