Occupational Therapy and Older People

Occupational Therapy and Older People



Occupational therapy is a profession concerned
with promoting well being through occupation.
Occupational therapists (OTs) are skilled in
functional assessment and rehabilitation,
promoting independence in tasks at home, work
and in the community.
During university studies occupational therapists
learn many skills which may be used to facilitate a
person's independence, including
• Assessing the person's strengths / limitations
• Evaluating the degree of assistance required
• Providing practical skills training and
independence aids
Essentially, OTs assist people to maximise
independence in those activities and occupations
that give their lives meaning


How do OTs Work with Older People?


Occupational therapists work with older people
with a wide variety of disabilities resulting from
disease, injury, conditions from birth, and age
related changes.
Age related changes may include problems with
vision and hearing, balance, co-ordination,
endurance, memory and confusion.
Occupational therapy services are provided in a
variety of settings including:
• General hospitals
• Rehabilitation centres
• Aged Care Assessment Teams
• Community health centres
• Day centres
• Independent Living Centres
• Home care services
• Nursing homes and hostels
• Retirement homes
• Private practice



What Services do OTs Provide?


Occupational therapists work with clients and their
carers to provide a range of services, including:
• Assessment of capabilities in self care, home
duties, driving and social skills
• Training in self-care and home management
skills to increase independence
• Assessment and modification of the home to
improve safety and independence
• Prescription and education in the use of
adapted equipment to assist function
• Adaptation or design of special equipment
• Teaching work simplification techniques to
maintain independence
• Advice to carers / family on lifting and
transferring techniques
• Teaching ways to adapt to, and compensate
for, age related changes
Referrals to see an occupational therapist can be
made by the client, a friend, relative, the client’s
doctor or another health professional.


How Can OT Help Older People?

Occupational therapists can help older people to
maintain independence by assisting them to:
• Achieve a safer, more accessible home
environment
• Prevent accident and injury
• Plan for your retirement needs
• Maximize independence in personal care
tasks
• Perform household and domestic tasks
• Increase independence in community skills
such as budgeting, shopping, and use of
public transport
• Participate in social and leisure activities
• Learn to conserve energy and simplify daily
tasks
• Mobilize safely using appropriate assistive
devices
The goal is to maximize the client's skills for
living.