As we grow old, our ability to carry out simple tasks, mobility, and dexterity will naturally decline. This will make completing everyday tasks more difficult, which will gradually cause elderly people not to participate in activities they love, preventing them from being more social, and also from pursuing interests they enjoy. 

There are various problems that accompany old age. It hurts to see the elderly (whether it be our parents or any of our beloved ones) in our life struggle with the day-to-day tasks they used to do so effortlessly at once. Most elderly people require additional care and emotional support during these times.

Luckily there are ways through which you can help these elderly people to gain more control over their life. What we are suggesting is Occupational therapy!! And we here at Entrust Care provide just that to your loved ones and help them gain their independence back!! Let us take a look at what exactly Occupational therapy is and how it benefits elderly people. 

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a process that involves helping people at all stages of life from newborn babies to senior citizens to develop, maintain, or recover the skills they need for daily activities (or occupations) that are meaningful and necessary. OT aims to promote health and quality of life. 

Here at Entrust Care, we have highly skilled Occupational Therapists who are devoted to the well-being of our patients. Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals complete their day-to-day activities with ease. 

How Does It Work?

Now we will discuss what to expect when you enroll in our occupational therapy program. First, your occupational therapist will do a proper assessment of your needs so that they can show you how to do your daily routine in a better way. 

Next, looking at your needs, they will come up with a plan and set goals according to your needs or limits. Your OT can help you to adapt your movements, train you on how to use assistive devices such as raised toilet seats or wheelchairs, improve hand-eye coordination, show you new ways to do daily tasks, and improve your motor skills. 

After practicing these for a few days, the OT will monitor your progress and check whether the person is meeting their goals. Then they will make any necessary changes to the plan if required. 

Benefits of Occupational Therapy

Now let’s take a look at how occupational therapy helps seniors in their life, which will give you a clear idea on if your parents or loved ones need occupational therapy or not. 

Eases the Struggles of Day-To-Day Life

Most elderly people find it difficult to accomplish their everyday activities such as walking, eating, dressing, taking a bath, and other tasks. An experienced occupational therapist will teach them techniques that will help them complete these tasks with ease. OT helps you to adapt to your life in a better way and helps to ease the struggles in everyday life.

Prevent Falls in Their Home or Public Places

Just like small kids, elderly people are also at a high risk of falling. As we age, our body doesn’t cooperate with us as we want, so we have to train them. Occupational therapy helps you to recover from a fall but also, your OT will help you improve your balance and teach you muscle-building exercises that will help you against falling.  

Promote Mental Health and Improve Quality of Life. 

Occupational therapy not only focuses on physical well-being but also on one’s mental well-being too. OT helps give their patients the confidence and determination they need to make the most out of their elderly life.

Memory Rehabilitation

Memory problems are one of the major issues faced by elderly people. These can be the early signs or symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and can have a major impact on day-to-day functioning, relationships, and also a sense of self. 

An occupational therapist helps their elderly patients regain their memory skills by engaging them in activities that enhance their memory such as crossword puzzles, matching games, or placing stop signs at doors or gates helping them not to get disoriented and wander around.

Helps you Organize your Household.

Your occupational therapist will look at the conditions that you live in and recommend necessary changes to your household so that you can move around your home more safely and freely.

Wrapping Up 

Occupational therapy can be helpful if you have any of the following problems:

Stroke

Spinal cord injury

Arthritis and chronic pain

Joint replacement

Alzheimer’s disease

Low vision

Poor balance

Mental health or behavioral problems.

If you are looking for an occupational therapist for your loved ones or for yourself, let us know!! We here at Entrust Care provide at most care and excellent supervision to our patients. Contact us for more details!!