Tag: home-accessibility-therapist
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Retirement: Occupational Transition planning – A role for OT
Occupational therapy plays a critical role in supporting wellness, independence, and life satisfaction as individuals age, especially during the complex transition into retirement. For occupational therapists, facilitating this transition goes well beyond managing physical or cognitive decline; it centers on empowering individuals to engage in meaningful occupations, prevent occupational disruption, and prepare proactively for a new life stage.…
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Utilizing Lifestyle Medicine to promote healthy aging.
Occupational therapists working in community settings are key facilitators of healthy aging—not only by supporting daily function but by addressing the complex mix of social, environmental, and lifestyle factors that shape the aging process. While the bulk of aging sciences focuses on biological aging factors, “fundamental causes of aging may be found in the social exposome-the…
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Enhancing Predischarge Decision-Making: Tools for Occupational Therapists
Deciding whether to conduct a predischarge home visit is one of the most critical—and sometimes challenging—tasks for occupational therapists (OTs) working in hospital settings. A new study addresses this challenge by evaluating a structured support tool designed to guide and improve this decision-making process. What the Study Found Researchers introduced a decision-making support tool across…
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Supporting Stroke Survivors at Home: The Key Role of Occupational Therapists in Home Modifications
Transitioning from inpatient rehabilitation to home is a critical—and often challenging—phase for stroke survivors. Many encounter new barriers in their home and community environments, which can impact recovery and daily life. Recent research offers valuable lessons for occupational therapists seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these individuals. What the Latest Evidence…
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Advancing Home Modifications in a Digital Age: Occupational Therapists Supporting Older Adults
As digital technology increasingly integrates with daily life, its role grows ever more vital for older adults aging at home. Occupational therapists (OTs) are pivotal in ensuring that both physical home modifications and digital interventions are truly supportive, accessible, and dignified. Recent qualitative research provides insight into how older adults view these innovations—and how OTs…
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Occupational Therapists as Leaders in Fall Prevention: Insights from a Rural Implementation Study
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a critical role in helping older adults stay safe at home, particularly through environmental assessment and modification to prevent falls. A recent pilot implementation study in regional Australia demonstrates how embedding fall prevention into routine OT practice can make a sustained difference for high-risk older adults. Highlights from the Study The…
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Empowering Occupational Therapists: Integrating Home Modifications and Nutrition to Reduce Fall Risk
Aging in place is a goal cherished by many older adults, but it comes with unique challenges that occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely equipped to address. A recent feasibility trial highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—combining occupational therapy and registered dietitian services—to reduce fall risk among homebound older adults receiving home-delivered meals. Why Home…
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Charting the Future of Home Modifications: A Systematic Review for Occupational Therapists
As the population ages, demand for effective home modifications to support aging in place is rapidly increasing. A recent systematic review offers a comprehensive synthesis of current research, highlighting both successes and critical gaps in the way home modification services support older adults. Key Findings from the Systematic Review Implications for Occupational Therapists Modern home modification work…
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Family Engagement in Virtual Home Assessments: Expanding Roles for Occupational Therapists
The rise of videoconferencing-based home assessments has reshaped the practice of occupational therapy, particularly in collaborations with family caregivers. A recent qualitative study within the Veterans Health Administration provides deep insight into how these changes are affecting both therapists and families—and what OTs can do to respond. Key Findings from the Study Implications for Occupational Therapists With…
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Bridging the Gap: Smart Home Modification Framework for Occupational Therapists
Smart home technologies hold great promise for people with physical disabilities, yet their real-world use often lags behind due to complex interfaces, high costs, technical challenges, and lack of institutional support. A recent study tackled this challenge head-on by developing a validated, expert-driven framework designed to help occupational therapists (OTs) confidently recommend and implement smart…
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