How Does Occupational Therapy Help Seniors?

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Does Occupational Therapy Help Seniors in Montgomery, AL

Older adults are often already familiar with the benefits of physical therapy, such as enhancing range of motion in an injured joint. Occupational therapy is similar, but it focuses on much more. This type of therapy involves boosting a senior’s mental, physical, and psychological health by providing these benefits.

Overcome New Physical Challenges

While physical therapy helps seniors recover their muscle strength and flexibility, occupational therapy involves showing them ways to manage their daily needs now. An occupational therapist gently guides a senior through ways he or she can do things, such as holding a pen if his or her hands are weak. Figuring out ways to do things encourages seniors to do more tasks on their own, and this has the effect of further enhancing their abilities.

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 home 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.

Increase Balance & Stability

Standing, walking, and stepping over objects are all skills occupational therapists help seniors maintain. With special exercises and activities, seniors are given the opportunity to practice movements that strengthen their balance. Having better balance prevents seniors from falling as they go about their daily activities. This has the effect of reducing their risk of more serious injuries.

Mobility issues can make caring for aging adults increasingly challenging. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Montgomery, AL, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break.

Get Suggestions for Home Modifications

Occupational therapists often visit seniors’ homes to see them interact in their daily environments. During these visits, they can look for things that need to be changed to make it possible for their senior clients to have more independence. Often, something as simple as adding grab bars in the shower restores a senior’s ability to take care of personal hygiene. Ramps, adjustable beds, and lower shelves are a few more simple modifications an occupational therapist might recommend.

Help with Chronic Pain Management

Many of the exercises seniors do with occupational therapists increase their range of motion, and this is beneficial for chronic pain caused by arthritis or stiff muscles. Therapists can also show seniors how to pace themselves and use safe strategies to reduce the risk of fatigue or injuries that make pain worse.

Strengthen Cognitive Abilities

Occupational therapy also includes brain training activities. This is because there’s a strong connection between a senior’s brain activity and how the rest of the body responds. Seniors who participate in activities that build their cognitive skills are better able to remember the procedures for things they need to do every day.

Make It Easier to Get Out & Socialize

Seniors whose abilities begin to fade often become isolated. Occupational therapy is also designed to help seniors regain their former sense of confidence. Being able to get dressed on their own helps seniors want to get back out in the world. Occupational therapists can also show seniors how to adjust their strategies for engaging in their favorite hobbies. If your loved one has given up on life, working with an occupational therapist could enhance his or her ability to do what he or she enjoys most.

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. Montgomery, AL, 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. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (334) 593-3988 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services

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