Occupational Therapy in Long-Term Care in Princeton, WV

Seniors often come to live in skilled nursing care facilities because they have extensive medical needs that would benefit from onsite medical care. A quality long-term care facility can offer a variety of healthcare services and social opportunities in a safe space to help residents with all levels of care. Occupational therapy services offered at Princeton Health Care Center allow seniors to access all that our facility has to offer.

Learn more about the services we offer to our residents.

How Occupational Therapy Helps Seniors

Aging often results in a decline in both physical and mental health. Illness, injury, and cognitive decline are some of the most common reasons for a senior to enter a long-term care facility. All of these conditions can make it difficult to accomplish the activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance. These challenges significantly affect the quality of life that seniors experience as they age.

By identifying and overcoming obstacles that seniors face in being active, occupational therapy can improve the physical health of patients. Occupational therapists who work with seniors often put a special emphasis on techniques to help their patients perform everyday tasks such as personal hygiene, cooking, and basic cleaning. As they engage in more meaningful activities and are once again able to care for themselves, patients also experience the enhanced emotional wellbeing that comes with increased confidence and independence. Occupational therapists are also well-versed in everyday barriers that put seniors and other mobility-impaired individuals at risk for slips and falls. Identifying potential dangers allows for the creation of safer living spaces.

Occupational Therapy In Skilled Nursing Care Facilities

Occupational therapists in skilled nursing care facilities work alongside physicians and physical therapists to help each resident reach their full potential. The specific activities of occupational therapy vary according to patient goals and obstacles but may include any or several of the following interventions for both short-term and long-term care:

• Assessing the length of stay and level of care a patient should receive
• Teaching patients to adjust to devices such as neck braces, crutches, or casts they must wear as the result of a fall or other injury
• Assessing the need for accommodations needed in living spaces or on outings
• Helping residents to find suitable hobbies for enjoyment and skills training
• Increase a resident’s ability to perform ADLs
• Evaluate potential obstacles a resident faces in performing ADLs or self-care tasks
• Inform and educate administration and staff members about potential modifications that may increase a resident’s ability to care for themselves within the facility
• Develop techniques to compensate for physical or cognitive impairments that limit the ability to perform daily tasks or hobbies
• Identify opportunities for residents to take part in social activities that enhance their enjoyment of life
• Playing memory games or puzzles with patients to help increase memory and brain activity
• Creating systems to help patients to remember important items and tasks that may otherwise slip their minds momentarily

Long-Term Care With Occupational Therapy In Princeton, WV

If you are looking for a skilled nursing care facility that meets the constantly changing needs of seniors, look no further than Princeton Health Care Center.

Contact us today to see our virtual tour and discuss how our facility can help your family.