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OT Activities for the Geriatric Population

Occupational therapy can help older adults who are having difficulty performing everyday tasks due to the effects of aging. Dressing, bathing and shopping for food can all present challenges for older adults as they age. The goal of occupational therapy in the geriatric population is to promote independence in performing everyday living tasks.

  1. Basic Activities of Daily Living

    • Activities of Daily Living, or ADLs, are usually the cornerstone of an occupational therapy program for geriatric patients. Basic ADLs include dressing, bathing, eating and moving from one place to another, such as from a bed to a chair or walking to the shower or bathtub. These basic ADLs are often practiced with the help of an occupational therapist or home nursing assistant. Therapeutic activities often include actual performance of these daily living tasks with the help of a therapist or assistant. Upon assessment, a therapist may provide adaptive equipment or suggest ways to engage in activities differently to promote independence and safety.

    Complex Activities of Daily Living

    • Complex activities of daily living include cooking, doing laundry, operating a computer or telephone, managing medications or cleaning. As adults age, these tasks may become more difficult due to age-related changes, illness or disability. With complex ADLs, it is often the work of a therapist to determine which assistive devices or techniques will help the client perform the tasks as independently as possible. This can mean written instructions for each complex ADL, as well as the use of assistive devices for getting around safely. Occupational therapists will assess and change the OT program for clients as they age or need further assistance.

    Social or Emotional Activities

    • Occupational therapists are often asked to assess and address the social and emotional well-being of their geriatric clients. Aging, illness and certain disorders associated with aging can sometimes have a detrimental effect on the emotional well-being of older adults. Occupational therapists will assess a client's interests and attempt to provide access to social activities for them to participate in. This can include providing safe transportation to a senior center or adult day care facility or promote continued learning, which may prevent dementia.

    Location

    • The main goal of occupational therapy for older adults is to empower them to be able to stay in their own home as long as possible. However, many geriatric occupational therapy patients reside in assisted living facilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. If institutional care is necessary, the focus of therapy shifts to being able to provide the skills and care necessary to maintain the highest level of function possible to preserve their quality of life.

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