Senior Rehabilitation: Benefits of Occupational Therapy

If you struggle to complete your daily tasks, it can lead to frustration, confusion, and embarrassment. However, it helps to know that it is a common aspect of aging, which can be easily managed with proper support. Senior rehabilitation centers are an excellent option you can consider to get professional help. Doing so will help you regain control, simplify your life and allow you to enjoy your golden years. These facilities offer occupational therapy that enables you to retain your independence. Read on to learn how they work and their benefits so you can make an informed decision.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy helps people at all stages of life, especially older adults, to recover and maintain the skills needed for daily activities. The type of therapy depends on your health condition and requirements. The therapists will educate and work with you to ensure you understand what needs to be done.

Some of the popular techniques include:

Top Advantages of Occupational Therapy in a Rehab Centre

Overcome Everyday Life Struggles

A significant aspect of occupational therapy in senior rehabilitation centers is to help you overcome everyday life struggles. If partaking in regular activities such as eating, bathing, dressing, and walking is exhausting, occupational therapists will work with you. They will teach you relevant exercises and techniques to help you complete them without stress. These experts will improve your dexterity, strength, motor skills, and range of motion.

Prevent Falls

Research shows that 1 in 4 Americans over 65 experience a fall every year and must be rushed to the emergency care room for immediate assistance. Enrolling in occupational therapy will help you learn methods to prevent falls. The experts will teach you muscle-building and balancing exercises to keep your body strong and alert in the later years.

Memory Rehabilitation

Most people only think of the physical advantages of occupational therapy. However, it also provides many mental benefits. The therapists will evaluate your cognitive and physical abilities. They will also consider your health and develop a care plan accordingly to strengthen your weak areas and maintain the strong ones. In addition, they also help enhance your memory skills in the following ways:

Better Outlook

In addition to memory restoration, occupational therapy can help you have a positive outlook on life. The experts will help you understand that you can live a fulfilling life despite the changes in your body and mind. They will inculcate the confidence and determination you need in your senior years to face the challenges.

Adjust to New Atmosphere and Infrastructure Modifications

Many older adults face challenges when encountering structural modifications, such as:

The occupational therapist in senior rehabilitation facilities will teach you how to accommodate yourself in the new environment. They will ensure you understand how to navigate the layout and use new devices, such as the medical alert system. These specialists will guide you to live a safer and more comfortable life.

Help With Vision Loss

If you have eye disease or vision loss, it may disrupt your daily activities. This may increase the risk of mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. Occupational therapists will conduct activities to help improve your perceptual vision and overall visual awareness. They also offer tips such as the following to help ease your life:

Life Transitions

Occupational therapists in senior rehabs understand that people experience transitions such as retirement and relocation in their older years. They will educate you on coping skills, help you manage difficult situations, and ensure you do not feel lonely.

Help Manage Dementia

Although the progression of dementia cannot be stopped once it has begun, occupational therapists can help you live a better life. They will provide you with recommendations to make life a little easier. This includes eating specific foods with pleasing textures, listening to soothing music, or stretching exercises to reduce pain.

A Confidant

Occupational therapists can be your trusted confidants. You can discuss your problems without any inhibitions. They are qualified and trained professionals who have worked with similar patients and can understand your situation well. They can also offer the best possible solutions to make a difference in your life.

Also Read: 7 Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Seniors

How to Choose the Right Senior Rehabilitation Centre

Research

Although many facilities offer senior care, it is beneficial to research them and identify the essential factors for you. Once you have a list of favorable ones, check their reviews and data. Visit the senior rehab centers to understand better what they provide. Talk to the staff and residents before forming your opinion.

Find Out What They Offer

It helps to know that senior care communities provide varied services. Moreover, checking the pricing sheet is not always enough to understand what they offer. Some places are better for post-surgical recovery, while some may focus more on skilled nursing. Consider which one suits your requirements. In addition, look for a rehabilitation facility that is part of a larger community providing multiple levels of care. This way, you can have a smooth transition in the future to meet your changing needs.

See If You Can Imagine Staying in a Rehab Center

When looking for a senior rehabilitation facility, think about how it would be to live there. Check if the surroundings are comfortable and ask about the amenities to ensure they have everything you may need for a comfortable and healthy experience.

Privacy

When visiting a rehab center, see how the residents in the community live. Ask about private and semi-private suites and fully shared rooms. Knowing your options is essential to make the right choice. Moreover, doing so will help ensure privacy when you move into the facility.

Also Read: How to Choose the Best Senior Rehabilitation Facility?

A Senior Rehabilitation Center You Can Trust

The Holiday Retirement offers excellent skilled nursing and senior rehabilitation services in Rhode Island. Whether you have a disability that requires long-term professional support, are recovering from surgery, or need short-term care, we can help you.

We offer the following to ensure our residents are comfortable, healthy, and safe:

If you have any questions about our senior rehabilitation center, please contact us at 1-401-765-1440. You may also visit our facility by scheduling a tour to understand what we can offer you.

Also Read: Easy Leg Exercises for Seniors to Improve Mobility and Balance