Tag: homeaccessibilitytherapist
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Therapist Self-Care During Mental Health Awareness Month: Preventing Burnout in Home Modification Practice
I sat in my car outside Mrs. Patterson’s house for ten minutes before I could make myself go inside. Not because her home was difficult—the evaluation would be straightforward, just grab bars and lighting. But because I knew what I would find. Another older adult living alone, struggling, afraid. Another story of decline that would…
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Beyond Grab Bars: How Home Environment Shapes Mental Health Recovery in Older Adults
Mrs. Chen sat across from me in the living room of her home, her hands folded tightly in her lap. At 73, she’d recovered well from her hip fracture. Her daughter had done everything right—installed grab bars in the bathroom, added a raised toilet seat, purchased a rolling walker, and even rearranged the bedroom furniture…
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Occupational Therapist-Led Home Modifications: Evidence, Impact, and Insights
Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to lead impactful home modifications that promote safety, independence, and quality of life for older adults and those with mobility challenges. Recent research continues to validate the profound benefits of these interventions for both clients and the broader healthcare system. Evidence-Based Benefits Multiple studies show a strong link between therapist-led…
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Supporting caregivers: Alternative strategies to fuel healthy aging.
Occupational therapy (OT) support for caregivers is a cornerstone of healthy aging—empowering families to maintain safe, supportive, and engaging environments that foster independence and wellbeing for older adults. Research reveals that caregiver strain affects not only the caregiver’s health but also the quality of life and outcomes of those receiving care, making professional OT insights especially…
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Aging Well: The OT Approach to Healthy Senior Living
September is Healthy Aging Month. Occupational therapy empowers older adults to live with independence, confidence, and optimal well-being throughout the aging journey. The OT approach focuses on enabling participation in the daily activities and passions that make life meaningful—whether that’s gardening, connecting with loved ones, engaging in volunteer work, or simply managing everyday tasks at…
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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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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…
The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC 