How Adults Can Benefit from Occupational Therapy

Traumatic brain injuries, cancer, stroke, arthritis — these are all events or illnesses that can have a life-changing impact on your life. More to the point, these life changes often present serious challenges that affect your ability to function as you once did, and you just want to figure out how to move forward. That’s where our occupational therapy (OT) services come in.

Here at Celebrations Speech Group, we specialize in occupational therapy for both kids and adults, helping people of all ages to better navigate daily living.

Let’s take a look at how OT can play an invaluable role for adults who are trying to overcome functional hurdles.

Occupational therapy basics

Let us first say that it’s hard to describe OT as we customize each patient’s program to their unique needs and situation. That said, we like a great definition that comes to us from the American Occupational Therapy Association — Occupational therapy enables people of all ages to participate in daily living and promotes health, well-being, and participation.

From performing daily routines like getting dressed to functional cognition exercises that focus on planning and prioritizing, OT addresses the many facets of living life from day to day.

There are many reasons why adults come to us for OT.  For example, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, and many come out the other side with mild to serious functional deficits, from swallowing disorders to balance issues.

As well, nearly one-quarter million Americans are hospitalized each year for traumatic brain injuries, and many have to relearn the basics of daily living.

Outside of these neurological events, other reasons why people come to us for OT include chronic pain, arthritis, cancer, or any other issue that’s hampering their ability to negotiate daily living.

How occupational therapy helps

Innumerable benefits come out of occupational therapy, such as:

Getting you back to where you were

If you were injured or had an illness you should bounce back from, our OT helps this recovery and return go far more quickly. We work with you on your specific needs — cooking for your kids or getting back to a higher level of executive function.

We sit down with you and your loved ones to prioritize what you want to accomplish so you can function in your world again, safely and happily.

Adjusting to a new normal

Often, a permanent life-changing event brings you to OT, and our goal is to help you adjust to your new normal. For example, if you need adaptive equipment, we help you figure out these devices and how you can integrate them into your life.

We also focus on workarounds that will help you remain as independent as possible.

Working with your caregivers

Another great aspect of OT is that we work with the members of your family, so that your reintegration into daily living is smooth.

These are just some of the many benefits of occupational therapy, and there are plenty more, depending on your needs and goals.

To learn more about how occupational therapy can help bridge the gap to daily living, please contact one of our offices in Brentwood, Stockton, or Elk Grove, California, to schedule a consultation.