Occupational Therapy for Seniors: The What, Why & How

There comes a time in many seniors’ lives when everyday activities become challenging or painful, leading to a loss of independence and lower quality of life. Common causes include stroke, injury, vision loss, memory issues, balance problems, reduced muscle mass, and the natural aging process.

In this post, we’ll discuss when and how occupational therapy is applied to improve patients’ functionality and help in other ways to make performing difficult daily tasks easier.

OT vs. PT: Is Occupational Therapy the Same as Physical Therapy?

No, they are not the same. However, physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) often collaborate to create a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to improve everyday life.

A physical therapist’s primary goal is to reduce a patient’s pain and increase their ability to move. PTs focus on the range of motion, endurance, and overall physical functioning, typically following injury or surgery. This therapy restores physical activity, movement, strength, balance, and mobility function to muscles, bones, joints, and tissues.

Then What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists work to enable individuals to perform daily tasks (also known as activities of daily living or ADLs) that are essential for independent living. These activities can range from personal care tasks like eating and dressing to more complex activities such as managing finances or using a computer.

OTs focus on helping patients adapt to and overcome limitations in order to carry out meaningful activities in daily life. They address both physical and cognitive challenges when teaching new techniques for daily tasks, recommending adaptive equipment, and modifying home or work environments for safety and accessibility.

OTs assist older adults with a wide range of basic and complex tasks. These tasks include daily self-care tasks and ADLs, such as:

• Eating
• Bathing and dressing
• Shaving
• Brushing teeth or hair
• Using the restroom
• Moving from one place to another, called transferring, such as from a bed or chair to a tub or shower

Another benefit of occupational therapy is support with more complex daily activities, known as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which require cognitive or social skills. These activities include:

• Grocery shopping and meal preparation
• Using a phone or computer
• Housecleaning and laundry
• Managing medications
• Handling finances
• Driving

What Conditions Can Occupational Therapy Treat?

OTs can assist people of all ages who are dealing with various conditions that affect their ability to perform daily tasks. Common causes for elderly people to seek occupational therapy include:

• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Diabetes
• Chronic pain
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
• Vision impairments
• Symptoms of memory loss

What Can I Expect During an OT Session?

An OT session begins by assessing your current level of agility and functionality, reviewing your health history (including mental health), and observing how you perform specific tasks. They’ll address your difficulties and may speak with your family members, caregivers, or other health care providers.

After this evaluation, the OT will create a personalized treatment plan to meet short-term and long-term goals. They may recommend exercises, assess your home for safety, and teach you safer, easier ways of doing everyday tasks.

Depending on your needs, an OT may:

• Recommend hand exercises to improve dexterity necessary for holding utensils, buttoning or zippering clothing, brushing teeth, etc.
• Recommend exercises to improve strength, flexibility, or coordination.
• Simplify your dressing routine.
• Show you how to safely get in and out of the shower.
• Show you balance exercises and other ways to prevent falls.
• Evaluate your home to ensure it’s safe and well lit.
• Recommend home modifications for people living with vision impairment.
• Help you obtain and use assistive devices, like a bath chair, cane, reacher, or pill organizer, and ensure you’re using them properly and safely.

Where Can I Find OT Services?

OTs work in various settings, including private practices, senior living communities like The Overlook, subacute care residences, hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, and patients’ homes. Your health care provider can refer you to an OT. Ask your provider for recommendations in your area.

Occupational Therapy at The Overlook

At The Overlook, our subacute care services integrate specialized occupational therapy to help seniors build confidence and function in everyday activities. Discover how OT and other rehabilitation services at The Overlook can be pivotal to your recovery journey.

Contact The Overlook today to learn more about our services and how we can support your path to wellness.

To learn more about how occupational therapy can benefit you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association.