Daily routines and tasks include preparing a meal, visiting the shops, or continuing with a favourite pastime. In a nutshell, an occupational therapist offers solutions and options to enable you to continue doing those everyday activities that have become difficult, to help you get the most from life.

Occupational therapy can help older people continue to live independently at home and cope with daily tasks which can become more difficult with age



Rasheeda was finding it difficult to get upstairs to her bedroom and bathroom and was worried that she might have to move into a retirement home or sheltered accommodation. After contacting her council Rasheeda was seen by Wendy, an occupational therapist. Wendy thought Rasheeda was coping well on her own in general and looked for a solution which would enable her to get upstairs more easily. A stairlift was installed and Rasheeda can now get upstairs without any problems. She continues to live independently at home.

An occupational therapist can help with social behaviour

• set weekly tasks and assess how you are managing to complete them
• develop strategies to increase your confidence so you make new friends and
  feel comfortable in social situations
• help you access equipment such as a walking aid, so you feel confident when
  you are out
• suggest coping strategies to suit your lifestyle

An occupational therapist can help with physical challenges

• help you to identify home hazards
• recommend equipment and adaptations to make your home safer
• enable you to build your strength and stamina, and improve your balance
• develop an exercise programme that you can break down into achievable
  stages
• introduce you to techniques that will protect your joints and make your
  exercise routine manageable

An occupational therapist can help with memory

• help you to devise a trigger system to prompt you to remember your
  daily routine
• explain how your memory is functioning, so you and your family can
  respond as required

An occupational therapist can help with environmental issues

• recommend different ways of using the mouse and keyboard to reduce
  pressure on your wrists
• advise you about different keyboards to ease your wrist pain
• show you gadgets that can make tasks easier, for example,
  special tap turners, a pick-up stick, etc.