Tag: mental-health
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Transforming Homes, Elevating Minds: OTs Lead the Way to Better Mental Health Through Home Modifications
October is Mental Health Awareness month, and occupational therapists who specialize in home modifications can make a significant impact on the mental health and overall well-being for seniors who face challenges at home. Home modifications are far more than a set of physical changes—they are catalysts for independence, emotional well-being, and relief for both older…
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Family Dynamics and Home Modifications: Navigating Resistance and Role Reversals During Holiday Visits
The text message arrived the week after Thanksgiving: “I saw Mom this weekend. She’s not okay. The house is a mess, she’s barely eating, and she almost fell right in front of me. I’ve been telling her for months she needs help but she won’t listen. Can you see her?” This scenario plays out in…
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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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Supporting Breast Cancer Survivors at Home: The OT’s Expanded Role
The call came at 8:30 on a Monday morning. Sarah’s voice was tight with frustration and worry. “Mom came home from her mastectomy two weeks ago. She’s doing okay, I think. But this morning she called me crying because she couldn’t lift her arm high enough to get her coffee mug from the cabinet. She…
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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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Do home modifications impact mental health?
Occupational therapists specializing in home modifications have a unique, often under-leveraged role in promoting mental health—not just for clients, but for caregivers as well. Many therapists struggle with how to go beyond functional safety to address broader psychosocial needs or worry that recommending home modifications might add to family stress or expense. But current evidence…
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Promoting Healthy Aging: A evidence based role for OT in wellness and prevention
Occupational therapists can play a critical role in healthy aging by promoting physical activity, sleep hygiene, healthy eating, meaningful occupation, and proactive planning for major life transitions. Drawing on both recent research and OT best-practice guidelines, therapists in community or private practice settings can implement detailed interventions that support wellness among older adults, including those…
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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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Lifestyle Redesign®: Occupational Therapy’s Evidence-Based Pathway to Healthy Aging
Healthy aging isn’t merely about prolonging life—it’s about enhancing vitality, purpose, and well-being through everyday habits and meaningful activities. The evidence-backed occupational therapy intervention known as Lifestyle Redesign® is at the forefront of this movement, empowering older adults to proactively shape their routines for greater health, independence, and satisfaction (Pyatak et al., 2022). What Is Lifestyle Redesign®?…
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“Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself”
As occupational therapists and home accessibility specialists, September’s Healthy Aging® Month theme—“Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself”—aligns perfectly with our mission to empower older adults and individuals of all abilities to live with confidence, independence, and purpose. This annual observance is an opportunity to inspire not only the people we serve but also our colleagues…
The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC 