Many seniors receive occupational therapy as a way to help perform “occupations” or activities of daily living (ADLs) – which can include everything from bathing and toileting to getting dressed in the morning. That being said, occupational therapy is not limited to just improving physical functionality.

Why do adults need occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists work with elderly patients and teach them exercise and rehabilitation techniques that make completing daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, much easier. Occupational therapists help patients improve their fine and basic motor skills, strength, dexterity, and their range of motion.

How occupational therapists help with aging population?

Occupational therapists (OTs) work with seniors to facilitate aging in place by assessing their engagement in everyday activities in their homes and communities. OTs, through their interventions, address these barriers to participation in everyday activities (Muir, 2012) that may prevent seniors from aging in place.

What is the main purpose of occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy practitioners enable people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent —or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.

Why is occupational therapy important in mental health?

It can significantly impact an individual’s ability to engage in daily life activities that are meaningful and lead to productive daily routines. Occupational therapy is a profession vital to helping individuals with mental illness develop the skills needed to live life to its fullest.

How do occupational therapists explain adults?

AOTA defines occupational therapy as “the only profession that helps people across the lifespan to do the things they want and need to do ” as well as “[enabling] people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent… injury, illness, or disability.”

What are the advantages of being an occupational therapist?

Benefits of Being an Occupational Therapist

• Employment and Economic Opportunity.
• Plenty of Areas for Specialization.
• Work in a Variety of Settings.
• Job Satisfaction.
• Extensive Study Required.
• Emotionally Challenging.
• Physically Demanding.

What help can an occupational therapist give?

Occupational therapy provides support to people whose health prevents them doing the activities that matter to them. An occupational therapist can identify strengths and difficulties you may have in everyday life, such as dressing or getting to the shops, and will help you work out practical solutions.

What is an example of occupational therapy?

For example, activities to build fine motor skills might include picking things up with tweezers. Exercises to improve gross motor skills might include jumping jacks or running an obstacle course. For someone who struggles with motor planning, therapists might work on daily routines like getting dressed.

What are the roles and responsibilities of an occupational therapist?

Occupational therapists in local government work in social services units and in the community, visiting people at home to assess their needs for independence and care. Other employers include: schools.

What is unique about occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy differs from other healthcare professions like physical therapy or nursing in its focus on treating the whole patient, rather than treating a particular injury, ailment, or disability. Using those activities as therapeutic tools helps us build better lives for our patients.”

What happens in an occupational therapy session?

At your first appointment, the occupational therapist will: Perform an evaluation to determine a baseline status for the tissues to be treated including range of motion, strength, balance. Discuss with you and set appropriate goals that are function based that will guide further treatment sessions.

How does occupational therapy impact society?

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages live life to its fullest by helping them to promote health, make lifestyle or environmental changes, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability.