How Occupational Therapy Can Help with Dementia

By: Michaela Crutsinger, OTD, OTR/L

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a broad rehabilitation-based specialty focused on enabling people to reach their highest level of independence in all of their daily activities. These might include self-care tasks such as bathing and dressing as well as more complex tasks, including cooking, driving, and working. All of these “occupations” make up our daily routines and give our lives meaning. Occupational therapists (OTs) work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient-based clinics, and in home health, among others.

Dementia

Dementia is a decline in cognitive functioning that impacts thinking and reasoning skills. It is typically a progressive disease that can result in memory difficulty, personality change, poor judgment, and poor attention; it can range from mild to severe in severity. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia in older adults.1

A few symptoms include:

  • Difficulty remembering names
  • Wandering
  • Poor safety awareness
  • Misplacing and losing things
  • Difficulty concentrating on tasks
  • Trouble performing complex tasks such as paying bills1

Can occupational therapy help with dementia?2

Yes! OTs are trained to work with older adults and their families in navigating the complexities of dementia. Areas of focus may include:

  • Educating caregivers and persons with dementia on the progression of the disease and expectations for levels of function
  • Evaluating the home environment and recommending adaptations or compensatory strategies to increase ease of daily routine
  • Assessing level of functioning and optimizing independence for as long as possible
  • Reducing caregiver burden to prevent burnout and prevent the need for placement in long-term care2

OTs approach dementia care from multiple angles, taking the environment, the caregiver, and patients’ needs into consideration.They may work with the patient on activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, bathing, toileting, and feeding), assess the home for safety concerns, recommend adaptive equipment, and provide strategies for managing memory loss. Depending on the progression of the disease, therapists may also initiate an exercise program to maximize physical functioning and the ability to remain independent with daily tasks.3

At Sheltering Arms Institute, OTs work in collaboration with both physical and speech therapists to address all facets of this disease. Additionally, your physician may recommend a driving safety evaluation with the driving simulator located at our Hanover center where your OT can assess safety and capacity for continuing to drive.

While dementia is typically not reversible, therapeutic intervention can potentially slow the progression and enable you or your loved one to maximize function and continue to engage in activities they value and enjoy.

If you’d like to schedule an evaluation to see how one of our occupational therapists can help you or a loved one navigate dementia, request an appointment on our website or call (804) 764-1000.

References:

1. National Institute on Aging. What is dementia? nih.gov https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-isdementia#:~:text=Dementia%20is%20the%20loss%20of,and%20their%20personalities%20may%20change. Updated 2021. Accessed February 23, 2022.

2. LSU Health New Orleans. Dementia care guide. allied health.lsuhsc.edu.OT.  www.alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/OT. Updated 2020. Accessed February 23rd, 2022.

3. Sarzak HI. Overview: dementia and the role of occupational therapy practitioner: MOJ Yoga Physical Ther. 2018;3(4):98-100. doi: 10.15406/mojypt/2018.03.00053

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Q&A: What to Expect When Facing an Upper or Lower Limb Amputation

In the United States alone, approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year, and 2 million people are living with limb loss. In recognition of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this article addresses common questions surrounding limb loss, from the reasons for amputation to returning to favorite activities following surgery. An amputation is the surgical removal of part of the body, usually an arm or leg. There are three main reasons for amputation.

The Interdisciplinary Approach in Rehabilitation to Multiple Sclerosis Care

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects nearly 1 million people in the United States alone. MS is an immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin insulation that surrounds the nerves in the central nervous system. This damage causes widespread symptoms varying in severity, including fatigue, weakness, sensation loss, visual impairments, and walking and balance impairments. These symptoms of MS can impact someone’s mobility, quality of life, ability to work and provide for their family, relationships, and community participation. Because these symptoms can impact so many aspects of a person’s life, a rehabilitative care team should consist of multiple disciplines that work together to provide a collaborative, all-encompassing care plan, called interdisciplinary care.

9 Ways to Improve Sleep After a Concussion

After a concussion, there are a lot of common misconceptions about sleep. Mainly, is it safe to sleep following this mild traumatic brain injury? The answer is yes – it is okay to sleep after a concussion! This misconception stems from an out-of-date recommendation to wake the person up every hour to check on them. However, that is only if there is concern about the risk for a brain hemorrhage or bleed that wasn’t immediately apparent.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.