The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Aging in Place

Last week, we talked about professionals with CAPS designations and how someone earns that designation.  This week, we’ll be talking specifically about Occupational Therapists (OTs).  The AARP acknowledges the important role that OTs can have in helping individuals modify their homes.  In fact, the AARP recommends OTs be utilized to assist people in identify ways to improve home safety and for recommending home modifications.  Some OTs choose to become certified in the area of home modification.  Some OTs choose to earn the CAPS designation by taking courses through the National Home Builders Association.  Other OTs earn specialty certification in environmental modification through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the national association for OTs.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) are among the professionals that work with individuals who desire to Age in Place.  So, how are OTs different from others that work with home modifications that help people age in place?  The OTs background and training are unique and help prepare them to work with this segment of the population.  OTs use their medical knowledge, training, and education to assess areas that include the individual’s motor and sensory functions/abilities, cognitive abilities, and their ability to access and function in their home environment.  The OT may assess how the individual performs their daily functional life skills such as getting in and out of the tub/shower and accessing items in their kitchen/pantry.  They gather this information and make recommendations to improve independence and safety in the home and during functional activities in the home.  These recommendations may include simple modifications such as installing lever handles on doors and recommending rocker switches or more involved modifications such as recommending a curbless roll in shower and/or recommending adjusting the height of kitchen counters to allow someone in a wheelchair to access the counter.

Sources

Occupational Therapy: Helping America Age in Place and New Markets Emerge From Society’s Needs