How Occupational Therapy Serves Older Adults: Common Questions Answered

Occupational Therapy? Physical Therapy? What’s the difference? These questions often puzzle caregivers and their families. Understanding the distinction is crucial: Physical Therapy (PT) primarily addresses physical impairments and movement dysfunctions, while Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on enhancing patients’ ability to perform essential daily activities with comfort and independence.

If your older loved one is looking for help with daily living, an occupational therapist may be an appropriate choice for them. This article will help you explore your options by familiarizing you with the discipline and how an OT can serve you and your family. You’ll also learn about the steps caregivers like you can take to make your loved one’s occupational therapy experience the best it can be.

DID YOU KNOW

Many Americans confuse Physical and Occupational Therapy disciplines, and some think the terms can be used interchangeably. Here’s a simple rule of thumb: Physical Therapy (PT) addresses physical impairments and movement dysfunctions. Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on improving patients’ ability to carry out daily activities they need to live comfortably.

Physical therapy helps people improve their movement and physical function, manage pain and other chronic conditions, and recover from and prevent injury and chronic disease. Physical therapists work with patients with injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that need treatment. They may help patients avoid surgery and prescription drugs, manage pain and chronic conditions, prevent future problems, and improve physical function and fitness.

Details make the difference

Occupational therapy may sound like it’s about getting back to work or a job. But that’s not how the word occupation is used here – occupations are defined as daily life activities. OT focuses on helping people participate in everyday activities.

Key benefits of occupational therapy

• Occupational therapists work with patients to teach them exercise and rehabilitation techniques that make completing daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, much easier. They can also help patients improve their fine and basic motor skills, strength, dexterity, and range of motion.
• Older adults are less depressed when they feel they are in charge of their own lives and can participate in the things they want and need to do. OT can help through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, including health management (filling their pill boxes), basic hygiene, sleep safety, cooking for oneself, enjoying play, leisure, and social participation.
• According to the National Council on Aging, every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes, someone dies from a fall. Occupational Therapists work to help patients maximize mobility to prevent future falls and improve their physical function.
• Many older adults experience memory loss. An Occupational Therapist can help your loved one improve memory skills by playing games, working on puzzles, and engaging in other memory-enhancing activities.
• As people age, they often face eye disease. The most common age-related causes of vision loss include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Occupational Therapists are trained to help by offering activities that test perceptual vision, pattern detection, and overall visual awareness. They can also suggest modifications in the home, such as removing clutter and color-coding medication bottles.
• A good occupational therapist can function like a trusted friend. Think of the OT as someone your loved one can talk to—especially about concerns that weigh heavy on their mind. Things that they may not want to share with you. Occupational therapists are trained professionals there to function as a liaison between you and your beloved older adult. What a gift for you both!
• If patients experience a sudden personality change, the OT can help. Sometimes, older adults experience a sudden change in personality during dementia. Their OT can help teach them techniques to make their lives less confusing as they transition into this new normal.

Q&A: How caregivers can help facilitate a better relationship with their loved one’s OT.

Q: How can caregivers support their loved ones by helping them prepare for OT sessions?

A: One of the critical factors that significantly improves the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions is the presence of caregivers during the sessions. Whether in person or virtually, their involvement ensures better carryover of instructed interventions focused on activities of daily living, therapeutic exercises, safety techniques, and compliance with adaptive devices.

Q: What can caregivers do to ensure a positive OT experience?

A: The key barrier to successful rapport and improved outcomes is understanding a skilled OT’s role and unique benefits. Educating yourself on OT or asking your practitioner what specific issues or areas they can focus on will enhance participation and goals being met.

Q: Are there any “watch-outs” or indicators caregivers and loved ones should look for when seeking the support of an occupational therapist?

A: If your loved one is experiencing increased difficulty or reduced independence with self-care, decreased functional mobility, impaired balance in sitting or stance, history of falls or near falls, limited safety awareness, reduced aerobic capacity, pain or weakness in the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, neck), they will benefit from an OT evaluation.

Q: What common conditions can OTs help patients with?

A: Many patients live with conditions including Parkinson’s, CHF, COPD, dementia, cancer, orthopedic surgeries, MS and ALS. Occupational therapists also work with patients after surgery, pneumonia, falls, and other unexpected life changes that cause them to need support.

The most crucial word in caregiver is always going to be care. Caregivers like you often seek answers and look for the best possible options for your loved ones as they tackle health challenges. Occupational therapy can play an integral role in the lives of older adults, from improving motor skills to enhancing memory and preventing falls to generally promoting independence and well-being.

After reading this article, we are sure you’ll agree occupational therapists can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Consulting with an occupational therapist will provide helpful ideas, tips, and techniques for supporting your loved ones. To learn more, contact Home Care Connectors.

References:

• AOTA (https://www.aota.org/)
  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) (https://www.apta.org/)
  • Mayo Clinic: Occupational Therapy (https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/occupational-therapy/about/pac-20384773)
  • Personal interview MOT, OTR/L. CT license.