April is Occupational Therapy Month, celebrating all of the trained and dedicated occupational therapists who work daily to help people gain or regain their independence. Occupational therapy (OT) is an essential part of patient and family care, specifically in senior home care. OT teaches patients how to regain their independence following injury or illness. Any gain in independence can increase the patient’s confidence and well-being and also gives the family the comfort of knowing their loved one is able to do things on their own.
Many home health care agencies offer occupational therapy as part of senior home care. With Allegiance Home Health and Rehab, our Occupational Therapists first assess the patient in their actual surroundings, and then are able to truly customize a home health care plan that works for the individual patient.
Occupational therapists are important team members for home care agencies. They provide care for seniors that is rewarding for both the patient and therapist. They are the ones who coach, train, teach and encourage their clients to recover as much of their independence as possible. The training incorporates all activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating. An occupational therapist may also explore a client’s other interests such as music or art. The goal is to provide the best quality of life and the highest level of independence for the patient’s condition. This type of therapy can happen in the patient’s home and often includes family members as a part of the care team. It’s often true that when family members are involved with the patient’s home health care, their bond becomes stronger.
At Allegiance, our OTs stay in touch with family members to reassure them and update them on progress being made. Occupational therapists become vital links between family members and home care agencies. They help seniors re-learn how to do things at home to get back to being independent. Home health doesn’t seem quite as intimidating with the therapist teaching the best and safest way to care for a loved one.
Occupational therapy plays such a crucial role in home health care that it is celebrated throughout the month of April. If you or a loved one have benefited from the care you received from an OT specialist, be sure to thank them. They are out there in the field, every day to make a difference.
Finding and hiring the right caregiver for your loved one will give you peace of mind while providing your loved one with a caregiver who is committed, compassionate and dedicated to the highest standard of care. For more information on Allegiance’s dedicated caregivers.
