10 Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Aging Adults

By 9  am on

Advantages of Occupational Therapy for Aging Adults in Edmonton, AB

 

Occupational therapy is a special type of therapy meant to help people learn the skills needed to perform daily tasks despite physical or mental limitations. This sort of therapy can be very helpful for seniors, allowing them to recover a sense of confidence and independence. There are several unique benefits associated with occupational therapy for seniors.

1. Reduc es Fall Risk

For seniors with balance, coordination, and mobility issues, occupational therapy can be literally lifesaving. Therapists often help seniors learn new ways of standing up from chairs, walking up stairs, and navigating around tight spaces. This can prevent the dangerous falls that hospitalize seniors so frequently.

2. Encourages Better Self-Care

The exercises seniors learn from occupational therapists help them perform everyday activities, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, and eating meals. This can help seniors avoid getting frustrated and neglecting their basic needs.

Many seniors are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elder care. Edmonton, AB, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

3. Addresses Vision Loss

Vision loss is incredibly common in seniors, and it can lead to both increased accident risks and cognitive decline. An occupational therapist can teach your loved one ways to compensate for lost vision. A few simple modifications recommended by therapists can help seniors get their lives back.

4. Assists with Modifying the Home

Occupational therapists can make seniors’ home lives safer and easier by suggesting modifications to their homes. Grab bars, slip-resistant rugs and bath mats, and other simple devices can reduce the risk of major accidents.

5. Boosts Memory

Most occupational therapy is physical, but it can also help with cognitive skills. Therapists can teach seniors tips that help them alleviate memory loss and dementia symptoms.

6. Reduces Caregiver Stress

Caregivers often end up stressed and overwhelmed because they feel like they have to do everything for their loved ones. Occupational therapists help seniors recover some independence, giving caregivers much-needed breaks.

Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Edmonton, AB, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.

7. Manages Chronic Pain

Occupational therapists can help aging adults relieve chronic pain in a few ways. First of all, they can suggest range of motion exercises, massages, and other methods to assist with pain directly. They can also help seniors find ways of performing tasks that won’t trigger painful flare-ups

8. Makes Life Transitions Easier

Life changes, such as having a live-in caregiver move in or getting a new diagnosis, can be traumatic and stressful. Occupational therapy helps seniors get a sense of control over their lives. This can provide much-needed peace of mind during challenging times.

9. Leads to a Happier Outlook

Losing the ability to do daily tasks often makes seniors feel frustrated and depressed. Regular occupational therapy can restore lost function. Over time, this can boost mood and make the senior years happier.

10. Reduces Strain on Arthritic Joints

Certain types of arthritis get much worse with overuse. An occupational therapist can recommend ways of switching up various movements, reducing strain on joints.

Caring for a loved one with physical limitations can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a senior care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG



    Request Free Information or
    Schedule a Free in-Home Consultation