Role of OT

The below information is available in a tri-fold and can be used for client, family member/caregiver or staff education. The tri-fold is available in Canva or as a PDF. Please note, that you will need to fill in the Infinity Rehab contact information on the back of the brochure for each site or practitioner.

• Common reasons to see an occupational therapist in Assisted Living:

  • Concern about safety in your living space

  • Difficulty with tasks that used to be easy.

  • Managing a new medical diagnosis that requires a change in routine or a new skill set.

  • Recovering from an injury or surgery, such as knee repair or a heart procedure.

  • Concerns about memory or cognition.

  • Low energy or poor sleep.

  • High levels of stress or fatigue.

• What do occupational therapists do in Assisted Living?

Occupational therapists help people do the things they need, want, and love to do.

• Modify tasks so people can keep doing what they need and want to do.

• Conduct environmental safety screens to prevent falls and maximize independence.

• Assist with low vision needs for activity participation & safety.

• Promote social and emotional wellbeing through participation in meaningful activities.

• What OT can do for Assisted Living staff:

  • Caregiver education on transfer techniques.

  • Adaptive equipment and mobility device care training.

  • Communication strategies for individuals with cognitive or sensory concerns.

  • Fall prevention tips.

• How to see an occupational therapist:

  • Ask nursing for a referral to OT.

  • Ask your facility to help you contact their Infinity Rehabilitation occupational therapist.

  • If you are planning a medical procedure, talk to your doctor beforehand about occupational therapy & request a referral.

  • Family and caregivers may also suggest (or request) referrals to OT.

  • Contact Infinity Rehabilitation directly.

The below information is available in a tri-fold and can be used for client, family member/caregiver or staff education. The tri-fold is available in Canva or as a PDF. Please note, that you will need to fill in the Infinity Rehab contact information on the back of the brochure for each site or practitioner.

• Common reasons to see an occupational therapist in Assisted Living:

  • Individuals in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are typically at the facility following an illness or injury and require prolonged medical care.

  • Occupational therapists are an important part of the rehabilitation team and work to help clients prepare for a return to their community.

• What do occupational therapists do in Skilled Nursing?

  • Evaluate, fit, and provide training for mobility devices or assistive tech.

  • Regain independence in self-care tasks, including training with adaptive tools in activities like meal preparation or dressing.

  • Adapt or compensate skills for important activities; including paid work, volunteering, leisure, and community mobility.

  • Train individuals & their family/caregivers on techniques to manage cognitive or behavioral challenges.

  • Asses potential home modifications needed for safety at discharge.

• What OT can do for Skilled Nursing staff:

  • Caregiver education on transfer techniques.

  • Fall prevention strategy training.

  • Positioning training & restraint reduction

  • Contracture management patient specific program training

  • Therapeutic groups for social interaction, behavioral health promotion, and to speed recovery. (AOTA, 2015)

• How to see an occupational therapist:

  • Skilled nursing facilities typically include OT as part of the services provided. If you are unsure if you are receiving OT services, ask!

• You may need to request OT if you are at skilled nursing in these situations:

  • You are a long term client using Medicare part B.

  • OT services have been previously discontinued.

  • The hospital did not request OT when you were transferred to skilled nursing.

The below information is available in a tri-fold and can be used for client, family member/caregiver or staff education. The tri-fold is available in Canva or as a PDF. Please note, that you will need to fill in the Infinity Rehab contact information on the back of the brochure for each site or practitioner.

• Common reasons to see an occupational therapist in Assisted Living:

  • Functional decline related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia & Alzheimer's.

  • Concerns about environmental safety and falls.

  • Emotional or behavioral distress.

  • Family/caregiver fatigue or burnout.

• What do occupational therapists do in Skilled Nursing?

  • Improve function through compensatory or adaptive strategies.

  • Educate family/caregivers on communication & emotional support techniques.

  • Provide support for habits & routines that are working to prolong engagement.

  • Modify the environment to support changing cognitive abilities.

  • Explore strategies to maintain meaningful activities.

Example: OT can establish non-verbal cues to use with a client and train caregivers to use the cues during tasks. (AOTA, 2017).

• What OT can do for Skilled Nursing staff:

  • Caregiver education on transfer techniques, fall prevention strategies, & body mechanics.

  • Training in positioning for contracture management & to reduce restraints.

  • Training in communication strategies for specific populations.

  • Environmental scans to help manage wandering.

  • Groups designed for social interaction, & enjoyment.

• How to see an occupational therapist:

Occupational therapy is not always part of memory care. Due to the nature of memory care an individual will likely need someone to assist them in the referral process, this could be a nurse, family member, or caregiver.

• Ask the facility to help you make the referral to the occupational therapist on site.