Aging can be difficult because we lose the ability to do everyday tasks that we used to enjoy. Retirement communities can feel frustrated, confused, and even embarrassed by this. There is help available.
Occupation therapy is one of the most rewarding things that a person can do. What is occupational therapy?
What’s occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a way to help people live independent and fulfilling lives. It helps them recover from injuries or learn new skills to accomplish daily tasks. Seniors who have difficulty performing daily activities can benefit from occupational therapy.
Optometry is offered at the best retirement communities. What does occupational therapy do in senior living?
Occupational therapy is a way for people of all ages to retain or improve their skills and abilities. Seniors can be helped by occupational therapists to learn how to do everyday tasks like dressing and bathing. Therapists also help seniors in retirement to increase strength, mobility, motor skills, and dexterity.
Occupational therapy for seniors has many benefits that go beyond physical abilities. Therapy can help older adults with vision loss or dementia to retain their abilities and solve everyday problems.
What does occupational therapy do to keep skills and abilities sharp?
Occupational therapy can prevent falls by being proactive. One in four seniors falls each year. You might be wondering what occupational therapy will do to prevent a fall.
Occupational therapy co-workers lead seniors in balance and muscle-building exercises. Residents are taught how to avoid falling.
What is occupational therapy, if not to inspect retirement living residents’ homes and make recommendations for safety improvements? Some suggestions might be:
- Remove clutter, excess furniture, and unsecured throw rugs
- Installation of grab bars and handrails
- Provide medical equipment, such as a bath bench, to make it easier to get in and out of the tub.
- Lighting sources should be increased
- Suggestions for modifications that will aid in daily living such as ramps, lift chairs or walk-in showers.
What is the difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy?
As mentioned earlier, occupational therapy is about helping seniors do the things that are most important to them in their daily lives. This includes dressing, eating, and bathing. Occupational therapy can also evaluate factors that may limit a senior’s independence.
Patients can use physical therapy to manage pain, increase range and motion, improve endurance, or maintain or enhance gross motor skills.
What role does occupational therapy play in improving the lives of seniors?
Depressed older adults may feel helpless when they lose their basic abilities. What can occupational therapy do to improve mental health?
Seniors can learn to live a fulfilling life, despite any limitations in their abilities by engaging in occupational therapy. Senior care service recipients can learn strategies to increase and maintain independence from their therapists, which in turn increases confidence and determination.
You may also be able to suggest adaptive tools that will help seniors feel more confident to join in with other senior citizens in retirement living. Any device or machine that is used to do a daily task, such as a modified spoon to use for meals, a waist-high shoe horn to put shoes on, and other devices to aid seniors in chores, grooming, and other daily activities, are called adaptive tools. Any item that has been modified to make life easier can be considered adaptive equipment.
Grande Cypress Assisted Living is a member of the Circle of Life Communities of assisted living facilities. Located on the stunning and serene Jewel Lake in Lake City, FL, Grande Cypress is sure to help you live your best life and live it well.
The facility is 35 beds and features three sizes of private and semi-private suites. Eight rooms with kitchenettes and all rooms furnished with a mini-refrigerator/microwave combo. Discover how truly wonderful assisted living can be. Call Jennifer Allender, Senior Living Consultant, at 386-365-4050 for more information or to make a reservation.
All Circle of Life Communities are committed to providing individuals a place to age with dignity while helping maintain a purpose in a safe and caring environment.
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