VALLEY CITY, N.D. (CHI) – CHI Occupational Therapist’s Jessica Olson, OTR/L and Shelly Molstad, OTR/L wanted to run down a list of reminders for people who may need Occupation therapy.
Occupational therapy is a skilled healthcare profession that helps you complete meaningful daily activities called occupations. You can think of an occupation as all the things you do in a day from the time you wake up in the morning to the time you go to bed.
Why might older adults need occupational therapy?
Have you or anyone you know noticed that performing your day to day activities has become more difficult as you age? Have you tried different strategies but nothing seems to help? One of the most difficult parts of aging is accepting that our bodies and/or minds aren’t able to do what they once could. If you or anyone you know is experiencing difficulty adapting to the aging process, know that there is hope. You don’t have to struggle alone. Occupational therapy is here for you! If you are wondering how occupational therapy can help you or a loved one, read this quick article.
“What kinds of activities do occupational therapists help with? They can assist with eating, bathing, getting dressed, transferring surfaces (such as from a chair, bed, or shower), and toileting.”
Occupational Therapy can also help with more complex activities such as:
Meal preparation
Managing finances
Managing medications
Using the phone or computer
Shopping
Completing laundry and cleaning tasks
What conditions can be helped by occupational therapy at Mercy Hospital?
Dementia
Stroke/brain
injury
Arthritis
Diabetes
Chronic pain
Hand and upper extremity
injuries
Multiple Sclerosis
COPD
Lymphedema
Pelvic dysfunction
Amputations
Spinal Cord injuries
Orthopedic injuries/surgeries
Low vision
What happens during an Occupational Therapy visit?
During your first visit, an occupational therapist will ask you questions and observe you complete certain tasks to see how you are functioning. They will talk with you to find out what tasks are difficult. Then, the OT will work with you to develop a treatment plan and goals. The occupational therapists may teach you new ways of doing things, such as getting your socks on. They may give you exercises to help improve your strength and endurance. Occupational therapists also provide recommendations and training on the use of special equipment to help you do daily activities with more ease.
For example, based on your needs, OT may do the following: Assess your functional abilities before you have a surgery so it will be easier for you to return home, show you a safer and easier way to get in and out of the shower, show you an easier way to dress yourself and assess why dressing is difficult (i.e. is it because of a stiff back, poor hand strength/coordination)
Complete a home safety assessment to make sure your home is safe and to reduce the risk of falling. Teach your exercises to improve strength, motion, and coordination needed to complete daily tasks. Help you get needed equipment (examples: shower chair, sock aid, shoe horn, dressing stick, reacher, grab bars, and etc…)
How is occupational therapy paid for? If you are over the age of 65, and have Medicare Part B, it covers 80% of OT services. Occupational therapy is also covered by private health insurance and medicaid. We recommend calling your specific insurance for details on coverage.
How do I schedule a visit with an Occupational Therapist? Ask your physician or primary care provider for a referral. Referrals can be sent to Mercy Hospital via fax to (701) 845-6577 and you may call our office to schedule at (701) 845-6575.
