Occupational Therapy for the Adult
Occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" that are necessary for independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include:

• Customized treatment programs to improve one's ability to perform daily activities
• Comprehensive home and job site evaluations with adaptation recommendations
• Performance skills assessments and treatment
• Adaptive equipment recommendations and usage training
• Guidance to family members and caregivers

An array of people can benefit from occupational therapy, including those with developmental disabilities, birth injuries, learning problems, mental illness or behavioral problems, limitations following a stroke or heart attack, and vision or cognitive problems.



Changing the Home Environment
Many aging people and those with disabilities face limitations when attempting to achieve independence in their homes because the design and resources no longer meet their needs.

Occupational therapists aid in identifying ways to improve safety in the home, to arrange resources, and to change the environment, in order to help compensate and achieve independence for disabilities individuals may be experiencing.

Performing Activities After Hip-Replacement Surgery
During the six to eight week recovery period after hip-replacement surgery, there are many changes in how an individual carries out daily activities. Surgery to replace Occupational therapy is the preferred service for people recovering from hip replacement surgery because it helps by teaching new ways to move safely during recovery and by providing resourceful equipment for performing activities such as bathing, cooking, and dressing. In addition, an occupational therapist has knowledge in adapting tasks and the environment to help an individual compensate for functional limitations, to promote safety, and achieve success.

Stroke
A person who has suffered a stroke may have difficulty caring for himself or herself, in areas such as bathing, dressing, and managing a household or a job. A stroke can affect an individual's muscle strength, vision, memory, and speech, as well as his or her ability to participate in typical leisure activities.

Occupational therapists are trained in helping people live life as independently as possible. OTs can help stroke survivors regain their strength in order to engage in daily activities once again. Occupational therapists can do the following for a survivor of a stroke:

• Recommend equipment for the home to aid an individual in completing tasks.
• Make a splint to improve hand function.
• Provide training that improves the ability to complete daily tasks.
• Evaluate the home for safety hazards and adapt it by removing hazards.
• Build an individual's physical endurance and strength.
• Help an individual compensate for vision and memory loss.
• Assist in rebuilding self-confidence and self-esteem through activities.

Fall Prevention
Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of 65. Occupational therapists can conduct a home evaluation for safety and implement appropriate prevention practices to decrease an individual's risk of a needless fall. These recommendations may include the following:

• To prevent slipping, install railings in hallways and grab bars in the bathroom and shower to prevent slipping.
• Remove throw rugs or securing them firmly to the floor.
• Arrange furniture to create room for walking freely.

The Older Driver
With aging comes changes in vision and physical and cognitive function, which all may affect a person's ability to drive safely. Occupational therapists who are trained in driver evaluation and rehabilitation can evaluate an older adult's ability to drive by testing his or her vision, reaction time, strength, judgment, and endurance. OTs can also help modify driving habits, giving older adults the ability to continue getting to their destinations safely, which may involve recommending adaptive equipment or strategies that improve driving abilities.

The Caregiver of an Aging Adult
Caring for an older adult can place great emotional, physical, and financial demands on those who care for them. Most of the time, the caregiver's needs take second place to those of the aged person. However, meeting one's own needs can cause stress, depression, and physical problems on the part of the caregiver.

Occupational therapists can help caregivers achieve a balance in helping the older adult and meeting the needs of the rest of the family.