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Occupational Therapy in Dementia Care
According to Dementia Australia, dementia describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. It is not one specific disease. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with just about every part of a person’s life.
Guide Healthcare’s home care occupational therapists can complete activity analysis and work with older people to improve their occupational performance within their home and community.
Our clinicians will work with family members, carers and other key stakeholders to address the functional implications of dementia. Guide’s occupational therapists evaluate each person’s strengths, impairments, and performance areas needing intervention.
At present, there is no prevention or cure for most forms of dementia. Although remediation of cognitive performance is unlikely, the person may demonstrate improved function through compensation or adaptation. Guide’s homecare occupational therapists can work with the person to facilitate these compensations and assist family members and care providers in developing coping strategies.
Occupational therapy interventions for those with dementia include:
Focusing on the maintained strengths of clients
Promoting wellness of care providers
Exercise to improve range of motion, strength and endurance, contributing to better performance of activities of daily living and mobility
Provide supports for the habits and routines that are working well for the person with dementia
Home modification to create safe and supportive environments
Education and training on communication and verbal cueing
Facilitation of social and other supports
A 2010 study by Schaber & Lieberman stated that enhancing function, promoting relationships and social participation, and finding ways for those with dementia to enjoy life are the keys to successful occupational therapy intervention.
We certainly agree with this statement and use this to form the basis of our occupational therapy approach to supporting people with a diagnosis of dementia.
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admin@guidehealthcare.com.au
02 9663 0387