Activities of Daily Living are the heart of Occupational Therapy
We’ve surpassed the halfway point of OT Month at CORA – and the fun is just beginning. This week’s focus is on Activities of Daily Living, also known as ADLs in the therapy world. For Occupational Therapists, ADL’s are right at the heart of what we do and why we do it. Our goal as practitioners is simply to help individuals with injury, illness, or disability engage in the everyday tasks that help make life meaningful!
Occupational Therapy puts the fun in FUNctional.
Imagine a life complicated by a limited ability to accomplish the little things? We all too often take for granted these items that come so naturally to us since the day we were born. We’re talking about the essential and daily acts of being able to get dressed, clean yourself, feed yourself, and use the toilet on your own. Well, not only can we as OTs help you with your daily routines but we definitely put the fun in FUNctional so our patients get back to engaging in these essential daily skills in a safe and efficient manner. Also, we are we equipped to provide training for the use of adaptive durable medical equipment and crafty at providing techniques to increase your success and independence.
As OTs, we address ADL skills across the life span!
A common diagnosis that impacts ADL skills in children is Hemiplegia, medically defined as paralysis of the right or left half of the body. It is the result of damage to one side of the main motor nerve pathways which run down from the surface of the brain to the spinal cord. The Childrens Hemiplegia and Stroke Association offers a ton of great ADL resources for helping pediatric patients and their families impacted by Hemiplegia. Pediatrics is a service area of great need with a large list of activities and resources at our disposal chock full of different case-uses. Here is a fantastic article, rich with educational materials and fun activities to address ADLs with children.
Sometimes, even as Adults, we need a helping hand. Did you know Theraband is a great tool for adults to improve their dressing skills? Check it out here! Adult treatments come in all varieties. From unilateral ADL skill building for stroke and amputee or surgical patients, there are many awesome resources available including tips and tricks to conquer your daily activities with one hand. Yes, ONE hand! Depending on your condition, it’s sometimes a necessity.
More information, OT challenges, acts of service … oh my!
Check back later this week for more information, challenges, and acts of service! We implore EVERYONE to continue to show our OTs love all month long using #OTMonthCORA in your social media posts.
If you want to learn more or are ready to enlist the help of a skilled occupational therapist, visit one of our 175+ physical therapy clinics throughout Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, or schedule an appointment at the clinic nearest you.
