A lot of older adults prefer to live at home. However, they can only experience a higher quality of life if they remain independent. Although a lot of aging people enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle, interventions may sometimes be necessary, especially if seniors suddenly experience an injury or illness. For this case, occupational therapy is important to help older adults gain back their functioning and to take part the things they need or want to accomplish.
Occupational therapists perform home assessments to determine where home modifications can be made to make home safe for seniors. They also educate and work with caregivers to ensure they balance their own lives and caregiving roles as they offer care. Below are the main benefits of occupational therapy for seniors:
- Helps them Overcome Daily Challenges
A lot of seniors may no longer be able to button their shirts, prepare their meals, or maintain their homes. Occupational therapy helps them in compensating difficulties by coming up with some techniques. The therapist may teach them how to consider the activity in a different way or how to break down activities into smaller ones to make them more manageable.
- Helps with Home Modifications
Occupational therapists from Comfort Care Home Health Care look at their patients’ houses layout to know how they will move around the house daily. They will recommend modifications such as installing grab bars, using slip-resistant flooring in bathrooms, or getting a bathtub seat to make everyday activities safer. Modifications in their patients’ homes help in preventing falls and instilling confidence as patients perform daily tasks.
- Provides Education
Comfort Care Home Health Care in Stony Island Chicago Illinois has occupational therapists who offer education to older adults and their family members. Our therapists give proper instruction so that clients will learn how to conserve their energy, avoid falls, overcome balance issues, and compensate for mental or physical disabilities. They may also teach how to use specialized equipment like a grabber for making the tasks easier for seniors who are on a wheelchair so they can reach higher cabinets.
- Gives Support for Memory Loss
The role of occupational therapists is important during the early stages of memory loss. They evaluate the cognitive ability of their clients and help in addressing any personality or behavioral changes through behavioral modification.
Our occupational therapists help patients with dementia by measuring their weaknesses and strengths and determines performance areas which need work. While dementia is incurable, patients undergoing therapy usually experience improvement through adaptation.
Seniors who agree to get help from our occupational therapists report a positive experience. If you or your loved one is dealing with a period of transition and considers occupational therapy, we are here to help. To learn more about our services, please call us at 773-221-4400.
