OT in the News

It is interesting to consider the idea of Aging in Place. Aging in Place is essentially the idea that a senior adult can live wherever they want to live in an independent manner. Independency is key here because many senior adults end up in nursing homes or assisted living centers because they are not able to care for themselves in their independent home environment.

A recent article by a news distributor called Public depicts the occupational therapist's role in assisting these individuals who have a desire to age in place. The occupational therapy assistant who is interviewed in the article does gives a concise idea of where occupational therapy can help. She offered the idea that it is important for families to have discussion on how to help the individual maintain their independence. She mentions that home therapy is an option. Although I agree with her ideas, I think there is more to the story to give. Occupational therapy can provide more than just a home therapy involvement. It can provide help for those families who are searching for independence help for their loved ones, it can also provide a social aspect in a community. Occupational therapy can help the individual find others in the area to socialize with, in order to play a critical role in the mental health of the individual. It can not be underestimated the importance that mental health can play in the independence of an individual.

The article can be found here:
http://www.publicnow.com/view/172A146549A152EC5DBEE5D10630662038FD1F39

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