Occupational Therapy in Home Health
Original Editor - User:Temitope Olowoyeye
The home environment serves as a unique setting where occupational therapists can tailor interventions to the individual's specific needs, ultimately promoting a higher level of independence and an improved quality of life. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals build or improve skills for everyday activities such as self-care, productivity, work, and leisure activities such as hobbies and socialising, utilising various techniques, exercises, and interventions to enhance independence and functional abilities, [1]including adaptive strategies, assistive devices, and customised treatment plans.[2]
Occupational therapy's role in home health care goes beyond the confines of a medical setting, extending into the heart of individuals' lives and their living environments. The combined efforts of occupational therapists, patients, and their families result in transformative outcomes—allowing individuals to regain lost abilities, adapt to new challenges, and rediscover a sense of purpose within the comfort of their homes.[3]
As the interdependent relationship between occupational therapy and home health care continues to evolve, its impact on the lives of individuals remains a testament to the power of personalised care and the pursuit of independence.[3][5]
Conditions Managed at Home[edit | edit source]
Occupational therapy in home health care provides services for the following conditions for patients:
Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic conditions: Occupational therapists address conditions such as fractures, joint replacements, and injuries that affect mobility and range of motion. They design personalised rehabilitation plans to restore strength, coordination, and functional mobility, enabling patients to navigate their homes with confidence.[6]
Neurologic conditions: Occupational therapy in Home health care assists individuals recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injuries, dementia,[3] and other neurological disorders. By targeting fine motor skills, balance, and cognitive function to help regain control over their lives and daily routines.[3]
Peadiatric developmental delay: Occupational therapy in home health involves working with the child, the parent, and the family unit[7]—of the peadiatric population with developmental delays—by fostering age-appropriate skills. Through play-based interventions, therapists enhance sensory integration, motor coordination, and social engagement, ensuring children reach their developmental milestones.[7]
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References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Raymond MH, Feldman DE, Demers L. Referral Prioritization in Home Care Occupational Therapy: A Matter of Perspective. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2020 Jun;87(3):182-91.
- ↑ Rexe K, Lammi BM, von Zweck C. Occupational therapy: Cost-effective solutions for changing health system needs. Healthcare Quarterly. 2013 Jan 1;16(1):69-75.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Bennett S, Laver K, Voigt-Radloff S, Letts L, Clemson L, Graff M, Wiseman J, Gitlin L. Occupational therapy for people with dementia and their family carers provided at home: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ open. 2019 Nov 1;9(11):e026308.
- ↑ Avera Health. Bringing Occupational Therapy to Patients at Home - Medical Minute. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ijq1mw20_s 29/08/2023]
- ↑ De Coninck L, Bekkering GE, Bouckaert L, Declercq A, Graff MJ, Aertgeerts B. Home‐and community‐based occupational therapy improves functioning in frail older people: A systematic review. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2017 Aug;65(8):1863-9.
- ↑ Clark BM. Rheumatology: 9. Physical and occupational therapy in the management of arthritis. CMAJ. 2000 Oct 17;163(8):999-1005.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Novak I, Honan I. Effectiveness of paediatric occupational therapy for children with disabilities: A systematic review. Australian occupational therapy journal. 2019 Jun;66(3):258-73.
