Occupational therapy for seniors helps to regain or develop new skills for day-to-day life after injury or illness, or to address challenges of the natural aging process. It is usually a component of elderly care plans, and occupational therapists are often on staff in nursing homes. The following guide explains how occupational therapy can help your aging loved ones thrive.

Benefits & Uses of Occupational Therapy in Elderly Care

1. Promotes Independence

Occupational therapy focuses on recognizing what people can do, rather than what they can’t. The goal is to help seniors be as independent as possible with skills such as personal hygiene, dressing, and eating. With occupational therapy, those who have experienced stroke, memory loss, or another injury can re-learn basic skills and remain as self-reliant as possible. Therapists help those with chronic, progressive conditions learn to cope with daily tasks in new ways as their mobility deteriorates. This may involve the use of physical aids or learning to use the left hand instead of the right, for example. Therapy programs are completely customized to the patient’s unique needs.

2. Provides Memory Loss Support

Many occupational therapists are trained to assess the cognitive abilities in patients dealing with memory loss. Therapy can offer behavior modification for challenging personality changes and assist both patients and family and other caregivers to cope with these shifts. Therapists recommend updated safety modifications for a client’s home, such as handrails and non-slip flooring, and offer education and support for families as their loved one’s memory loss progresses. 

3. Boosts Health & Wellness

As part of an overall elderly care program, occupational therapists address the lifestyle changes that are necessary to help seniors stay active and healthy. Therapists can suggest lifestyle and home modifications to help prevent falls, which can become more common as a senior’s health changes. Therapy can also help individuals navigate the many psychological, emotional, and physical changes that take place in the later years of life. 

Occupational therapy for seniors is a crucial component of elderly care. It contributes to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of your aging loved one whether they are at home or in a nursing home. Hillview Health Care Center in La Crosse, WI, offers independent senior living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care to the area’s elderly community. Visit their website to learn more about their campus and services or call (608) 789-4800 for more information about tours and admissions.