Can Children and Adults Benefit From Occupational Therapy?

Some conditions and injuries make it difficult to perform day-to-day tasks. If you suffer a stroke or a severe injury, you may have to relearn specific skills. You might also need to find different ways of doing things to accommodate your limitations. Some lifelong conditions that manifest in early childhood, like autism, may require personalized assistance and education.

Whatever the situation may be, an occupational therapist can help individuals adapt to all types of challenges. An occupational therapist helps patients of all ages, from children with developmental delays to older adults struggling with age-related cognitive decline.

Read on to find out more about how occupational therapy improves the lives of both children and adults.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Children

Through play and learning, children can develop critical life skills to take on the future. However, some kids might need more help and attention, especially those with developmental delays. Children with ADHD, autism, and birth defects can benefit from occupational therapy. Here’s how providers can assist in their development of the following skills:

Social Skills

Learning how to behave and interact with other people is a crucial life skill. Some kids find it hard to learn important skills naturally. With the help of an occupational therapist, children have opportunities to effectively learn through controlled situations and practice their skills.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills

When children show delays in simple tasks such as dressing up and eating, an occupational therapist can help them get on par with their peers. For instance, they can correct how your child holds objects and help improve their handwriting through repetitive practice.

Cognitive Skills

Cognitive skills refer to the ability to think, strategize, and remember. If your child has developmental delays, an occupational therapist may give them puzzles or toys to hone these skills. They increase the difficulty over time, so kids can keep on improving their cognitive abilities.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Adults

By the time we reach adulthood, we have most of the skills we need to live and thrive. However, when a grave accident happens or as we age significantly, we may find it harder to perform daily tasks and jobs.

Here are a few ways occupational therapy can help:

Restore Movement Patterns After Injury

Adults who sustain significant injuries cannot immediately go back to their old way of life. When an accident happens, they may find it painful to move and do the things they love. They will need time to rest until their injuries recover, as well as significant practice getting back to their original function level.

As part of a patient’s rehabilitation team, occupational therapists work with other professionals to speed up recovery. They also help them regain mobility and physical function.

Compensate for Lost Skills with Adaptive Devices

Unfortunately, we cannot fully recover from all types of injuries. There are some instances when the damage is too severe. For example, victims of car crashes can have brain or spinal cord injuries. When these happen, it’s nearly impossible to expect full improvement in some skills.

An occupational therapist can teach different strategies for patients to compensate for lost abilities or body parts. They can recommend adaptive devices such as weighted handles, straps, reachers, and one-handed tools. These tools make daily tasks more manageable.

Occupational therapists can also help rearrange their patients’ living space, so they can still do things independently.

Promote Health And Wellness In Old Age

As we age, it can become difficult to perform simple tasks, like buttoning up a shirt or getting up from bed. Occupational therapists can teach you how to do these tasks more efficiently.

For example, they can teach you proper body mechanics, so you won’t strain your back when lifting heavy objects. They also advocate for policies that can help employees balance their work, leisure, and social life.

Occupational Therapists in Wooster, OH

Occupational therapy can help individuals of all ages live their life. They can teach you the skills you need to do the things you value.

If you are looking for expert occupational therapists in Ohio, visit Wooster Community Hospital. Our healthcare providers are committed to helping you achieve optimal health and function. Our team of occupational therapists can help you gain safety and independence in your daily activities.

Call us today at (330) 263-8100 or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your visit. We have eight convenient locations, some of which also provide urgent care. We look forward to providing you with excellent care!