How Can Occupational Therapy Help?
What if you found yourself unable to open lids? Find a light switch? Perform the task of washing your own hair or tending to basic self-care tasks? For many of us, the process of aging will involve many small moments of frustration and perceived defeat. If you are a caregiver of an elderly person, you might encounter some embarrassment about the difficulty of seemingly simple actions. It may be hard for your loved one to be open and frank about their challenges.
Occupational Therapy (OT) offers some support and answers for these tough transitions. OT therapists specialize in helping individuals develop, maintain or regain the functions that they need for daily living. This often includes physical or cognitive activities for a client, tailored strategies and techniques to make tasks easier, as well as an evaluation of the home environment for potential enhancements to support independence and safety. Overall, the focus is on collaborating with both the caregivers and the individual to assess what modifications to routine will best promote health, wellness and independence.
It is good to remember that these cognitive and physical challenges can be exhausting and leave a person less inclined to participate in other aspects of life like personal hobbies or social and family gatherings. This retreat often leads to an increased sense of isolation and depression. An experienced OT therapist will understand this connection and can nurture a confidence and determination in clients that can improve their outlook on life. They can also offer another listening ear and confidante outside of the family that can become a trusted ally and caring relationship.
Caregivers can benefit from working with an Occupational Therapist as well. Currently 29% of the U.S. populations are caregivers spending at least 20 hours a week providing care. If you are one of these individuals, you understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that this can take. An OT encourages open communication about the challenges of caretaking and counsels healthy coping strategies and lifestyle habits to keep you, the caregiver, happy and healthy. They also share what they are teaching the client so that the caregiver can continue to implement best practices at home.
So where do you find a good occupational therapist who can help you and your loved one? The Orange County Department on Aging (OCDA) is fortunate to have two occupational therapists available—Marie Dagger and Ryan Lavalley. As a key member of the County Aging Transitions team, Marie helps lead programs related to dementia support, fall prevention, home modification, and the medical equipment loan program. Ryan is currently working with both the Handy Helpers volunteer home repair program and the Orange County Housing Preservation Coalition. Both therapists are available at the county Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov.
This can be a helpful starting point. Additional OT support can come through a Primary Care Provider who can refer you to a local Home Health Agency that has Occupational Therapists on staff.
As you navigate these life changes, remember that the team at Hillsborough Wills & Trusts has the expertise to help you Build Your Circle of Security.