The Role of Occupational Therapy in Improving Daily Life for Those With Dementia

Oct 1, 2024

When a loved one is living with dementia, it’s important to find ways to make each day positive, meaningful and easier. Occupational therapy is all about taking a practical and personalised approach to care and support. From maintaining independence to finding engagement, occupational therapy is crucial for improving the daily lives of people living with dementia.

Maintaining independence through personalised care

One of the main purposes of occupational therapy is to help people living with dementia to maintain as much independence as possible. Using tailored strategies that are unique to a person’s needs, occupational therapists ensure that support is always beneficial.

For example, occupational therapy involves assessing each person’s capabilities and needs individually and breaking everyday tasks down into more manageable steps. Whether this involves using different techniques or assistive technology, it’s all about finding what works best for each person and essentially allowing them to determine the level of independence they can comfortably enjoy.

Promoting meaningful engagement

It’s not uncommon for people living with dementia to feel disconnected or isolated from the world around them. As cognitive abilities decline, the way people participate in daily life changes and this can be distressing. Occupational therapy involves finding meaningful engagement, however that looks for an individual.

Whether it’s gardening, cooking, arts and crafts or even relaxing with some music, people find engagement in different ways. Occupational therapy helps to identify these preferences, allowing people with dementia to get more out of each day and cherish moments.

Improving safety and comfort at home

One of the most important aspects of caring for a person with dementia is ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment. Occupational therapists play a key role in this, using their skills to identify hazards and find safer ways of doing things. It could be something as simple as rearranging furniture to create clear pathways or recommending more extensive home modifications.

They also work closely with individuals to understand what makes them happy and comfortable. Safety is always a priority, but really, occupational therapy is all about improving a person’s quality of life. So, from removing hazards to using specially-designed kitchen utensils, there are countless ways that occupational therapy improves safety and comfort in the home.

Stimulating cognitive function

Occupational therapy also helps to stimulate cognitive function, which is important following a dementia diagnosis. While cognitive decline is to be expected, occupational therapy may help to slow the process. This is typically done through targeted mental exercises that help to improve memory, focus and problem-solving.

The important factor here is finding ways to stimulate cognitive function that are also engaging and enjoyable. That way, a person with dementia enjoys other benefits like relaxation and reduced anxiety. Whether it’s puzzles, games, cooking meals or any other form of engagement, occupational therapy encourages people to stay mentally active each day.

Assisting with communication

People living with dementia usually experience a decline in their communication abilities, from having difficulty finding the right words to more developed speech impairment. Each person is different, so it’s important that caregivers consider occupational therapy to address specific needs. Occupational therapists closely assess a person’s communication capabilities and tailor support to assist.

From simplifying language to using gestures and visual cues, occupational therapy provides support partners and their loved ones with the skills and techniques to communicate more effectively. In some cases, it may also involve recommendations to use assistive speech technology – everybody’s circumstance is unique. Not only does occupational therapy for communication improve a person’s daily life, but also helps them feel more connected and maintain strong personal relationships.

Maintaining mobility and physical health

Occupational therapy is vital for people to maintain mobility and physical health as dementia progresses. Regular movement helps prevent stiffness, muscle weakness and the loss of balance, so it’s crucial for reducing the risk of falls. Occupational therapists assess a person’s capabilities carefully, recommending engagement through suitable exercises and physical activity.

The best approach is to encourage physical activity that people living with dementia are comfortable with and enjoy. This ensures good physical health and gives people enjoyable moments they can cherish every day.

Need more information about dementia occupational therapy?

Group Homes Australia is committed to improving the lives of people with dementia each and every day. With a tailored approach, we provide personalised support that meets every individual’s unique needs. Occupational therapy is a crucial part of dementia care with GHA, as it aligns perfectly with our one-size-fits-one approach. If you’d like more information on dementia occupational therapy and how it can benefit your loved one, contact our team today for more details.

 

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