Occupational Therapy

What OT is and How it can Help You

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that helps people of all ages improve everyday skills so they can complete daily tasks and live a better life.

This type of therapy can help people who are recovering from an injury or illness, managing a long-term condition, or just want to become better at doing things in their daily life. There are different methods and strategies used based on each person’s specific needs, all of which are aimed at achieving more independence.

Occupational Therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in many settings, from schools to local clinics to hospitals, however, it is especially important in skilled nursing facilities. As people age, they may need more help doing things they used to do on their own, so in this environment, it is common for residents to need assistance with their ADLs, Activities of Daily Living. Occupational therapists help them regain and maintain their independence with these day-to-day skills.

Residents may be coming in after a surgery, they may be experiencing cognitive decline, or they may just need to strengthen their functional skills. In either situation, the OT will assess the resident’s needs and develop a treatment plan best suited for their abilities. With these personalized exercises and activities, the OT helps residents improve their mobility, strength, and coordination, and encourages reengagement in social and leisure activities.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help?

Occupational therapy can provide a range of benefits for elderly individuals, including enhancing daily living skills, improving mobility, managing chronic conditions, and providing cognitive stimulation.

Enhancing Daily Living Skills

Occupational therapy can help develop or improve daily living skills, such as brushing their hair, taking a bath, and making food. This can help to maintain independence and improve quality of life.

Improving Mobility

Occupational therapy can also help someone improve their ability to move around freely, by giving them exercises and strategies to assist with things like walking, sitting, and standing. Improving coordination and balance in this way will help the person move better on their own and prevent the likelihood of a fall.

Managing Chronic Conditions

If someone has a lasting condition, like arthritis in their joints or Parkinson’s disease, occupational therapy can help relieve any discomfort or stiffness. They also may learn special techniques and use tools that make it easier to manage pain on a day-to-day basis.

Cognitive Stimulation

Lastly, occupational therapy can help someone with an aging mind maintain mental health and awareness. For example, an occupational therapist may incorporate puzzles, games, or other activities to  build focus and memory.

Inside CSNHC’s OT Department

Occupational Therapy is a crucial element of providing high quality care to seniors in a skilled nursing environment. At Creative Solutions in Healthcare facilities, long-term care and rehab-to-home residents can both rely on care that exceeds their therapy needs.

In-House Therapy

Creative Solutions in Healthcare provides 100% in-house therapy, meaning your Occupational Therapist is dedicated to you.

With the foundation provided by QRM our OTs are equipped with the resources and tools they need to be as effective as possible. QRM supports our in-house therapy department, allowing for seamless collaboration with staff throughout our facilities, ensuring that our residents receive the best possible care.

Continuity of care: In-house therapy allows for greater continuity of care, with therapists working closely with other members of the care team to ensure that treatment is integrated and consistent. This can result in better outcomes for patients.

Timeliness of care: In-house therapy can be provided more quickly and efficiently, as therapists are on-site and readily available to schedule treatment as needed. This can help residents progress more quickly and achieve their goals sooner.

Rehabilitación a domicilio

Another need for occupational therapy is in Rehab-to-Home patients. This is specialized care offered to those whose goal is to ultimately return home after their recovery. This type of care is particularly important for those who have experienced a serious injury or illness, such as a stroke or fracture from a fall, and need assistance to regain independence and functionality before returning home.

All of our facilities understand that being away from one’s own home can be challenging, especially when undergoing therapy in a skilled nursing facility. Our program is led by a team of highly skilled therapists who have one common goal, to help participants return home as quickly and safely as possible. That’s why we’ve created a program specifically designed for return to home in 10-14 days. Our OT department offers personalized care plans tailored to each individual’s unique journey and specific needs.

Another key component of these relationships is patience. In this setting, progress in a resident’s recovery may be slower than that of someone in a physical therapy setting. They also may require ongoing support and encouragement. Because of this, it is important for the OT to have created a safe space for the resident to recover at their own pace. By developing these positive relationships with their residents, OTs can provide more personalized care and focus on helping them maintain overall health and well-being.

Occupational Therapy provides residents and Rehab-to-Home patients with the help they need to regain and maintain their independence. Whether it be for continued support in daily tasks, or to recover to return home, OTs make it their priority to help each person exceed therapy goals.

There is no age limit for learning more efficient ways to care for yourself. If you or a loved one is in need of rehab or help regaining functional abilities, click below to locate a facility providing Occupational Therapy near you.