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Occupational Therapy in Aged Care: How OT Supports Residents and Home Care Clients

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Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in aged care settings, whether in residential aged care facilities or through Home Care Packages (HCP). OTs help residents and home care clients regain or maintain their independence, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall quality of life by addressing daily activities, mobility, and cognitive function.

This blog outlines how aged care occupational therapy works, the benefits it provides, and when to request an OT review for your clients or residents.

What Occupational Therapists Do in Aged Care

Occupational therapy in aged care is designed to assist residents and home care clients in performing everyday tasks safely and independently. OTs assess physical and cognitive function and create personalised care plans that improve function, safety, and overall wellbeing.

Key areas of support include:

  • Activities of daily living (ADLs): Helping with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and meal preparation
  • Transfers and mobility: Assisting with safe movement from bed to chair or using mobility aids
  • Cognition: Supporting clients with memory, concentration, and communication strategies
  • Engagement: Encouraging socialisation, hobbies, and meaningful activities

Common Goals (Transfers, ADLs, Cognition, Engagement)

The goals of aged care occupational therapy vary depending on the individual needs of the resident or client. Some common goals include:

  • Improved mobility and independence in daily tasks like dressing, eating, or bathing
  • Safe and effective transfers using hoists, standing aids, or manual assistance
  • Cognitive support for individuals living with dementia, including memory aids and strategies for communication
  • Social engagement and mental stimulation through activities such as arts and crafts, group activities, or outings

OT in Residential Aged Care vs Home Care Packages

There are key differences in how occupational therapy aged care is delivered in residential aged care (RAC) facilities and through Home Care Packages (HCP):

  • Residential Aged Care: OTs in RAC facilities provide on-site assessments and ongoing support for residents. This includes home modification recommendations, equipment prescriptions, and staff training for safe manual handling.
  • Home Care Packages (HCP): OT services in HCP settings are personalised to the client’s home environment. OTs assess the home for potential hazards, prescribe mobility aids, and support clients with specific goals set in their care plan. For more information, visit our Commonwealth Home Support Program page.

OT’s Role in Falls Prevention and Pressure Care

One of the primary roles of OT falls prevention in aged care is to reduce the risk of falls and pressure injuries among residents and home care clients. OTs help identify environmental hazards, assess mobility, and recommend appropriate interventions:

  • Falls prevention: OTs design tailored strategies to improve balance and mobility, recommend appropriate assistive devices, and train staff and clients on safe practices.
  • Pressure care: OTs help reduce the risk of pressure injuries by recommending suitable mattresses, cushions, and repositioning schedules to maintain skin integrity.

You can learn more about fall prevention strategies on our blog.

Documentation for Aged Care Quality Standards

Compliance with the Aged Care Quality Standards requires accurate documentation of the services provided to clients. OTs contribute to this by:

  • Documenting assessments and care plans
  • Providing recommendations for equipment, home modifications, and therapy programs
  • Ensuring that all interventions are aligned with the resident’s care goals and the Aged Care Quality Standards

For more on how to meet these standards, visit the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

When to Request an OT Review

An OT review should be requested whenever there is a change in the resident’s or client’s health or functional status, or when new goals arise. Common reasons to request an OT review include:

  • A sudden decline in mobility or independence
  • Increased falls or risk of pressure injuries
  • Changes in cognition or behaviour
  • New needs for assistive equipment or home modifications

Requesting a review can help prevent further health complications and ensure that clients receive the appropriate support to remain independent and safe.

Case Snapshots

To illustrate the impact of aged care occupational therapy, consider the following case snapshots:

  1. Case 1: An 80-year-old resident in a residential aged care facility had difficulty transferring from the bed to a chair. After an OT assessment, a standing hoist was recommended, and staff training was conducted, resulting in improved safety for both staff and resident.
  2. Case 2: A home care client with early-stage dementia was having trouble remembering daily tasks and medications. An OT introduced memory aids and daily routines, helping the client stay independent and engaged.

For more information on improving mobility in aged care residents, check out our Improving Mobility in Aged Care Residents blog post.

How to Refer

If you are ready to refer a resident or home care client for aged care occupational therapy, it’s simple. Complete our online referral form or contact us to discuss how our team can assist you. Visit our referrals page for more details.

Book an Aged Care OT Review or Discuss a Falls Program Pilot

Looking for professional support with falls prevention, mobility, or daily living tasks? Book an aged care OT review with our experienced team today. We offer tailored assessments and interventions to improve the quality of life and safety in residential aged care or home care settings.