Occupational Therapy for Seniors: What the OT Team at Abbey Delray South Can Do For Your Well-Being
At Abbey Delray South, we prioritize the well-being and independence of our residents by offering a comprehensive array of amenities and health services. We’re committed to ensuring that each resident has the essential resources to lead a fulfilling and self-reliant life.
For many residents, occupational therapy is an essential factor in preserving their independence and supporting active aging. But what exactly is occupational therapy? We answer this question below, and also discuss the benefits of occupational therapy for seniors and how it can empower you to maintain your autonomy.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Both occupational therapy and physical therapy are rehabilitative in nature. Physical therapy is focused on improving movement, mobility, and function, often when recovering from injury, surgery, or illness.
By contrast, occupational therapy for seniors emphasizes supporting the performance of daily tasks. The goal is to make patients comfortable in their homes and allow them to carry out the activities of daily living on their own. Of course, occupational therapy can also help with recovering from an injury or surgery, managing pain, or living with a neurological, joint, hand, developmental, or psychological condition. However, its primary purpose is to help with the performance of everyday tasks.
What Does Occupational Therapy Help With?
Occupational therapy activities for seniors can be used to help older adults when a condition or illness impacts their ability to function in everyday life. It’s frequently employed for post-surgery rehabilitation, but that is far from its only application. Older adults suffering from arthritis, recovering from a stroke, or living with vision impairment can all benefit from occupational therapy.
Here are a few specific areas in which occupational therapy can help older adults maximize their current level of function and maintain a sense of independence.
Occupational Therapy for Dementia
A dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially as the disease begins to impact a person’s ability to perform the tasks necessary for remaining independent. While many caregivers may feel a responsibility to perform all tasks for their loved one, it can minimize the joy of doing activities with their loved one. An occupational therapist’s focus is on supporting the affected person’s remaining abilities, developing a program designed specifically for their cognitive levels that keeps them engaged.
Occupational Therapy for Chronic Pain
Aches and pains are a part of life, but chronic pain can be debilitating. When you are dealing with chronic pain, it can be attributed to any number of ailments, from arthritis to injuries. Pain that lingers for a long period can impact your activities and quality of life. Occupational therapy for older adults is a solution to help manage that pain. The goal is to help those with chronic pain learn to live and function productively, redirecting their pain so that it interferes less in their daily lives. This can be accomplished through exercises and activities designed not only to increase their strength and stamina, but also to change their perception of that pain.
Occupational Therapy for Range of Motion
Range of motion is an essential part of your daily life, but can often be taken for granted. Range of motion is defined as the extent of movement for each joint in your body, including your hips, knees, and shoulders. For seniors, maintaining a sufficient range of motion in each of your joints allows you to independently perform the activities of daily life. When your range of motion is limited or impaired, occupational therapy can help you regain your independence. This is done by helping you develop adaptive strategies and modifications that can improve your mobility.
Meet Your Occupational Therapy Team at Abbey Delray South
The occupational therapy team at Abbey Delray South, a senior living community nestled near the stunning coastline in Delray Beach, Florida, is here to serve your needs. While asking for help can sometimes be difficult, choosing occupational therapy services can mean staying independent longer. Having senior occupational therapy services on-site means our residents can age in place with the support they need . If you have a condition or illness that’s preventing you from living your life, our occupational therapy team can help you get back to living an active and engaged lifestyle.
If you’d like to get more information on Abbey Delray South Health Services or about our community, fill out the form below or call us at 561-272-9600.