Adapted from Advice From Your Advocates Podcast, Ep. 23 with guest Danielle Hopkins.
As we age, our bodies and minds naturally change. We may experience physical challenges, such as decreased strength and balance, or cognitive challenges, such as a stroke, memory loss, or dementia. These changes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking.
Occupational therapy can help seniors regain their independence and quality of life. Occupational therapists (OTs) work with individuals to help them participate in the activities they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).
OTs can help seniors with a variety of tasks, including:
Maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating
Managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease
Coping with the effects of aging, such as memory loss and vision problems
Returning to work or school after an injury or illness
OTs use a variety of techniques to help seniors achieve their goals, including:
Exercise and physical therapy
Education and training
Counseling and support
Environmental modifications
In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of occupational therapy for seniors and provide tips on how to find an OT.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors
Occupational therapy can provide several benefits for seniors, including:
Increased independence: OT can help seniors regain their independence in ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This can help them live more safely and comfortably at home.
Improved quality of life: OT can help seniors improve their quality of life by reducing pain, improving mobility, and increasing participation in activities they enjoy.
Reduced risk of falls: OT can help seniors reduce their risk of falls by improving balance and coordination.
Improved cognitive function: OT can help seniors improve their cognitive function by providing memory training and other activities that stimulate the brain.
Reduced stress: OT can help seniors reduce stress by providing relaxation techniques and other strategies for coping with the challenges of aging.
How to Find an Occupational Therapist
If you are interested in occupational therapy, you can find an OT by contacting your local hospital, rehabilitation center, or senior center. You can also search online for OTs in your area.
When choosing an OT, be sure to ask about their experience working with seniors. You should also ask about their approach to therapy and how they will help you achieve your goals.
Our team of Elder Care Coordinators at Mannor Law Group can assist you with finding and advocating for the care you or your aging loved one needs. We are also skilled at helping families discover ways to pay for care that prevent them from using their life savings or even losing their house to pay for ongoing care.
Occupational therapy can be a helpful tool for seniors who are struggling with the challenges of aging. OT can help seniors regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce their risk of falls.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, occupational therapy can also help seniors:
Stay connected with their community
Learn new skills
Improve their self-esteem
Reduce their risk of depression
If you are a senior or know a senior who is struggling with any of the challenges of aging, occupational therapy may be a helpful option. To learn more about occupational therapy for senior care, listen to this latest Advice From Your Advocates podcast episode, hosted by Attorney Bob Mannor with special guest Occupational Therapist Danielle Hopkins. You can also watch the video replay on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OP8OMQd6_-g
To learn more about how our Elder Care Coordinators can assist you with this changing process, connect with us below or call (800)990-6030.
Listen to new episodes of Advice From Your Advocates Podcast every other week. Subscribe for updates.
- BuzzSprout
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- iHeart Radio
- Podcast Addict
- Podchaser
- Deezer
- Listen Notes
- Player FM
- Podcast Index
