The benefits of occupational therapy

As we age, we may start to find that activities we like or need to do become harder. Things like hobbies, going out, looking after ourselves, working or cooking add meaning to our days. If we give up these activities because they’re becoming difficult to do, everyday life can become routine. Occupational therapy could be the answer.

What is occupational therapy?

The term ‘occupational therapy’ may sound like it’s about jobs and working, but it’s an allied health profession that helps you participate in whatever activities you find meaningful.

An occupational therapist (often called an ‘OT’) is a degree-qualified and registered allied health professional. They work with people of all ages in all kinds of situations to find ways to make everyday life easier. OTs are generally compassionate, empathetic, nurturing people dedicated to making life better for their clients.

‘OTs are experts in finding the relationship between:

• what you want or need to do

• your physical and mental health and abilities

• your environment.’

(HealthDirect Australia)

OTs work in private practices, hospitals, aged care facilities, rehabilitation centres, community health, government organisations and even schools. They generally visit you wherever you are – in your own home, a residential community, hospital or a family member’s home.

How can occupational therapy help me?

One of the goals of occupational therapy is to help you keep your independence as you grow older, so it can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Feeling and being as independent as possible is important for our wellbeing and satisfaction with life.

The benefits of occupational therapy for older people can include:

• greater independence – being able to do as much as we can for ourselves is satisfying and motivating

• improved movement – exercises designed for you can reduce any stiffness and increase your flexibility

• management of chronic pain – support to deal with ongoing health conditions can make a massive difference to your quality of life

• increased self-care – overcoming issues with personal care can restore your feelings of independence and worth

• social engagement – being able to continue going out, joining in with your community, and being active is a huge boost mentally and emotionally

OT starts with a personalised, individual assessment of your needs. You may not even realise what you’re struggling with or know that there are solutions, but your OT will work with you to gently uncover what’s affecting your day-to-day life.

As your therapy progresses, the assessment of your needs will be ongoing, so that the aids, exercises and adjustments always suit you.

Occupational therapy strategies

When we’re struggling with doing a task or activity, it’s easy to think there’s no other way to approach it. OTs are trained specifically to find other ways to approach tasks and activities. Remember that first, they will talk with you to find out your challenges, your goals and your situation.

Here are some of the strategies your occupational therapist might explore with you:

• activity modification – redesigning activities to find you a better way to do them

• home modifications – installing handrails for safety, moving lighting so you can see better

• physical therapy – exercises to work on particular parts of the body that are affecting the way you live

• adaptive equipment and assistive technology – all kinds of gadgets to help you walk around, eat, pick up dropped items, even turn on taps and open jars

• energy conservation techniques – ways to break an activity down into smaller parts, so you can complete it without tiring out

• falls prevention strategies – usually a combination of home modifications and physical therapy

• social engagement – methods for identifying and accessing hobbies and activities

• driving assessments – vehicle adjustments or changes to your car use to you can keep driving safely and comfortably

Joan’s story: making the tea

Over the past few years, Joan (75) has experienced increasing back and neck issues. She is now unable to drive, keep up her sewing or do many of the household tasks. One day her adult daughter, Tanya, watched Joan struggling to cups of tea, something Joan has enjoyed all her life. Turning and moving around the kitchen was making Joan dizzy, and Tanya was concerned about her mother carrying a kettle full of boiling water from one bench to another.

When Tanya suggested they talk to an occupational therapist, Joan replied, ‘What’s an occupational therapist?’

Tanya helped Joan find a local OT, who came to Joan’s home. They discussed what she found difficult and what she wished she could do. The OT suggested rearranging the kitchen so that all the tea things were in one accessible place and Joan did not need to move around so much. She also suggested exercises to improve Joan’s mobility, which helped to relieve her pain a little. The OT also helped Joan try watercolour painting, which she could do either standing or sitting and without bending her neck.

Finding an occupational therapist

Your doctor can refer you to an OT. Although you don’t have to have a referral to consult an OT, you’ll need a referral to get a Medicare rebate.

Some private health funds may cover occupational therapy, so check your fund’s website for information on your inclusions.

If you’re eligible, you may be able to access occupational therapy through your Home Care package or the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Visit MyAgedCare to find out more about your eligibility, or speak to your home care assessor if you already have one.

You can find an occupational therapist by asking your doctor for a recommendation or looking online for someone in your area:

• Occupational Therapy Australia’s Find an OT tool

• HealthDirect Australia’s Service finder tool

Find out more about occupational therapy

• Healthdirect Australia, Occupational therapy (webpage)

• Occupational Therapy Australia, OT in Aged Care flyers – download from the Working with older people webpage

• Ability Action Australia, Occupational therapy for older adults webpage

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not a substitute for individual health advice from a doctor or dietitian.