5 Ways Occupational Therapy Can Be Life-Changing for the Elderly 

Are you or an elderly loved one finding it difficult to cope with the many life changes that come with old age? 

The reality for many is that ageing doesn’t only mean going greyer and wiser; it also means having to face difficulties and limitations that weren’t there, seemingly just a few years ago.  

Whether it’s simply the effects of aging, or the various injuries and illnesses that older people become more susceptible to, these new challenges can get in the way of a fulfilling and independent life. 

The good news? Occupational therapists can be a huge help in navigating through these unfamiliar troubles. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways occupational therapy can improve the quality of life of elderly individuals—so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you or your loved one. 

Who among the elderly can benefit from occupational therapy? 

Occupational therapy doesn’t become a necessity just because someone reached an advanced age; a large portion of elderly people will be just fine without it. 

However, some may benefit from the guidance and support of an OT. These include elderly people who are: 

1. Recovering from an illness or injury. An OT can help those who have recently sustained injuries such as bone fractures, had surgery, or been hospitalised for conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. Elderly people will typically find it more difficult to recover from illness or injury than younger individuals can. 
2. Dealing with chronic illnesses. An OT can help those living with chronic illnesses such as arthritis, respiratory problems, cardiovascular problems, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. 
3. Experiencing cognitive impairments. For individuals experiencing memory loss and other cognitive impairments—whether from dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other conditions—an OT can help maintain daily routines and create a safe environment. 
4. Struggling with mobility. Whether it’s due to injuries, chronic conditions, or simply weakening and loss of muscle mass (dystrophy) due to old age, many elderly people find mobility more difficult. 

How Occupational Therapy Can Be Life-Changing for the Elderly

An occupational therapist can improve the quality of life of an elderly person by:
1. Finding ways to overcome or adapt to mobility impairments.

Elderly people can find mobility challenging due to specific injuries or general weakness and lack of range of motion. 

Occupational therapists can help by: 

1. Prescribing exercises to regain and maintain strength. One of the main reasons for lack of mobility in elderly people is muscle dystrophy, or the gradual loss of muscle volume and strength. Muscle training is one of the most effective ways to combat this.
   An OT can prescribe a workout plan that is safe and manageable for the elderly person. The OT can also take into account specific pain points and injuries, and prescribe exercises to improve symptoms and regain strength and range of motion in those areas.
2. Use exercise therapy to improve balance and coordination. Along with strength, the loss of balance and coordination is the other big threat to mobility and independence. Activities to improve core strength, enhance spatial awareness, and practice steady movements can slow the progression of these issues. 
3. Teach adaptive techniques and use of mobility equipment. Mobility equipment can be instrumental in helping mobility-impaired elderly adults to maintain independence. The OT can train them in the safe and effective use of mobility devices such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. 

An OT can provide invaluable support for an elderly person adjusting to the use of mobility equipment.

2. Implementing home modifications for safety. 

One of the biggest troubles that come with old age is that everyday environments—which one never considered to pose any danger—can now be unsafe. This is because slipping and falling can pose a much greater threat to the lives of elderly people. 

An occupational therapist can examine one’s home, and prescribe modifications to make the place safer to navigate. 

These home modifications can include: 

• Removing tripping hazards such as unsecured rugs or other walkway obstructions 
• Installing grab bars and rails, especially at high-risk areas such as the bathroom and kitchen
• Installing ramps or lifts, especially for those who require wheelchairs 
• Adjusting furniture height to make it easier to get on or off (e.g., chairs and beds); installing elevated toilet seats
• Improving lighting

These seemingly simple home modifications can go a long way in preventing serious injury. 

Modifications such as grab bars can help make the elderly person’s home much safer for them.

3. Helping with pain management

Chronic pain is a common challenge for older adults, often stemming from conditions like arthritis or past injuries. The pain not only prevents them from being more active, but can also take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. 

Occupational therapists provide strategies to manage pain and improve quality of life. This may involve teaching energy conservation techniques and incorporating therapeutic activities that promote joint flexibility and muscle relaxation. 

4. Equipping caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need

Caring for an older adult can be demanding, particularly for family members who may not have formal training or a healthcare background.

Occupational therapists offer invaluable support to caregivers by providing education, practical tips, and guidance tailored to the specific needs of the older adult.

This might include advice on:

• Safe lifting techniques, such as helping someone in and out of a bed, wheelchair, or toilet
• Strategies for managing challenging behaviours
• Recommendations for simplifying daily tasks 

The right knowledge can help the caregivers not only provide adequate support, but also help safeguard the caregiver’s emotional well-being and maintain the relationship between them and the elderly person. 

5. Supporting one’s emotional and mental well-being

The changes and limitations brought about by ageing can take a big emotional toll.

Elderly people can often experience loneliness, anxiety, or depression, especially if they are unable to socialise like they used to.  In Australia, 1 in 5 older adults report feeling loneliness.

Occupational therapists can help the elderly person navigate and understand these feelings. Furthermore, they can provide opportunities for socialisation, by recommending hobbies and facilitating community involvement. 

Finding opportunities for socialisation is crucial for older adults to help avoid loneliness and depression.

Is occupational therapy the right choice for you or your elderly family member? 

Everyone’s situation is different, and the conditions and scenarios listed above are certainly not the only ways occupational therapy can help someone navigate the challenges of old age. 

Our team of highly qualified occupational therapists and physical therapists have experience dealing with a vast range of conditions, and are eager to start improving your quality of life.  

If you have any specific questions, or would like to learn about how an occupational therapist can benefit your family specifically, call us at  02 8808 4000  or send us a message here! We’d love to have a chat and discuss your needs.