June 2, 2014

Living Life to the Fullest

Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping to promote health, make lifestyle or environmental changes and prevent or live better with injury, illness or disability. Occupational Therapists look at the client’s whole picture; psychological, physical, emotional, and social make up. They then help people achieve their goals, function at the highest possible level, maintain or rebuild their independence and participate in the everyday activities of life. Some patients have the potential to regain skills affected by their conditions. Other patients need strategies to prevent further loss of abilities. Regardless of specific diagnosis or condition, occupational therapists offer strategies for our clients to manage daily activities while reducing the risk of injury or further decline. They find the right fit between clients’ abilities, needed and desired activities and their home environment so clients can manage safely and productively—at home. Occupational therapy can strengthen outcomes related to: Medication management: addresses strategies to enhance medication adherence and integrate medication management into clients daily routines. Diabetes: addresses the many aspects of diabetes management that must become daily routines: blood sugar monitoring, hygiene and foot care, meal planning and preparation, healthy coping strategies and physical activity. Occupational therapists can also train clients with diabetes to use compensatory strategies for vision, sensory or motor loss that may interfere with their daily activities. Heart failure: addresses strategies to conserve energy and reduce the demands of activities, while integrating appropriate physical activity and self-monitoring. Occupational therapists can assist clients to master new activities—daily weights, modified diets—and incorporate these activities into regular routines. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: addresses strategies to conserve energy, reduce the demands of activities and self-monitor to avoid exacerbations. Occupational therapists can assist clients to incorporate pacing, planning and stress management into daily activities. Cognitive and behavioral health conditions: addresses daily routines, medication adherence, self-management and stress management strategies. With a core knowledge base in psychosocial issues, occupational therapists can also address behavioral health conditions and train caregivers to provide appropriate cues and support to clients with cognitive limitations to optimize performance and reduce agitation or confusion.

» View News Archives