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Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy (OT) for Dementia

in wheelchair

You’ve probably heard of occupational therapy, but you might not be sure what it is or how it can help your loved one who is living with dementia.

Occupational therapy is a form of rehab that helps people with physical, mental, or emotional conditions perform the activities of everyday life. This could include things like bathing, dressing, cooking, or working. In the case of dementia, OT can provide vital support to people in all stages of the condition.

Occupational therapy and dementia go hand-in-hand, as OT can help people with dementia by:

  • Improving mobility and independence
  • Enhancing communication and engagement
  • Encouraging activities and interests
  • Providing emotional support
  • Helping with personal care tasks

If you’re considering occupational therapy for a loved one with dementia, read on for more information on the different stages of dementia and when OT is most effective.

purple brain

Stages of Dementia

Occupational therapy can be extremely beneficial for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Through the different stages of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease progresses through several of the individual’s brain. The pre-dementia stage is characterized by mild memory loss and changes in mood and behavior. In the middle-stage dementia, the person experiences more significant memory loss and may become agitated or withdrawn. Late-stage interventions for dementia patients include educating caretakers and home exercise programs. The goal is to help the person stay as independent as possible for as long as possible.

There are seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease in total, which are used by professionals and caregivers to identify at what stage of the disease a person is in. This information can be helpful in determining what type of occupational therapy would be most beneficial.

The stages of dementia are:

  • Stage 1: No Memory Deficit.
  • Stage 2: Slight Cognitive Decline.
  • Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment.
  • Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline.
  • Stage 5: Moderate Dementia.
  • Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline.
  • Stage 7: Severe Dementia.

OT and dementia, how does it help?

There are three main ways occupational therapy can help those with dementia: first, by providing health promotion activities; secondly, by retraining ‘activities of dailing living’; and thirdly, by providing balance and functional mobility training. All of these interventions can help to increase or maintain independence for people with dementia.

In addition to these core areas, dementia occupational therapy offers significant benefits by enhancing cognitive engagement and emotional well-being. Through cognitive exercises, interventions and environmental adaptations, OTs can help mitigate confusion and reduce agitation in individuals with dementia. Further, by facilitating meaningful activities tailored to each person’s interests and history, occupational therapists can improve engagement and provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which are crucial for maintaining a person’s identity and self-esteem as dementia progresses.

But that’s not all. Occupational therapy can also offer a number of benefits in terms of increased daily functioning, social participation and wellbeing. Occupational therapists can play an important collaborative role within the care team, including family and friends, by offering expert guidance and support. They share valuable insights and strategies with the entire support network, empowering them to create a nurturing and effective care environment. This collaborative approach ensures that care is consistent, person-centred, and adaptive to the evolving needs of individuals with dementia, ultimately enriching quality of life.

What Are Some Specific Interventions That Occupational Therapists Use for Dementia?

As your loved one begins to experience the early stages of dementia, Occupational Therapists use a range of practises and techniques to support individuals. These may include a focus on health promotion, which means that they work to help individuals maintain their abilities and independence for as long as possible.

women laughing

Some specific interventions that occupational therapists might use include adapting activities and role performances, promoting functional abilities, and providing support to both the patient and carers. By working with patients, carers, and family members, occupational therapists can provide comprehensive support that is tailored to the individual’s needs.

Do you need Dementia OT?

You know your loved one better than anyone. So how do you know if dementia occupational therapy is right for them?

Dementia affects cognitive abilities, daily functioning and quality of life, making it difficult for people with dementia to complete everyday tasks. Occupational therapists are equipped to address these challenges by providing personalised care plans that include activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, and eating, alongside support for communication, nutrition, and physical activity. Research shows that occupational therapy is an effective tool for supporting dementia patients and, in some cases, even helps to delay the onset of dementia and improve quality of life.

Determining the need for occupational therapy (OT) in dementia care involves close observation and understanding of your loved one’s daily challenges. Early signs that might indicate the need for OT include:

  • Increased difficulty in performing routine tasks
  • Changes in behaviour or mood related to these difficulties
  • A decline in personal care and home safety

An occupational therapist can assess these areas, identifying specific needs and providing targeted interventions. They work collaboratively with the individual and family to set realistic goals, focusing on enhancing abilities and compensating for lost skills. By integrating familiar routines and preferences into therapy, OTs ensure a person-centered approach that respects the individuality and dignity of each person with dementia.

Engaging with occupational therapy services can be a pivotal step in managing dementia, offering strategies to maintain or regain independence and improve well-being, helping them to maintain or regain their independence across their life.

Choosing a Dementia Occupational Therapist

When it comes to dementia occupational therapy, there are a few considerations you should keep in mind.

  • Tailored Interventions: Look for an occupational therapist who offers a range of dementia interventions tailored to the unique needs of participants, including dementia occupational therapy assessments, retraining in daily living skills and the use of memory aids
  • Early Referral Benefits: Engaging an OT during the moderate stages of dementia can be crucial. This helps in maintaining the individual’s functionality by providing necessary support and strategies early 
  • Holistic Approach: A skilled OT will assess the patient’s current routine, identifying strengths and areas needing support. By introducing effective strategies, they can significantly improve the patient’s daily life
  • Empowerment and Support: Occupational therapy empowers dementia patients by boosting their self-esteem and encouraging engagement in stimulating activities. Although dementia has no cure, a targeted OT approach can markedly reduce its impact on the patient’s life

How Can Therapy Partners Help You With Dementia?

Occupational therapy practitioners help those with dementia in long-term-care and adult day health settings to retain existing function for as long as possible. They do this by providing targeted interventions that are specific to the needs of each individual to help to maintain or improve a person’s function, independence and quality of life. 

If you have a family member with dementia, If you’re not sure whether OT is right for your loved one, please reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss how OT may help your family member live their best life possible.

Our therapists are friendly, supportive and passionate about helping people achieve their goals and overcome their limitations. They’ll work with you and your family to find the right solution for you. And we don’t have extended waiting lists, allowing you to get started with one of our therapists today.

Jody Dwyer

Jody Dwyer

Senior Occupational Therapist

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