Behind the Scenes: Home Health Occupational Therapy [video]

For some, normal tasks such as showering, getting dressed, or making a meal can be challenging due to an injury, illness, or chronic condition. That’s where occupational therapy steps in to make a meaningful difference. Our occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in helping patients regain strength, safely move, and return to activities they enjoy.  

What is Occupational Therapy? 

Occupational therapy is all about helping individuals engage in everyday activities with greater ease and independence. OTs provide tools and techniques to help make patients' lives easier! They utilize therapeutic techniques, exercises, and adaptive equipment (shower chairs, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) to help patients develop valuable skills and increase their functionality. They also educate patients and their caregivers with ways to reduce the risk of falls, regain range of motion, and perform normal tasks more effectively. Some areas of life  addressed with occupational therapy are:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADL): bathing, grooming, dressing
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL): preparing meals, maintaining a home, caring for pets
• Rest/Sleep:creating a sleep preparation routine
• Leisure: playing a game of cards, gardening, or playing an instrument
• Social Participation: engaging in the community, with family, and friends

Home Advantage 

Home, sweet home! Working in patients’ home environments is a natural fit for occupational therapists and offers a unique advantage. Home health OTs get to witness firsthand how patients handle everyday activities in their own living spaces. Being in the home creates a setup for therapy sessions that promotes comfort and empowers patients to learn right where they spend most of their time. Additionally, OTs can assess homes for safety issues and make necessary modifications personalized to each patient's specific needs.

A Conversation with an Interim HealthCare Occupational Therapist 

Meet Kristin Ellis, one of Interim’s extraordinary OTs with nearly two decades of experience. Watch the video below to hear about her fulfilling journey as a home health OT and catch a glimpse of an occupational therapy session! 

At Interim HealthCare, we’re on a mission to make a difference in the lives of our patients. Our occupational therapy program is tailored to fit each patient’s lifestyle and living environment and creates a smooth path to regaining confidence in daily tasks. As Kristin said in the video above, "OT brings to life the idea of looking at an activity, analyzing the deficits, and bringing to the table interventions, restoration, and education."

If you’re interested in learning more about our program and how we might help you, we invite you to click HERE and connect with us.