For older adults, it might be harder for you to do all the things you used to do. It might be okay to forego the occasional roller coaster ride, but it can start to compromise on you or your loved one’s ability to be independent. Here is where occupational therapy can help. Our senior lifestyle experts here at Regency Pointe By Discovery Senior Living have compiled a guide to occupational therapy and how it can help you and your loved ones gain greater control over your lives. Read on to find out more!
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy for older adults focuses on helping them maintain as much independence in their everyday movement as possible. This can involve helping them to remain productive by learning new skills or by recovering the function that they lost. While people of any age can opt to go for occupational therapy, it has been especially helpful for seniors who might feel that they can no longer meet their daily needs.
Therapists that specialize in this form of therapy have to ensure that their recommendations are specialized to meet the needs of their individual clients. This can involve getting to know their clients themselves, their friends and family, and their primary physician or medical provider. In doing so, they form a comprehensive understanding of their clients’ behavioral patterns, medical history, and specific interests and needs. Only then will they start to plan a set of recommendations and strategies to help their clients reach their long-term goals.
It is important to take note that each session can range from 20 minutes to a few hours depending on your goals. Similarly, it may take a few months to a few years for you or your loved one to fully transition out of occupational therapy. In this time, you will have to work closely with your therapist so it is important that you or your loved one are comfortable with their methods and can initiate transparent conversations.
Benefits of Occupational Therapy
There are many benefits of occupational therapy but the main two are helping you or your loved one to overcome daily challenges and to improve mental wellbeing.
There are many activities that we take for granted when we are younger but become increasingly harder or even impossible when we age. Physical barriers to movement for simple tasks can be draining or stressful for individuals. Therapists will be able to implement specific strategies and exercises to help people do what they want to do. At times, this can even include improvements to the home with installations of grip bars, railings, or even mats.
The next benefit is the increase in mental wellbeing. Having difficulties doing the things you want to do can be extremely stressful and disappointing, not knowing how to help yourself can make the situation seem even more hopeless. Seeing an occupational therapist will not only help with improving physical wellbeing but will also utilize various relaxation exercises or coping mechanisms to further maximize your or your loved one’s quality of life.
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Here at Regency Point By Discovery Senior Living, we truly believe that every resident can live a fulfilling and enjoyable life filled with purpose and happiness. This is why we offer exclusive senior living programs for our residents to have easy access to wellness programs and activities. For more information on our different senior living options or the amenities that we offer, contact us today.