Ocupational Therapy helps people learn to take care of themselves when a health problem limits normal activity. Bathing, dressing, eating, fixing meals, doing housework, and managing personal business are taken for granted by most people. These tasks are called activities of daily living (ADLs). OT teaches a person who has suffered a disabling illness or injury event how to do these tasks, alone or with the help of special devices or other people. Occupational therapists evaluate and design an individualized treatment approach that will teach compensatory strategies and adaptive techniques to allow a person to return to their highest level of function and independence in the safest and most efficient manner.

Nearly one-third of occupational therapy practitioner’s work with older adults in the home care setting. They perform many types of activities, employing many types of therapies, with the overriding goal of helping older adults regain or maintain a level of independence that will allow them to maintain their independence in place of the persons choice for as long as possible. Occupational therapy has been proven effective for seniors living with various medical conditions or recovering from surgery. In addition to working with individuals to increase strength or regain important life supporting skills, occupational therapists work throughout a community, counseling families, local governments, and community groups to ensure that each is doing what it can to help older adults maintain their independence.

Some typical injuries or illnesses that occupational therapists treat include:

• * heart disease and breathing problems that cause fatigue
• * paralysis or weakened muscles, such as from spinal cord injury or stroke
• * injury to a hand
• * depression or other mental health problems
• * injury or disease in joints or bones that limits movement
• * cognitive impairments that make it difficult to pay attention or think through the steps of tasks.
• * visual impairments including macular degeneration, glaucoma that makes it difficult for a person to see their environment

An individual can have trouble with many ADLs. Occupational therapy can address any task that a person needs to do to take care of himself or herself. Tasks can involve personal care, the household or personal business. Personal care tasks include bathing, washing hair, applying make-up, shaving, getting dressed, eating, and using the toilet. Household ADLs include fixing meals, making a shopping list, washing dishes, doing laundry, making a bed, and cleaning. Personal business tasks include going to the bank, keeping track of money and bills, shopping, and making decisions.

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life and live as independently as possible.

Below is a list of services that an occupational therapists provides:

• * Activities of Daily Living
• * Work Simplification
• * Coordination Techniques

If you have any additional questions regarding our services, please call 248-539-8400 to talk with one of our clinical specialists.