Occupational Therapy; What Is It?
Despite what the name may imply, occupational therapists don’t just assist people in finding employment or dealing with issues at work. Occupational therapists are trained medical professionals who assist patients in discovering solutions for carrying out necessary or desired daily activities.
Although the term “occupation” is typically used to refer to a job or career, it can also refer to routine activities that allow us to live freely and give our lives meaning. Your health and general wellness can benefit from engaging in meaningful activities.
Occupational Therapy
Working with people at all stages of life, occupational therapists encourage independence and safety while participating in leisure activities.
A holistic approach is used by occupational therapists to address the challenges that an older person may be experiencing, including stress management, energy-saving strategies, fall prevention, home safety, and even staff and caregiver training.
What Do Occupational Therapist Do?
Occupational therapy practitioners “handle all elements of aging, from wellness plans to treatment,” according to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Focusing on function, occupational therapists assist in maintaining older individuals’ independence and safety while lowering hospitalization and institutional care-related healthcare expenditures (AOTA, n.d.).
Occupational therapists are employed in a range of areas, including but not limited to:
- Acute Care
- Nursing Facilities
- Facilities for Assistive Living
- Senior Centers
- Home Health
- Outpatient Clinics
- Hospice and Palliative Care
Occupational therapists have a special set of abilities that they can use to overcome obstacles and support a client’s capacity to participate actively in daily activities.
Occupational therapists also conduct assessments to pinpoint their patients’ strengths and areas for development. They also work with patients to pinpoint their values.
Occupational therapists can create therapies that cater to the individual’s distinct and particular needs by taking into account the extensive information acquired from the evaluation.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
Occupational therapy can support a person’s ability to do the things they like and need to do, such as bathing, cooking, managing their medication, supporting social connections, and even taking part in their hobbies. Occupational therapists use a variety of intervention approaches, including making modifications, establishing skills, creating health promotion programs, and maintaining existing skills.
Occupational therapy professionals are available to meet your requirements no matter what stage of life you’re in or where you live!
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CONTACT Silverbell Homestead today, if you are in the Fletcher, NC area, and considering elder care services for you or your loved one.