Apr i l i s
OCCUPAT IONAL THERAPY
Month
The Pinecone
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April 2014 • 5 •
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people
across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through
the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They also assist patients with their
activities of daily living (ADLs). This includes bathing, dressing and toilet
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ing. Occupational Therapists also work on balance and trunk control in ad
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dition to common orthopedic injuries, including arthritis in the hands and
shoulders. Other common occupational therapy interventions include helping
people recovering from injury or surgery to regain skills, and providing sup
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ports for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Occupational Therapy
Services typically include in occupational therapy services may include com
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prehensive evaluations of the patient’s home and other environments, recom
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mendations for adaptive equipment and training in its use, and guidance and
education for family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy prac
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titioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the
environment to fit the patient, and that the patient is an integral part of
the
therapy team.
The Benefits of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy has extensive benefits both for elderly persons who have suffered from a life
altering event, such as a fall or a stroke, and for elderly people who have a reasonably high quality
of life.
Elderly people who have occupational therapy after a life altering event can regain a certain mea
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sure of independence. Occupational therapy can provide training in the use of adaptive devices,
such as wheelchairs, walkers, and orthotics, to elderly persons with limited mobility. Occupational
therapy also provides support to elderly persons suffering from depression and other psychologi
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cal conditions that impact the daily life of the elderly person. The main goal of occupational
therapy is to increase independence and better the quality of life for people who partake
in occupational therapy.
Contacting your therapy department is a great first step. Call Jason Sparrow
at 366-1819 for an appointment with an occupational therapist for a free
rehabilitation screening.
Resources:
Meet the Kirby Pines
Occupational Therapists!
L-R; Nimisha Clawson, Kathy Knight,
Jason Sparrow, Joyce Young and Katie Hudman
Stop by or call 366-1819 for an appointment!
