Do you know a parent who is having difficulty doing everyday duties independently? Maybe you’ve attempted to assist them, but your methods don’t appear to be working?
One of the most challenging aspects of aging is losing the capacity to accomplish previously straightforward tasks. People get puzzled, upset, and often ashamed when they lose their ability to do ordinary chores.
On the other hand, your parent does not have to feel this way. You may assist your older parent in gaining greater control over their lives in various ways.
Occupational therapy for adults is what we’re talking about. Enrolling your parent in an occupational therapy program will offer them the chance to reclaim some of their independence.
First, what is Occupational Therapy?
Many individuals know what physical therapy comprises, but many are unsure what occupational therapy entails.
Occupational therapy is a process that helps people of all ages acquire, retain, or regain the skills they need to participate in valuable and necessary everyday tasks.
The sort of occupational therapy that a person receives depends on their specific needs. An older individual with Parkinson’s disease, for example, will be treated differently from a young child with scoliosis. Also, there is different kind of occupational therapy for adults with developmental disabilities.
What are the most significant advantages of undergoing OT as an adult?
Occupational therapy (OT) combines mental and physical exercises to help patients perform daily tasks, including walking, eating, and getting dressed. Adults can benefit from the approach in the following ways:
Prevent Falls
Did you know that every year, one out of every four Americans over 65 has a fall? And that an older adult is treated in the emergency department for a fall every 11 seconds? And that someone dies from a fall every 19 minutes?
While falling may appear to be a minor concern, these figures show how deadly it may be for an older adult to fall. It’s terrifying to imagine your parent collapsing without someone to save them.
Fortunately, enrolling your parent in health and social care occupational therapy can help you relax. The occurrence of falls among older individuals is widely known to occupational therapists. As a result, therapists train their patients on how to avoid falling. They also teach them balance and muscle-building activities that will help them maintain their bodies’ strength and alertness for many years.
Greater range of motion (ROM)
Occupational therapists often use ROM exercises. As the name implies, these exercises enhance a person’s range of motion while reducing discomfort. The technique benefits seniors with worn-out ligaments, arthritis, or tight joints.
Treatment for a range of motion (ROM) differs according to the afflicted joints and underlying disorders. They aid the user by strengthening their muscles and reducing discomfort in specific locations.
Chronic pain relief
Trauma, inadequately healed wounds, and nerve damage is potential causes of chronic pain. However, it is mainly caused by aging joints and bones. It can be quite debilitating, causing a lack of control over daily tasks.
Occupational therapists provide vestibular rehabilitation therapy or adopt an approach to assisting clients in accomplishing activities in an adapted manner. There are several tried-and-true methods:
Pain management
Neuromuscular re-education
Body mechanics and ergonomics
Communication skills practice
Pacing activities
Better Outlook
Aside from memory restoration, occupational therapy can also improve your older parent’s attitude on life.
When an older parent’s abilities begin to deteriorate, they often wonder aloud, “How am I going to live the rest of my life like this?” Occupational therapists assess people with autism’s present developmental levels to improve their capacity to self-regulate emotions and participate in social relationships through a service called autism adult occupational therapy.
Your parent will find that, even if their body and mind are changing, they may still live a whole life by engaging in occupational therapy for adults.
Improve Visual Skills
Vision changes can develop because of eye illness, a brain injury, or a stroke. Blind spots appear in our field of vision because of these alterations. Visual changes might make it difficult to walk comfortably or read. Optical adaptive techniques like scanning and pre-reading procedures can be taught in occupational therapy to improve reading performance and overall experience.
Overcome the Struggles of Everyday Life
Helping patients overcome the challenges of everyday living is an essential component of an occupational therapist’s profession.
Standard everyday actions (such as walking, eating, and so on) may be a large, demanding chore for many older individuals. They frequently feel frustrated and quit up in the middle of a task.
They’re also less likely to try to engage in other elements of life, such as social events, family trips, and hobbies, if they can’t execute simple daily duties. This can easily lead to despair and feelings of loneliness.
Therefore, an occupational therapist’s involvement is so critical. Patients’ vital and fundamental motor function, stamina, talent, and range of motion are all improved by occupational therapists. Even minor improvements in these areas can make a difference in completing an everyday task.
Memory Rehabilitation
When most folks think about occupational therapy, they assume the physical advantages. On the other hand, occupational therapy has several psychological benefits. When occupational therapists first meet with their patients, they will evaluate their cognitive and physical abilities.
For example, suppose your elderly parent has dementia. Their occupational therapist will evaluate their strong and weak points in this scenario. Then they will develop a care plan that involves maintaining the vital areas and strengthening the weak spots.
A Trusted Confidant
Ultimately, occupational therapists have valued confidants for your aging parent. Many older adults feel embarrassed about not doing the things they once could. Even if you are their offspring, they may not feel comfortable discussing the issues with aging with you. Often, they think you will not understand, or they don’t want to burden you with their concerns. Occupational therapy for adults is the best solution for these concerns.
Occupational therapists are experts with extensive experience working with the elderly. As a result, they’ll know how to speak to your parent in a manner that benefits them feel better while also not dismissing them.
