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11 SURPRISING BENEFITS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR SENIORS

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Understanding the need for occupational therapy for seniors is one step closer to helping your loved ones have fulfilling later years.

Admittedly, we’ve all been vulnerable at some point, maybe due to a sickness or accident, and you can imagine how difficult it was to accept that you needed to rely on someone for daily, regular activities. There was probably a little hope because you knew you’d be all better and the reliance would end.

Now, imagine constantly feeling that way, not knowing when it will end or if it will ever end.

One major benefit of occupational therapy for seniors is that it increases their independence by reducing their need to rely on a person—either a family member or a caregiver. 

Occupational therapy focuses on the person’s unique needs and combines all the necessary tools to improve the quality of life.

This is one of occupational therapy’s many benefits. Stay with me, and I’ll show you some more, but first, what is occupational therapy?

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy combines physical, mental, and physiological exercises to help individuals improve their quality of life and participation in daily activities. 

It is not restricted to people who are currently employed or have a business but applies to anyone who needs it. 

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors

Here are some surprising benefits of occupational therapy for seniors: 

1. Enhances daily living skills

Undoubtedly, no one wants to rely on another person for simple daily activities like getting out of bed or making a cup of tea.

Occupational therapy empowers seniors to regain independence by breaking down everyday tasks into manageable steps. 

Occupational therapists provide practical solutions to specific age-related limitations and adaptive device training for seniors to help them comfortably engage in activities like dressing, bathing, and meal preparation. 

Other aspects of daily living, like communication, are also improved. Occupational therapists recognize speech impairments or cognitive limitations that can reduce a senior’s quality of life and help find ways to overcome them.

The ability to perform daily tasks can bring a sense of accomplishment and boost their self-esteem.

2. Increases safety at home

Increasing safety at home is one of the crucial benefits of occupational therapy for seniors.

When you employ an occupational therapist, one of their tasks is to assess the safety levels of your home in comparison with the current condition of your loved ones.

This is done to identify potential hazards and make professional home modification recommendations to create a safe environment for seniors.

These modifications include installing bathroom grab bars, improving lighting, and removing tripping hazards. 

3. Improves mobility

Occupational therapy combines mental, psychological, and physical activities to improve the everyday life of individuals.

Occupational therapists can help seniors improve mobility and reduce pain through targeted physical exercises. 

These physical activities may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and assistive devices like canes or walkers. 

When mobility is improved, there will be increased social participation and fulfillment.

4. Supports mental health

Occupational therapy plays a significant role in addressing cognitive decline and promoting mental health fitness in seniors. 

Occupational therapists motivate their clients to engage in stimulating activities like puzzles, games, and art projects. These activities keep the mind sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

Therapists also provide practical solutions for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, which help to improve quality of life.

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5. Manages chronic conditions

Another major benefit of occupational therapy for seniors is that it assists in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc., that are common among older adults.

Occupational therapists work closely with seniors to provide education on self-management techniques, energy conservation strategies, and pain management techniques. 

They work closely with your primary healthcare providers to ensure they are on the same page concerning your health.

For example, an occupational therapist can work closely with a senior battling arthritis to ensure the senior retains mobility in the affected joints through appropriate exercises and adaptive device training.

6. Prevents and reduces risks of falls

This is related to the increase in safety due to occupational therapy.

Occupational therapists teach seniors how to prevent common accidents, such as falls. 

By assessing their balance, strength, and gait, therapists can identify areas for improvement and recommend specific exercises to enhance these skills. 

They offer advice on home modifications, like removing tripping hazards and installing grab bars, to create a safer environment.

7. Customized care plans

Every senior is unique, and so are their needs. 

One advantage of having professional occupational therapists is that they develop personalized care plans based on individual clients’ unique health needs. 

These care plans may include exercises, activities, and adaptive equipment tailored to the individual’s abilities and preferences.

These plans can also be tailored to suit the mental ability of the client at a particular time. 

For example, an occupational therapist can assess when their client is down and reduce the intensity of the routine.

8. Fosters social interaction

Occupational therapy goes beyond physical and cognitive skill improvement.

Therapists encourage social interaction through active participation in group activities, community events, and hobbies. 

These social connections help reduce feelings of isolation, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.

9. Aids in recovery from strokes

Another amazing benefit of occupational therapy for seniors is that it can help with rapid stroke recovery.

Occupational therapists work on improving physical participation in activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating, as well as fine motor skills like writing and using utensils. 

These activities can be affected by stroke, but with increased attention on enhancing the physical ability of seniors, a physical therapist can ensure that the affected senior engages in them.

Occupational therapists also address cognitive impairments, such as memory loss and difficulty with problem-solving.

10. Enhances self-esteem

The enhanced ability to perform daily tasks helps to remove dependence on others and the feeling of being burdensome.

As the feeling of independence increases due to the effectiveness of occupational therapy services, seniors automatically regain their confidence. 

This boosts their self-esteem significantly. 

11. Promotes a holistic approach to health

Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to health by considering the physical, mental, and social aspects of a person’s well-being. 

Occupational therapists help seniors lead more fulfilling lives by addressing the whole person. 

They focus on the individual’s strengths and abilities, empowering them to overcome their struggles and improve their quality of life.

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Conclusion

Occupational therapy for seniors has numerous benefits, from helping to increase mobility to supporting their mental health and improving their overall quality of life.

And we are just scratching the surface.

An occupational therapist can help increase independence in older adults by providing professional home modification recommendations, training on assistive devices, and cognitive assessments.

Also, participation in daily activities and physical and mental alertness are all aspects of a senior’s life that can be improved with the help of an occupational therapist.

Get our occupational therapy service TODAY!

READ MORE: 11 BEST PRACTICES FOR TELETHERAPY (FOR THERAPISTS)