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Understanding The Role of Occupational Therapy In Assisted Living Communities 

February 28, 2021 0 Comment Category: Care Center

Assisted living is a long-term care alternative aimed at coupling housing, healthcare, and support services, according to the Assisted Living Federation of America. These facilities are primarily designed for seniors who need limited help with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). These activities include meal preparation, medication management, dressing, and bathing. Occupational therapy providers can offer valuable services to support residents of assisted living facilities in their activities. They can offer their unique services to help seniors in assisted living communities remain independent and successfully age. Some of the roles of occupational therapy practitioners in assisted living communities are explained below.

Ensure Well Being Of The Residents 

Providing occupational therapy in assisted living communities is important to ensure the well-being of all the residents who are experiencing a decline in their level of independence and safety. It is also important for all those inhabitants who are recovering from an injury or illness. The primary aim of skilled occupational therapy services is to increase the self-reliance of residents, thereby allowing them to continue to live successfully in the community. Occupational therapy practitioners work individually with the residents to compensate for diminished skills, restore function, and adapt to the new environment.

Identify The Causes Of Difficulties In Participation 

Occupational therapy providers and practitioners are experts at identifying the difficulties that are limiting the participation of seniors in leisure engagements, ADLs, and IADLs. Senior health, safety, and well-being are important considerations for practitioners of occupational therapy. The expertise of these practitioners allows them to take into account the needs of their clients and environmental factors to come up with effective strategies that can help maximize the quality of life and independence of their clients.

Offering Consultation To Assisted Living Facilities Planning Renovation 

Practitioners of occupational therapy understand the functional impact of changes from chronic diseases and normal aging. Therefore, they can put forward designs for modifying the building to improve the performance of residents in their daily activities and help avert the need for future adjustments. These practitioners can suggest floor plans and environmental rudiments in the facility that can aid the ability of a resident to take part in meaningful activities. They can also recommend adaptive changes to the current environment to accommodate the changes in the residents as they age. These include placement of grab bars in the bathroom, raised toilets, and the color contrast of apartments for improved visibility, etc.