Did you know that anyone can have dozens of occupations on any given day? That’s because, in this case, “occupation” refers to “life activities,” as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines it. The AOTA explains that life activities include:
- Bathing, dressing, and eating
- Cooking and cleaning
- Making plans
- Work, school, and leisure activities
- Family caregiving
Did you know that anyone can have dozens of occupations on any given day? That’s because, in this case, “occupation” refers to “life activities,” as the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines it. The AOTA explains that life activities include:
- Bathing, dressing, and eating
- Cooking and cleaning
- Making plans
- Work, school, and leisure activities
- Family caregiving
“Everyone has occupations,” explains the AOTA, “from the toddler whose occupations are play and learning to develop important skills, to the older adult whose occupations are engaging with family and friends and managing his or her home.”
A young, nondisabled person may take their ability to do their occupations for granted. But older people may experience them differently. Abilities can be changed by sudden or chronic illnesses, the natural effects of aging on the body (such as loss of muscle strength), and accidents.
Those changing abilities can be worrisome for older adults who want to live at home for as long as possible. Fortunately, occupational therapists (OTs) can help their patients relearn or practice abilities that have changed for whatever reason.
What Does an Occupational Therapist Do?
OTs are licensed health care professionals who help their patients keep doing the things that matter most to them. Like a physical therapist, they don’t just treat a condition; they look at the whole picture of a person’s daily life. That might mean recommending adaptive equipment, suggesting changes to a daily routine, or doing exercises that rebuild a specific skill.
April is Occupational Therapy Month, a great time to shine a light on the meaningful work these professionals do. Here are some ways an OT can help an older adult.
Occupational Therapists Help Make the Home Safer for Older Adults
Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury among adults age 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those falls happen at home. An OT can conduct a thorough home assessment to identify hazards and suggest changes that reduce risk, such as:
- Moving frequently used items so they’re easier to reach without bending or stretching.
- Assessing whether the senior’s furniture allows them to move around safely, especially if they use a walker or cane.
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom.
- Improving lighting in hallways.
- Removing loose rugs that can catch a foot.
This kind of home safety work isn’t about making a home feel cold or unwelcoming. It’s about making it genuinely livable and safe for the long term, so the older adult can stay in the place they love.
Helping Adults During Recovery From a Stroke or Other Medical Event
One of the most common reasons older adults seek out an OT is to recover from a stroke, surgery, or serious illness. A stroke, for example, can affect motor control, memory, or speech, all of which are part of daily occupations.
An OT works with a stroke survivor to rebuild these skills step by step. That might be practicing how to button a shirt with one hand, learning new ways to prepare food safely, or using memory aids to help with planning tasks. The goal isn’t just physical recovery—it’s restoring a sense of confidence and control over everyday life.
Occupational Therapists Help Manage Chronic Conditions Like Arthritis and Parkinson’s Disease
Chronic conditions don’t usually appear suddenly, but their effects on daily life can add up. Someone living with rheumatoid arthritis may find that holding a pen, opening a jar, or turning a doorknob has become painful and difficult. A person with Parkinson’s disease may have tremors that affect their ability to eat independently or manage personal hygiene.
OTs help people adapt. They might suggest devices such as jar openers, weighted utensils, or button hooks that make tasks easier and less painful. They can also teach someone with limited stamina how to conserve their energy so they can still accomplish their priorities without exhausting themselves.
OTs Support Brain Health and Independence
No matter what the cause, cognitive changes can make planning, problem-solving, and managing daily tasks more challenging. OTs are trained to work with older adults experiencing these changes in ways that support as much independence as possible for as long as possible. That might include:
- Setting up consistent routines that reduce cognitive load.
- Using visual cues or labeled storage systems around the home.
- Helping both the patient and their caregivers set up ways to keep daily life running smoothly and safely.
Occupational Therapy Is About Quality of Life
Occupational therapists offer practical, personalized support that can help a senior continue living independently. This OT Month, if you or a loved one has been navigating changes in daily abilities, it may be worth exploring what occupational therapy can offer.
How Right at Home Can Help Seniors
Right at Home offers a wide range of services, including homemaking, companionship, and personal care, to help older adults age safely in their homes. Right at Home caregivers can also help seniors by encouraging them and offering standby assistance while they complete their assigned home exercise programs, helping them reach their recovery goals faster. To find out more, use our office locator to contact the Right at Home office nearest you.
Interested in receiving useful tips and advice about the aging journey? Sign up for a FREE monthly e-newsletter, Caring Right at Home.
