| What is occupational therapy community and in- home service?
Occupational therapists provide treatment to improve the ability of persons with disabilities to do what is important for them. The focus of this program is to see if the home or community environment has barriers to daily activities. If environmental barriers are identified, the therapist works with the client to remove the barriers or find new ways to do activities.
Who can benefit from occupational therapy?
Your general well being may be affected if you are unable to do the things you want or need to do, to live and enjoy your life. Anyone who is unable to, or finds it difficult to live independently at home might benefit from occupational therapy services.
Who covers the cost of occupational therapy?
Your doctor can refer you to an occupational therapist, whose services are covered under many insurance plans, including Medicare.
How do I become eligible to receive these services?
You will need to talk with your physician and ask him to refer you to the program. You or your physician can call for more information.
Susy Stark, Ph.D., OTR/L 314-286-1020
What happens when an occupational therapist visits you in your home?
Occupational therapists help you identify which activities are difficult for you. The occupational therapist may evaluate:
· Your abilities, for example, your strength, coordination and balance, memory or organizational skills.
· Support available to you at your home, school, work or community.
· Physical set-up of your house, school, classroom, workplace or community.
· Activities you want to be able to do!
Once you and your occupational therapist identify the problem(s) you may:
· Learn new ways of doing things. For example, you could learn different ways to do your daily tasks or learn ways to remember things when your memory is poor.
· Do activities to help you maintain or improve your abilities. For example, you may learn ways to increase your strength or increase your confidence and belief in yourself.
· Adapt the material or equipment you use. For example, the therapist may recommend a different handle for your garden tools or a bench to use during bathing.
· Make changes to the environment where you do your work or activities. For example, you may make change to the layout of your home or office to make it more accessible for you or to prevent further injury.
· Develop new skills, abilities and interests in work and leisure time. For example, you may participate in job readiness programs or community social/recreational activities.
How it works:
The case of the worried bather
Mrs. Klein was worried about her ability to bathe safely in the bathroom. She fell last week while trying to get into the tub. While she was visiting her physician, Dr. Smith, she told him about her experience. She told him that her daughter was worried about her and thought she may need to consider moving into a nursing home where she would be safe. Dr. Smith referred Mrs. Klein to Occupational Therapy Community and Home Services at Washington University. Dr. Smith told Mrs. Klein that with a little help from an OT, she would be able to bathe safely in her own home. The occupational therapist visited Mrs. Klein in her home. The therapist helped Mrs. Klein by adding some simple equipment and some safety rails. She also now uses a tub bench that fits her tub perfectly. The therapist taught Mrs. Smith how to use all of her new equipment safely. Mrs. Klein told her physician that she is very happy and feels safe when bathing.
The case of the prize-winning roses
Mrs. Smith noticed that her husband was no longer going out of the house to garden. Weeds were growing up in his once prize winning garden. She talked to her husband and discovered that he was having aches and pains that made it difficult for him to “get up and go”. Mr. Smith’s doctor diagnosed him with Arthritis and recommended that he meet with an occupational therapist. An OT came to the Smith’s home and recommended a new ramp out their back door and raised garden beds that Mr. Smith could reach from a lawn chair. Mr. Smith is now winning at the Local Garden Show once again…
Would you like to feel safer or more productive in your home? Call Occupational Therapy Community and Home Services for some help for yourself or your family member today!
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