Aging in Place and Occupational Therapy
In a national survey conducted by March of Dimes Canada in 2021, it was discovered that 78 percent of individuals, just like you and me, express a strong desire to continue living in the comfort of their own homes. However, many of us have concerns about whether this is feasible as we age. The good news is that there are steps we can take to make it a reality, and one of those steps involves partnering with an occupational therapist, someone who can truly make a difference in our journey toward "aging in place."
"Aging in place" means having the freedom to stay in our homes and communities for as long as we want and can. It's about adapting our living environment to suit our changing needs and having access to the right services and social support networks. It's a way to challenge any self-imposed limitations that come with age and preserve our independence.
Flexibility is key in maintaining our independence. Embracing the ability to modify our activities and use assistive devices can be a game-changer. It's essential to understand that we can continue to enhance our physical abilities, cognitive functions, and mental well-being with proactive efforts. Aging well doesn't mean we won't face health challenges, but with proper management, these challenges can have minimal impact on our overall well-being.
We need to be mindful of our beliefs about aging, as they can be influenced by ageism, the stereotypes and biases we might unconsciously adopt. Societal ageism can make us internalize these stereotypes, creating a cycle that limits our potential. Believing in our capacity to adapt, remain in our community, and age healthily is crucial. Our thoughts should be accompanied by tangible actions to improve our living conditions and daily routines.
Taking a closer look at our living environment and daily activities with an eye towards healthy aging is a smart move. Regardless of any immediate mobility or health challenges we may face, making improvements to our home and routines to support wellness is always a good idea. Aging involves various interconnected aspects of health and well-being, making it a complex journey to navigate. This is where an occupational therapist can become our invaluable guide.
Occupational therapists are like primary care providers for rehabilitation and daily needs. They address physical, mental, cognitive, and social health, helping us find solutions to challenges and promoting optimal living. They view our daily life activities comprehensively, including tasks like cooking, cleaning, reading, financial transactions, and leisure pursuits.
Occupational therapy is a holistic approach, aiming to restore or build our capacity for independent and dignified living, while enhancing our overall quality of life.
Engaging with an occupational therapist can be incredibly beneficial in various scenarios:
Desire to Age in Place: Working with an occupational therapist can help us create a plan to support this goal. This includes preparing for necessary upgrades, managing conditions or chronic pain, reducing injury risks, and introducing activities that enhance our well-being.
Home Renovations: Whether we're making changes for accessibility or improvement, an occupational therapist ensures that renovations align with our future goals, preventing oversights that could compromise functionality.
Post-Injury or Fall: If we experience an injury, an occupational therapist designs rehabilitation strategies and helps us access the services we need, preventing overwhelming experiences.
New Diagnosis or Chronic Condition: When faced with a new diagnosis or ongoing health issue, occupational therapists assist in mapping out options for improved daily living based on our individual priorities.
Navigational Challenges: Occupational therapists help us unravel uncertainties surrounding challenges, correcting misconceptions and aiding our progress.
Emotional Well-being: They provide support for emotional concerns and can involve other mental health professionals if needed, ensuring our overall well-being.
Some common concerns in aging in place include:
Throw Rugs: These can be potential slip hazards and are recommended to be removed.
Footwear: Having supportive footwear is pivotal in preventing falls.
Clutter: Occupational therapists help declutter, which not only enhances safety but also positively impacts our mental well-being.
Kitchen Setup: Optimizing the kitchen layout for convenience and safety.
Bathroom Accessibility: Ensuring the ease of use of bathroom facilities.
Driving: Occupational therapists can help create alternatives to driving while still maintaining our engagement in the community.
Embracing the concept of aging in place means continuing to live in our preferred environment while adapting it to our evolving needs. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in enabling this by addressing physical, mental, and environmental factors to ensure our independence, dignity, and improved quality of life.
So, as we journey through life, let's consider the value of partnering with these professionals to make the most of our golden years.
