An elderly adult may face physical or mental challenges as their bodies endure disease, chronic conditions, and age-related health issues.
Many seniors must transition to depending on family caregivers and elderly care providers to help them with some basic duties, so they can still live at home. Sometimes, elderly parents can really benefit from occupational therapy. That way, they can retain some degree of self-sufficiency and independence.
What is an Occupational Therapist?
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with elderly and disabled people on mastering the skills they need to take care of themselves regarding basic duties like getting dressed, feeding themselves and tending to their house. These specialists work with seniors to improve how well they can do daily tasks that they once mastered but are now more difficult due to physical and mental problems.
How Does Occupational Therapy Help?
Some health conditions affect how seniors move and may often impede ability. For example, severe arthritis may make it hard for seniors to open jars, brush their teeth and button a shirt. After a stroke, seniors may have a hard time feeding themselves or getting in and out of the shower. An occupational therapist can teach them how to do these things, so they aren’t completely reliant on an elderly care provider. While they will still need an in-home aide, the elderly adult will not feel so helpless.
What are the Benefits of Occupational Therapy?
The benefits of having an elderly adult go through occupational therapy are numerous. First, it helps them physically by giving them a chance to take care of themselves in some areas. Next, it is a great boost to their self-esteem, at a time when many seniors struggle with their dwindling abilities. Also, working with an occupational therapist increases the elderly adult’s safety because they learn the best way to do things for their ability, like using a cane or pulling themselves out of bed. Finally, they are introduced to different adaptive devices that can make their life much easier, like grab bars, dressing sticks and more.
Will Occupational Therapy Replace Elderly Care Providers?
Occupational therapy does not replace the need for an elderly care provider, because they perform two different services for elderly parents. Occupational therapists are professionals that work with seniors on specific tasks to boost living skills. Elderly care providers also work with seniors but in a more comprehensive way. Elderly care providers help with bathing, cleaning, cooking, transportation, companionship and more. Occupational therapy is an excellent complement to elderly care providers in supporting an elderly person’s desire to live at home despite challenges.
Any senior that is dealing with some difficult physical challenges because of getting older could really benefit from occupational therapy. Family caregivers can ask their loved one’s doctor about references for an occupational therapist if they feel their aging parent might benefit. With the support of family caregivers, elderly care aides, close friends, and doctors, elderly adults can experience a better quality of life despite any physical limitations.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Health Care in San Mateo, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
- Do You Need Help with Personal Care for Your Senior? - September 16, 2019
- Causes and Risk Factors for Shingles in the Elderly - September 12, 2019
- Five Reasons Your Senior Might Need a Daily Routine - September 5, 2019
