Occupational Therapists and Caregiving

Occupational therapy is a profession that has become more and more renowned in recent years. Occupational therapists have the ability to work directly with caregivers to help minimize the intense stressors and burdens that can occur as a result of caring for a client, friend, or family member. Taking on the role of a caregiver can often lead to changes in individuals’ habits, routines and roles; can lead to occupational deprivation, imbalance, and disruption; and requires increased distribution of time, energy, and finances. It is up to the occupational therapist to propose several interventions in order to help the caregiver develop some form of occupational balance and provide the individual with suitable support systems and resources.

During caregiver training, occupational therapists play the role of educator by providing the caregiver with important information regarding coping strategies and support groups or resources to help minimize stress.  The therapist will also teach caregivers what level of supervision should be provided for the person they are caring for. The amount of supervision each caregiver provides to the person they are caring for depends on the individual’s needs. The appropriate amount of supervision will allow the person with needs to become as functional as possible and reduce the caregiver’s stress.

After the occupational therapist has performed an initial evaluation with the caregiver, interventions will be proposed in order to meet both caregiver and client needs. The therapist can make specific recommendations regarding home safety, home modification training, energy conservation techniques, support systems, time management, stress management, coping skills, and relaxation techniques. These applied interventions can be used collaboratively to help further minimize the debilitating effects of caregiver stress. As occupational therapists, it is our responsibility to advocate for the caregivers and clients to make sure they receive necessary and appropriate services and care.

Occupational therapists play a big role and can recommend that caregivers make specific modifications to their home. Additionally, the therapist can suggest adaptive equipment that is appropriate for the individual receiving care in order to increase his or her independence. Examples of adaptive equipment or home modifications include: rearranging furniture in the home, adding a grab bar and shower chair in the bathtub, utilizing a bedside commode, and adding railings inside the home.

To get more information and find caregiver assistance training near you, contact the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) via website at http://www.aota.org/Practitioners/Resources/Collections/Resources.aspx or by telephone (301-652-2682). Also, you can contact your local hospital, ask to speak directly to an occupational therapist, and find out the closest places where you can receive such services.