Occupational therapy linked to geriatrics is fundamentally based on facilitating the autonomy of the elderly person. Something that is essential for their health, self-esteem and quality of life.
An occupational therapist not only works with the patient but also with the family, to be able to best adjust to their needs, abilities and environment. And who better to know all this than the people closest to you.
Once these needs are detected, work with the person individually, first training those actions that have to do with hygiene such as grooming, combing hair or dressing.
The occupational therapist studies what the person needs to guarantee their autonomy. It starts with the assessment of the physical, mental and social capabilities of the elderly person to see what activities of daily living they should work on.
In addition, teaches how to practice various types of exercises to improve joint movement or simply how to sit down, get out of bed… and think about how to adapt the environment to the patient’s needs. Organization and order is therefore essential in this case.
And, of course, improve attention, memory and social skills through creative, entertainment or physical activities.
