90% of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Occupational therapy at MRHC can help promote aging in place to help individuals live, work, and play more independently. Therapy treatments can help with aging in place by promoting independence and safety to make activities of daily living more doable.
Aging in place refers to an individual making a conscious decision to live in the residence of their choice for as long as they can with the comforts that are important to them. As they age, adding supplementary services to facilitate their living conditions and maintain their quality of life may be necessary. These could include assistance with personal care, household chores, making meals, money management, or health care.
Family members should consider the following questions when determining the best course of action for an aging adult:
- What is the ideal way for them to spend their retired years?
- What type of home environment do you see them living in – individual, community, assisted?
- What special health care requirements are needed or anticipated?
- What other types of supplementary services are needed?
- What options are available in case of emergencies, life changing events, accidents, etc.?
MRHC Occupational Therapists remind individuals that aging in place does not mean that you need to do everything yourself. You can choose to do as little or as much as you want, can, and are capable of.
Occupational therapy at MRHC is available for people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Services can promote independence and aging in place by assisting with the following:
- Getting around (adaptive devices: cane, walker, wheelchair)
- Safety concerns and fall prevention
- Home modifications (grab bars, lighting, and toilet risers)
- Cooking
- Laundry
- Showering
- Shopping
- Medications
- Cognition and memory
- Muscle strengthening
- Balance.
A doctor’s referral is required to be seen by an occupational therapist.
In addition to occupational therapy, MRHC provides a variety of other services to help community members live at home longer. Physical therapy is beneficial for those who are suffering from an injury, recovering from surgery, or dealing with any sort of acute or chronic pain. Senior Life Solutions offers an outpatient group counseling program to meet unique needs of adults over 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. Residential and outpatient medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support to enable a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol is available through the Recovery Center.
If you or a loved one would benefit from services that enable you to live at home longer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at MRHC by calling (712) 655-8100. To learn more about occupational therapy services, click here.