9 Facts About Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Media, PA
Occupational therapy is a health care service that helps people learn how to regain independence when their cognitive, physical, or sensory skills are impacted by disability, illness, or injury. It can help with emotional, mental, and physical challenges.
From April 1st to the 30th, people across the nation are invited to celebrate Occupational Therapy Month and explore the different occupational therapy makes in a person’s life. Learn more about this valuable service through these nine facts.
The Origins of Occupational Therapy Date Back to Ancient Greece
The first use of occupational therapy dates back to Ancient Greece when a Greek physician used hot baths, massage, music, and exercise to improve mental health.
Eleanor Clarke Slagle is nicknamed the “mother of occupational therapy” due to her role in forming the National Society of the Promotion of Occupational Therapy. She opened the first training program for occupational therapy in the 1910s, using the principle that maintaining important routines was key to one’s well-being.
Occupational Therapists Can Help Many People and Ages
Occupational therapy isn’t a service strictly for younger adults. It’s for older adults, too. It can help people with these health issues or conditions:
- Burn victims
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Orthopedic injuries and bone fractures
- Pneumonia
- Spinal cord injuries
- Strokes
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Vision impairment
Occupational Therapy Reduces the Risk of Hospital Readmissions
Patients who undergo occupational therapy after a stroke, fall, or other health issue have a lower risk of hospital readmission.
It’s a Growing Field
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 14% increase in occupational therapy jobs over the next decade. As it’s key to helping maintain the ability to complete IADLs and ADLs independently, it’s an important service for older adults.
Your dad may not want to leave his home for now. That’s okay. His occupational therapist can come to him.
Offered Services
When your dad works with an occupational therapist, he will learn the best ways to complete his activities of daily living and maintain his hobbies and activities. He’ll have help building a daily routine and managing the items on his list.
His occupational therapist can help him learn to use adaptive equipment and navigate his home safely. Fall prevention and memory skills are also things he will learn. You’ll learn what he needs to do and know, too.
Occupational Therapists Must Have Master’s Degrees
Licensed occupational therapists are required to have a master’s degree. This rule went into effect in 2007. They may hold specialties like hand therapy, eating and swallowing, assistive technology, and mobility.
OT Can Help Family Caregivers, Too
Occupational therapy can help all ages. In addition to helping your dad, they can also help train family caregivers in the same techniques to ensure a high quality of care.
Work with your dad’s occupational therapist to ensure you know how best to assist him with his goal of maintaining independence. Learn more and schedule sessions by talking to an occupational therapy specialist.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Occupational Therapy in Media, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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