Occupational Therapists Help Patients Manage Activities of Daily Living

The occupational therapists (OTs) at Washington Health help patients live meaningful and independent lives, whether they’re recovering from injury or surgery, or managing a disability.

The OT team celebrates Occupational Therapy Month in April by raising awareness for how it helps hospitalized patients maintain mobility and independence with activities of daily living (ADL). The theme of the month, sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives.

Physical injuries, deconditioning, mobility issues, and impaired cognition can affect everyone. OTs at Washington Health help facilitate healing by focusing on self-care to prevent muscle weakness, improve activity tolerance, and increase the ability to perform ADLs, which all decrease the burden of care on the family or caregiver.

Parita Lakhani, OTR/L, a registered and licensed OT, has worked at Washington Health for 14 years. She often assists patients who have lost strength and mobility from hospitalization, or are recovering from injury, joint replacement or illness. “We help patients develop or recover the skills required for maintaining their independence with ADLs,” says Lakhani, “which include bathing, dressing, grooming, getting to the bathroom, and brushing teeth.” How OTs Differ from PTs Lakhani explains the difference between an OT and a physical therapist (PT), which are both part of Washington Health’s Rehabilitation Services Team. She notes, “Both disciplines work with patients. The two go hand-in-hand and overlap in the assessment of patient function. OTs help patients relearn how to get dressed, use assistive equipment, and function in their daily lives while recovering. PTs mostly focus on mobility, flexibility, and balance.”

For example, some hip replacement patients will have initial movement restrictions. “They can’t bend over or bring that leg up for lower-body dressing,” she explains. “We teach them how to use adaptive equipment, like a sock aid and a reach tool, to put on their socks and pants without bending. Patients recovering from a shoulder injury or surgery will learn to manage their sling and dress themselves using a one-hand technique.”

In another example, Lakhani explains how elderly patients often experience rapid muscle loss, decreased strength and endurance while in the hospital. “We incorporate getting up and walking to the bathroom while retraining their functional abilities and promoting their independence with ADLs. Self-care is always exercise.”

OTs also work with cardiac patients who have had heart surgery or heart failure. Lakhani adds, “After a patient has open-heart surgery, OTs help get the patient up at the edge of the bed, and eventually participate in their daily bathing/dressing activities while managing their endurance and adherence to post-op precautions. We do baby steps until they can walk to the bathroom and tolerate standing at the sink to brush their teeth.” In addition, OTs help patients with neurological conditions, brain or spinal cord injuries, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other conditions. “We see a mix of all types of patients,” she notes.

A Patient-Centered Approach

The OTs work with doctors and care teams using a multidisciplinary approach to understand a patient’s medical condition and address their goals. The team determines what is medically appropriate for a patient and identifies any restrictions.

OTs will ask a patient what tasks are important to them in returning home. “We ask if there are stairs, if they have help, will need to prepare meals on their own, and what hobbies or activities they may like to resume,” Lakhani emphasizes. “We offer a patient-centered approach. Most patients say their goal is to be independent and not a burden to their family. They want us to get them to the next level of independence.” The Rehabilitation Services Team also encourages people to stay mobile and active to prevent falls.

Fall Prevention Tips:

• Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, clutter, and electrical cords.
• Improve lighting in hallways, staircases, and entrances.
• Wear supportive, non-slip footwear.
• Talk to the doctor or pharmacist about medications that may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blood pressure changes.
• Place basic necessities such as eye glasses, hearing aids, and a cell phone close by at night.

Lakhani sums it up: “OTs will help you focus on your well-being, independence, self-care, and the ADLs to improve the quality of your life.” In addition to inpatient services, Washington Health offers outpatient services in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. To learn more about their services, visit WashingtonHealth.com.