Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy addresses a wide range of human occupation, including basic and complex activities of daily living, education, work and household chores, play and leisure, and social participation. People with dementia are stimulated to remain active and independent in household management, food preparation, shopping, community mobility, financial management and communication.
Initially, the occupational therapist tries to grasp the needs, interests, beliefs, habits, roles, skills and disabilities of the person with dementia, whilst the physical, social and cultural environment is assessed. In such a way the therapist tries to understand the reality of the person with dementia, so that a therapeutic plan is developed in order to maintain/enhance personal autonomy, to foster engagement in meaningful activities and social participation, and to ease the burden on caregivers by increasing their sense of competence and their ability to handle the behavioural difficulties they face. Strategies of occupational therapy encompass dividing complex tasks into single steps, implementation of behavioural routines, creative activities and artwork, environmental modifications. It is intended that such strategies correspond to person’s capabilities, preferences and needs, and increase their abilities to perform relevant activities of daily living by employing compensatory and environmental strategies. Of note, assistive technology devices can facilitate occupational therapy interventions. Activities that are commonly prescribed by occupational therapists can be categorized into seven categories
- cognitive activities, e.g. concentration exercises, cared games, puzzles
- arts and crafts, e.g. coloring pictures, refinishing wood
- music and entertainment, e.g. watching vintage movies, listening to music
- sorting and other manipulation activities, e.g. activity pillow, sorting jewelry
- family, social and reminiscence activities (e.g. family photo album, reminiscing, visiting family
- domestic and homemaking activities (e. g. folding laundry, preparing snacks);
- exercise and physical activities (e.g. pedal pusher exerciser, walking).
Research findings clearly illustrate that occupational therapy has positive effects on both performance on activities of daily living and quality of life of people with dementia, whilst it improves the skills of caregivers and reduce patients’ challenging behaviors.