The Administration for Community Living has designated May as Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is injury prevention.

Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled health, rehabilitation, and educational professionals that help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Each day across the United States, occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults and caregivers to educate them on strategies and behaviors to ensure safety and facilitate maximum independence.

Give back to your older Savvy Aunties in their time of need. Here are some examples of the ways occupational therapy practitioners work to keep older Americans safe and promote confidence in their everyday lives:

    •    Preventing falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of 65. Falls and the fear of falling can cause decreased independence and disability. Occupational therapy practitioners can conduct an individualized fall assessment. Assessments typically include identifying and eliminating fall hazards in the home, arranging furniture so there is room to maneuver, creating sturdy catching-points throughout the home, removing or securing throw rugs, adding railings and grab bars, and offering suggestions for storing frequently-accessed items (and a plan for accessing seasonal items). Help out older Aunties in this process by making a list of the items they use most frequently.

    •    Suggesting environmental modifications. An occupational therapy practitioner can conduct an assessment of the home or work environment to suggest proper placement of modifications, when necessary, that are unique to your auntie’s needs. “If the home or other environment is not supporting the person’s abilities, the occupational therapist can provide an assessment and recommendations to make it safer and encourage participation in meaningful activities,” says Karen Smith, OT, CAPS, Practice Associate for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

    •    Empowering drivers and offering safe mobility solutions. “Just as we plan for our financial futures, we need to plan for our transportation futures as we age,” says Elin Schold Davis, OTR/L, CDRS, project coordinator of AOTA’s Older Driver Safety Initiative. “Respecting the physical, cognitive, and sensory changes that come with age may require adjustments in driving patterns, vehicle equipment, or a skills refresher, but do not have to mean giving up the keys and living in isolation without access to transportation. Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is dedicated to building awareness of the growing array of options available to seniors to support their goal of driving safely and maintaining an active lifestyle. Occupational therapists certified in driver rehabilitation offer drivers an individualized evaluation to explore the range of solutions to stay on the road safely and confidently.”

Additionally older Americans can maintain their own safety by getting an annual eye exam, talking to their physician and pharmacist about how medications can affect balance, strength, vision, and fall risk, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, and staying active by participating in regular exercise.

To download tip sheets on any of the above topics or to learn more about how occupational therapy practitioners work to empower older adults, visit www.aota.org.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.

Photo: tiarescott via Flickr cc
Published: April 23, 2014