As we go through life, we have so many amazing adventures. We get to see and explore the world, enjoy time with friends and loved ones, and see sights that fill us with awe because of their immense beauty. There are also times in life, though, when we may face some health challenges and find ourselves unable to easily do the things that we love. When this happens, even our daily adult living tasks may be difficult.
Fortunately, important resources are available to help us get back to living a full and vibrant life. Occupational therapy (OT) can offer cognitive, physical, sensory, and psychosocial tools and interventions that help improve our health and more easily perform our daily tasks. OT relies on the belief that engaging in activities that are meaningful in our daily lives will improve our well-being and give us a sense of independence.
Rehabilitating After Surgery or an Injury
One key reason that individuals visit an occupational therapist is to regain and recover their functional abilities after they have had a surgical procedure or injury. If you have injured your arm, hand, or shoulder, for instance, it can have a big impact on your daily life. With an injury, you might find that basic tasks like cooking, getting dressed or writing are very difficult.
Working with an occupational therapist will help an individual more quickly recover from an injury or surgical procedure. An OT is trained to help a patient relearn how they can use their body, adapt to changes that have occurred, and rebuild their coordination and strength. Their rehabilitation plans are customized to your exact personal situation and needs. In addition to physical rehabilitation, an occupational therapist can offer practical strategies and tools that can help you manage your pain and prevent any re-injury.
Managing Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses
Your mobility, function and energy can be dramatically affected by the persistent challenges associated with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. An OT can help patients manage and cope with these conditions, by teaching them ways of simplifying tasks, protecting their joints, and conserving their energy.
These strategies and methods help their clients reduce discomfort and fatigue, and maintain more autonomy in their daily lives. Home modifications and adaptive equipment may also be recommended by your OT. Redesigning a kitchen for wheelchair access, adding grab bars in a bathroom, or training an individual to use assistive technology can help a client more easily navigate their world and improve their level of everyday living.
Helping Older Adults More Easily Age in Place
With our population rapidly aging, maintaining independence becomes even more critical from both a personal and societal perspective. Occupational therapists have the experience and specialized training needed to guide older adults in how they can live comfortably, successfully and safely in their home for as long as they can.
An OT can assess the physical environment in the home, and recommend key modifications that could help prevent falls. They will also be able to help older seniors maintain or rebuild the routines and skills necessary for continuing home management and self-care.
