Effective Occupational Therapy for Elderly Patients: Promoting Independence and Well-being
How to navigate the aging process with occupational therapy at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab
For some, the aging process affects the ability to do things that once were incredibly simple and can often become affected. When people lose the ability to complete daily tasks or participate in activities they enjoy, it can impact their psychological health and relationships with others. Fortunately, you or a loved one can overcome the barriers of aging with effective occupational therapy techniques and strategies.
One of the common repercussions of age-related conditions is loss of upper-extremity functions. However, daily activities require these essential parts of the body, whether it’s hygienic tasks, recreational activities, or participation in a community, each of which brings a sense of meaning and purpose to life.
Our occupational therapists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab can enhance your recovery so you can participate in required duties and fulfilling activities. We work with seniors to build back their strength and upper extremity functions. Our team is committed to helping improve a person’s performance and engagement in occupations that affect their overall quality of life.
Call us today to learn more about our treatment programs and schedule an appointment!
Upper Extremity Conditions Treated By Occupational Therapists
Our skilled occupational therapists work with elderly patients and their support team, teaching them techniques to complete daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and bathing, more achievable. The focus of our effective occupational therapy is to help patients improve their strength, dexterity, and range of motion.
Some common conditions we treat include:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older adults, often affecting the shoulders, wrists, and hands. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the tissues that cushion the ends of the bones within the joints break down over time. These changes gradually worsen and can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function.
- Fractures: Fractures are classified as a partial or complete break in a bone. If you’ve suffered from an upper extremity fracture such as a wrist, elbow, or humerus fracture, we can help you make a safe recovery.
- Tendinopathy: Tendinopathy describes any problem with a tendon, including disease, injury, or disorder. You could be experiencing tendinopathy for many reasons, and our effective occupational therapy methods can help you get to the root of your problems and find a solution that works for your specific situation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel causes numbness and tingling in the finger(s) and hand(s) due to a compressed nerve in the wrist. It can be caused by repetitive or overuse, as well as conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic diseases or a fracture.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Elderly patients who have undergone surgical treatment, such as carpal tunnel surgery or surgery to stabilize a fracture, often require rehabilitation to help them safely recover and transition back into their daily life.
These common conditions that aging brings can be managed with our effective occupational therapy techniques at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab. The goal of rehabilitation is to help you or a loved one regain independence regardless of your condition.
Effective Occupational Therapy and What to Expect at Your Sessions
Occupational therapy goes beyond just addressing an injury. At Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab, our compassionate therapists focus on the functional needs of each patient by designing care programs that promote physical and psychological well-being. Each treatment program is tailored to the patient’s individual needs and will include specific exercises and activities that can be integrated into their lifestyle.
Our occupational therapist will start with an individual assessment that includes an evaluation of your condition. We’ll assess your strength, range of motion, and current abilities and establish personal goals to be achieved during treatment. This information will help us select activities focused on improving your daily tasks.
Occupational therapy care plans help patients restore their ability to use their upper extremities by improving their range of motion, strength, and dexterity to help them regain independence in their daily life. In order to ensure success throughout rehabilitation, our specialists may recommend assistive equipment and adaptations or modifications to typical daily tasks that fit your specific needs.
Our team focuses on helping our patients operate more safely and comfortably based on their condition and needs. Occupational therapy is an essential component of health care that can enhance an individual’s physical and emotional well-being by eliminating unnecessary obstacles that could interfere with life.
Start Work to Restore Your Independence Today!
You or a loved one could achieve a healthier and happier life with effective occupational therapy. Our team of experienced therapists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab provides comprehensive care and optimal support to achieve goals throughout treatment. Our patient’s success is our number one goal, and we can’t wait to be a part of your journey!
Contact our office today to get started!