Occupational Therapy: A Career As A Career For Geriatric Patients

Occupational therapy is a rapidly growing field that is increasing at a rate of 27 percent (Occupational Therapists). While the number of occupational therapists is growing, the number of elderly people in the United States are growing as well. This is happening because baby boomers, or people that were born from 1946 to 1964, are aging at this time (Chippendale, Tracy). Occupational therapists play a very important role in the lives of almost all elderly people. Occupational therapists that help geriatric patients do numerous different activities and perform some changes in their lives to help them live to their fullest potential. One of the jobs that occupational therapists do for elderly people is preventing falls (“Fall Prevention for Older

Occupational therapists help geriatric patients relearn or become more efficient at simple tasks. Some of these daily tasks can include bathing, feeding, dressing, brushing their teeth, doing their hair, cleaning, and doing laundry (Tomac, Cindy). The elderly patients may even need help unlocking a door, turning a page, or picking up small objects and occupational therapists can help them do that. While the main focus is on performing necessary daily tasks, occupational therapists can also help patients achieve tasks that they want to do (The Importance of Occupational Therapy for Seniors). Some of these activities may include playing cards or board games, playing an instrument, or attending attending social events. Occupational therapists “educate geriatric patients on energy conservation and general safety to improve activity tolerance and safety. Occupational therapists also improve upper extremity strength and range of motion required for a variety of daily life tasks” (Cavello, Jessica). One of the main jobs of occupational therapists is to help elderly people be able to live their lives independently and they will do what it takes to make their patients reach their