Do you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or some other memory related issue? Did you know that occupational therapy for dementia can be both beneficial and enjoyable? It’s true. But what exactly is occupational therapy?
To support someone with daily tasks, the use of intervention and assessment is referred to as occupational therapy. It is frequently used as an aspect of post injury or post illness rehabilitation. Occupational therapists are the practitioners here. These people look at the potential risks and needs of each person and assist/recommend ways for them to live a fuller, safer life.
Dementia and Occupational Therapy
In those with dementia, their well-being, social participation, and daily functioning can be improved through the use of occupational therapy. What’s more, it’s also been known to improve a sense of well-being and competence for primary caregivers, too.
It is not uncommon for problems with mobility, personal care, and planning to be experienced by those with dementia. Add wandering, forgetfulness, and more, and the need for therapy is evident. To help identify where independent function difficulties and problems with day-to-day activities are most prevalent, an occupational therapist will work closely with an individual. To help support the person with dementia and assist them in adapting to their environment, recommendations will be made.
Example: labeling doors or using a dementia-friendly clock.
To improve basic skills, they will also work with the family as well as the client. This can apply to improving mobility, motor function, the completion of everyday tasks, reasoning skills, overcoming boundaries, communication techniques, etc.
As well as recommending mobility aids and providing other practical advice, therapists work with the family of the individual with dementia to offer everyday techniques and advice for care management. They can provide emotional support to help meet the needs and better ensure the well-being of the caregiver, as well. This can include notifying them as to what networks are available, giving them information about various societies, and more.
People with Dementia and Their Occupational Therapists
For those with dementia, occupational therapists can be of great assistance in the following manners:
- To help provide stability and structure throughout the day – routine planning.
- To help manage long-term memory loss – reminiscence work.
- Strategies involving orientation.
- To manage short-term memory loss – memory strategies.
- Because, for those with dementia, one common problem is extreme tiredness – fatigue management.
- Household recommendations for the long haul (this can apply to future and current needs where your home is concerned including stair lifts, wet rooms, and other adaptation considerations).
- Equipment sourcing support so that, when difficulties arise, you’ll have the right equipment (a comfy chair, the right kind of wheelchair, etc.).
- Advice regarding fresh techniques that will be of assistance where meal preparation, getting dressed, and more are concerned (daily activity completion), as the condition advances.
Occupational Therapy and More Can Be Found at Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley
For those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory related issues, our SHINE Memory Care program can be of great assistance. Through specific activities, exercises, games, therapies, and more, our qualified, specially trained team members will work with your loved one to promote friendships, encourage self-worth, inspire a sense of personal success, develop self-reliance and independence, and much more.
If you’d like some information about Rittenhouse Village at Lehigh Valley, please call us at 610.433.9220. For sales and leasing inquiries, you can phone us at 484.212.6577. Better yet, schedule a tour to see for yourself what we have to offer.
