Community occupational therapists (OT) are healthcare professionals who play a vital role in improving your independence and quality of life at home through tailored assessments and interventions. Typically intervention can be broken down into 2 categories, home modifications and adaptive equipment items. Through closely collaborating with clients and their families, OT’s develop customised care plans that cater to specific needs and preferences, fostering a sense of empowerment and control in a familiar homely environment.
As individuals age and continue to live at home, they may encounter various difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to changes in physical abilities, cognitive function, or health conditions. Some commonly identified challenges include:
- Mobility and transfers:
- Reduced mobility can make it challenging to move around or in/out of the home safely. This may include difficulties with walking, getting in and out of chairs or beds, and navigating stairs.
- OT Equipment: Mobility aids such as low walking frames, or wheelchairs can help individuals move around more safely. Additionally, stairlifts or ramps can make navigating stairs easier for those with mobility issues where appropriate. There are a range of transfer aids that can be used to help manouver someone from one place to another if standing without assistance becomes difficult or unsafe. This can include a simple handling belt or a full body hoist.
- Mobility in Bed:
- Getting in and out of bed: Reduced strength and mobility can make it challenging for individuals to get in and out of bed safely. This can lead to an increased risk of falls or injuries.
- OT Equipment: Bed levers attached to the bed frame can provide support and stability when getting in and out of bed to aid independent transfers. Bed height raisers can also be useful to increase the height of the bed when seated to reduce the physical demand required to stand.
- Mobility in Chairs:
- Getting in and out of chairs: Weakness in the legs or arms, decreased balance, or pain can make it difficult for individuals to sit down or stand up from chairs independently.
- Maintaining comfort and posture: Individuals may experience discomfort or difficulty maintaining proper posture while seated, which can lead to pain or pressure sores.
- OT Equipment: Chair raisers or seat cushions can raise the height of chairs, making it easier for individuals to sit down or stand up. Recliner chairs with powered lift mechanisms can assist individuals in transitioning from sitting to standing positions safely. Additionally, specialised seating cushions or support cushions can help individuals maintain proper posture and comfort while seated for extended periods.
- Personal Care: Activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting and grooming may become more challenging due to physical or age-related limitations.
- OT Equipment: Grab bars/rails and shower seats can enhance safety and independence in the bathroom. Over toilet frames can provide benefits to support independent toileting for those who find standing increasingly more effortful.
- Meal Preparation and Eating: Difficulties in ability to engage in meal preparation, cooking, and eating.
- OT Equipment: Adaptive kitchen utensils with larger handles or built-up grips can make cooking and eating easier. Non-slip placemats and adaptive plates or utensils with special designs can assist individuals with limited dexterity or vision.
Overall, occupational therapists can assess individuals’ specific needs and recommend appropriate equipment or adaptations to address difficulties with ADLs. By providing tailored solutions, OTs empower individuals to maintain their independence and continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes as they age. At Independent Spaces we believe equipment has a place, but do not agree with over-prescription of equipment or relying on equipment before you functionally require it. If you are or think you may be in need of equipment to assist with your daily tasks, please reach out to us. Be aware of the salespeople at disability supplier shops who are not qualified to match equipment to you, your needs and home. At Independent Spaces we can check your eligibility for government funding so you may not be required to pay anything for the right equipment to meet your functional needs. Call us today for a free screen over the phone for funding eligibility.