Did you ever have to recover from an injury or surgery when you were a kid? Given how resilient the young body is, injuries like a broken bone tend to heal quickly. As we age, our bodies need more personalized support to bounce back. Luckily, occupational therapy is a great option for older adults to overcome or manage any physical limitation they’re dealing with. Join us as we break down what occupational therapy is and the benefits it brings to your lifestyle.
Explaining Occupational Therapy for Seniors
The purpose of occupational therapy for seniors is to help them meet the challenges of day-to-day living while maintaining the highest level of independence possible. Unlike physical therapy, which focuses on building strength in different parts of the body, occupational therapy helps people do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).
An occupational therapist starts by evaluating your specific needs and learning more about the activities you’d like to resume. From there, they’ll come up with a customized treatment plan to help you reach a higher level of wellness. For example, if your recent hip replacement is getting in the way of tending to your garden, an occupational therapist will work with you on exercises and stretches to help your hip return to normal function.
The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors
1. Recommendations for Home Modifications
When you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, some activities of daily living like bathing or going up the stairs become more challenging. A trained occupational therapist can learn about your needs and recommend home modifications that boost your level of independence and wellness. If you’re having trouble using the shower to bathe, an occupational therapist can recommend the best grab bar to make this daily task easier to accomplish. Not only does this improve your level of functionality, but these home modifications also make your environment safer, which gives your loved ones more peace of mind.
2. A Boost in Your Mental Health
Even though occupational therapy for seniors mainly focuses on raising targeted physical capabilities, there are mental benefits as well. When you work with an occupational therapist and see the improvement you’re making with daily tasks, it’s natural to experience a boost in confidence.
As your level of independence goes back up, you might start to notice the stress you feel each day goes down. Plus, if any of the activities you enjoy require memory or focus, some occupational therapists have the expertise to help with those aspects of your health as well. You might find yourself doing crossword puzzles or match games to boost your mental health.
3. Overcome Daily Challenges
After an injury or surgery, daily tasks like cleaning your home or even cooking meals can feel truly challenging. Occupational therapists have proven strategies that can help you overcome the daily challenges you’re facing. They’ll also help you find alternatives to daily tasks that can make recovery a bit easier, like prepping your meals in a certain way to make them easier to cook.
Find Personalized Support in Retirement in Atlanta, GA
If you or a loved one needs extra support with daily tasks, Canterbury Court is here to help. Our welcoming senior living community has a licensed personal care program to give residents the right level of support they need to maintain their highest level of independence. You’ll also be able to enjoy a wide variety of social events while exploring your passions on our 11-acre campus. A more fulfilling retirement lifestyle is waiting for you at Canterbury Court, and our staff can’t wait to show it to you. Contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our community.