Arrow Rehab October 2010 Newsletter

QUESTION CORNER
What is the largest pumpkin on reccord?
A. 1,725 lbs.
B. 838 lbs.
C. 1,384 lbs.
D. 1,821 lbs.
Circle your best answer and mail it in or drop it o to be picked for the prize.
Name: ________________________________
You can also e-mail your answer to : arrowrehab@bellsouth.net
September winner: Natica Orlopp

Definition of Occupational Therapy:

Therapy based on engagement in meaningful activities of daily life (as selfcare skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning.

Helping Your Loved Ones Preserve Independence in Later Years

Do you have an older friend or family member who is finding it more diffcult to manage daily tasks in the home? Do you worry about the health and safety of a parent living alone?

Watch for clues that certain daily activities have become too difficult because of physical or mental changes.

Are bills going unpaid? Is the person neglecting grooming or skipping meals? Does the home appear unkempt?

As abilities and strength diminish, families and other caregivers must often help the older person obtain the assistance needed to maintain independence. Investigate and suggest resources such as bill paying services, “meals on wheels,” lawn care, house cleaning, and window washing companies. Some elders will prefer professional help to dependence upon family members.

Talking About Living Arrangements

Introducing changes to the persons living environment or considering a move to more accessible housing is best approached long before safety issues become paramount.

Too often, the individual is facing losses in other areas of life and resistance to change is increased. Introduce the idea of change through small, less intrusive modifications in the guise of gifts or services when you notice a need.

For example, while replacing hard-to-reach light bulbs upgrade the wattage for improved visibility.

If adaptations or repairs are needed such as adding railings on stairways or replacing worn or uneven floor covering, etc., offer to help the individual make choices and deal with contractors.

Becoming An Adult Caregiver

Caring for an older adult can be rewarding and ful lling, but can also place great physical, emotional and nancial demands on those who take care of them. More than 80 percent of late-life care is provided by unpaid family members.

Sometimes the needs of a caregiver are secondary to those of the aged person in need of care. But failing to meet one’s own needs can lead to stress, depression and physical problems on the part of the caregiver. Occupational therapists can help caregivers achieve a balance in which the older adult’s needs are met as well as the rest of the family’s.

What can an occupational therapy practitioner do?

Promote well-being through activities that encourage creativity and coping strategies.
Provide strategies to balance work, caregiving and family demands.
Recognize that the needs of caregivers must be met in addition to the needs of an older adult with a disability or disorder.
Encourage caregivers to accept that feeling stress, anger, frustration and sadness at the situation is not uncommon and that it is acceptable to express these feelings.
Explore coping strategies and encourage healthy activities such as exercise, group or individual therapy, and hobbies.
Stay informed of current research on conditions and intervention techniques to share with clients.

What can families do?

Join a therapy or discussion group for caregivers of older adults.
Share the responsibility of caring for an older adult.
Ask others for help.
Develop a schedule that distributes caregiving responsibility.
Consider adult day care or home health aides to provide occasional breaks to full-time caregivers.
Create moments of joy throughout the day by participating in pleasurable activities, if only for a few minutes.

Need more information?

Frequent depression and stress is a serious problem and could cause physical and emotional complications to all family members. If you would like to consult an occupational therapist, practitioners are available through most hospitals, medical centers, and clinics. Talk to your family physician or contact your local health o cials for more information about occupational therapy.