An occupational therapist people living with disabilities or injuries, or diseases to cope with the activities of daily living like eating or bathing. These are usually people that have problems, such as dressing themselves. An Occupational Therapy for Elderly would work with the person in many ways.

They might use an exercise program to strengthen the person's muscles. They might use special equipment to make the person's dress easier. Such equipment might be a button puller or a particular device that lets them pull up socks by themselves. Besides working with their motor function, they may also look at a person's reasoning abilities to see that they are capable of the task at hand.

This would include memory function, both short and long-term. They often work with a mental therapist or psychologist to establish the best type of therapy. The main thing for an occupational therapist is to develop independent living or at least a way for the patient to feel happy with themselves.

Occupational therapists can also work with groups, not only with individuals. This is especially true in schools. Children can be performed both individually and in groups. Occupational therapy is also used as part of the early intervention system for children with developmental delays.

Many times teachers and parents are part of the therapy. They contribute to both what type of therapy should be employed and also done the therapy. Lately, employers are using an occupational therapists to help out with employees. Hiring a new employee can run thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Instead of going through a complete retraining process, many employers have found that working with an occupational therapist can retrain an injured employee.

This might include getting specialized equipment to make the employee's work easier. Sometimes, an occupational therapist can help facilitate a new way of doing things that would preclude injuries and problems from happening.

Another area where Occupational therapy elderly at home. An occupational therapist can even help pick out the right equipment, such as a cane or wheelchair that would allow the patient to maximize their potential. Many people buy rehab equipment themselves without consulting therapists. This can sometimes not only hinder growth and healing but can also be detrimental. Using the wrong equipment can sometimes make it much harder to help the patient later.

5 Types of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is a branch of medicine that uses various methods and procedures to help people with physical and mental ailments develop, maintain, or recover skills needed to function in day-to-day life and workplace environments. Occupation therapy has evolved dramatically since its inception and is now used in numerous settings. Read below for 5 types of occupational therapy.

1-   Children and Adolescents

This therapy is used for several purposes in children of all ages and adolescents. Such therapists can get involved with schools and other teaching institutions and set up programs to prevent and reduce obesity in children.

For children of pre-school age or those who have just started attending school, this therapy can help with the development of handwriting skills. This type of therapy can also be helpful for children with physical and mental disabilities, as it helps them better integrate into the community and society.

2-   Mental Health

Mental ailments are responsible for a significant number of disabilities, and their treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including this kind of therapy. This therapy for mental disabilities has several purposes, such as helping patients set up and maintain a schedule, helping them support and improve specific skills, involving them in the community, finding employment, and aiding them with money management.

3-   Rehabilitation

It can also help many patients who are disabled due to accidents or certain medical conditions (autism, Alzheimer's). For people who have lost a limb, occupational therapy with dementia can teach them how to cope with the situation, handle a prosthetic device, and use their other limbs to maintain a good quality of life.

For people who have been left disabled after traumatic injuries to the brain or various other ailments, occupational therapy can help them regain some of their skills to help them better function within the community. Rehabilitation occupational therapy is also helpful for people who have suffered accidents at work and are trying to recuperate to return to work.

4-   Health and Wellness

It is an important instrument used not only in recovery but also in prevention. This therapy can help prevent various diseases and illnesses, promote healthy lifestyles, improve factors that are beneficial to one's health and wellbeing, and encourage social participation.

5-   Elderly Care and Productive Aging

As people age, they find it increasingly harder to maintain their independence and to continue enjoying the activities they once did. Occupational therapy for elderly can be of old for these people as well. Therapists can evaluate each patient and determine what changes they need to make in themselves and their homes to continue enjoying their independence.