When we think about health and wellbeing in aged care, Occupational Therapy (OT) is often overlooked despite its powerful impact on residents’ lives. With their ability to address both physical and emotional well-being, OTs play a crucial role in maintaining quality of life for older Australians, especially in residential care settings.
COVID-19 brought unique challenges to the industry, but it also shone a spotlight on the essential nature of occupational therapy in aged care. At Healthcare Australia (HCA), our skilled OTs have adapted and thrived, ensuring residents remain physically active, socially connected, and emotionally supported during difficult times.
This article explains what occupational therapy in aged care really looks like, highlights its importance, and showcases the strategies OTs use to bring positive change to those they care for.
Why is Occupational Therapy Essential in Aged Care?
Occupational therapists are often described as the glue that holds various aspects of care together. They provide both physical and mental pain management, ensuring residents can continue to engage in meaningful activities that enrich their lives.
OTs view pain holistically, recognising that it is not just a physical experience. Feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation can often intensify pain, particularly for senior residents with limited family visits or restricted activities.
During COVID-19, these emotional factors became more prominent as lockdowns and visitor restrictions disrupted routines. OTs stepped up to bridge this gap, finding innovative ways to lift residents’ spirits and alleviate their discomfort.
The Evolving Role of Occupational Therapists
While infection control and hygiene measures intensified during the pandemic, HCA’s OTs embraced these changes, understanding their vital importance. The adjusted protocols prioritised health and safety for both residents and staff, including:
- Hand hygiene stations made widely available.
- Pre-work health screenings for staff.
- Uniform changes at the worksite to reduce infection risk.
These measures didn’t just protect elderly residents; they also safeguarded the healthcare professionals on the front line.
More significantly, the pandemic underscored how indispensable occupational therapy is in aged care. OTs became pillars of support, helping residents maintain their mental and physical well-being under unprecedented circumstances.
Pain Management Techniques
A key responsibility for OTs in aged care is pain management. This involves relieving discomfort while also ensuring that residents can continue enjoying the activities that matter most to them. These activities range from small daily routines to more meaningful engagements.
HCA OTs use a comprehensive approach to address not just physical pain but also emotional and psychological factors that may exacerbate discomfort.
Effective Strategies for Pain Management
Here are some meaningful ways OTs at HCA have supported aged care residents:
- Assisting residents with video calls (FaceTime/Zoom) to stay connected with their loved ones.
- Facilitating individual activities like bingo, card games, and puzzles for residents who had previously enjoyed group settings.
- Engaging in reminiscence therapy, discussing family photos and life stories to foster emotional well-being.
- Holding conversations about non-pandemic topics, exploring happier subjects like favourite recipes or childhood memories.
- Introducing live-streamed animal cams from zoos to provide entertainment and joy.
- Encouraging short outdoor walks to enjoy fresh air and sunlight, a natural mood booster.
- Conducting one-on-one exercise sessions using flexible equipment to keep residents active.
- Helping tech-savvy residents discover apps tailored to their hobbies, such as fitness trackers.
These simple yet creative approaches highlight how OTs utilise their skills to bring tangible benefits to daily life in residential care.
Beyond Pain Management
The work of OTs extends far beyond managing physical pain. They have a deep impact on cognitive well-being, helping residents stay mentally engaged and emotionally stable. The loss of routine can lead to behaviours such as anxiety, confusion, or sadness, and OTs work to alleviate these challenges.
For instance, some HCA therapists supported residents by sharing their personal hobbies, such as showing crochet projects to inspire creativity. This simple gesture proved to be an effective way to spark conversation and build a sense of connection.
The Bigger Picture
The pandemic revealed how integral OTs are to the aged care sector, particularly when it comes to holistic treatments that consider the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of residents.
At Healthcare Australia, our OTs don’t just treat symptoms–they improve lives. Their day-to-day work, whether helping someone enjoy a walk in the garden or facilitating a meaningful conversation, makes an enduring difference to the health and happiness of those they serve.
Thinking About a Future in Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy continues to grow as a dynamic and fulfilling profession. For those keen to build a career that delivers both purpose and impact, aged care offers rich opportunities to develop skills while creating meaningful connections with clients.
At Healthcare Australia, we’re proud to provide our allied health professionals with pathways to grow and thrive. We value compassion, innovation, and growth, ensuring our OTs have everything they need to excel.
Interested in learning more about careers in OT or allied health with HCA? Contact our team today for more information or explore how you can join the Healthcare Australia family.
