Occupational Therapy as a Means to Wellness with the Elderly

Abstract

Therapists, as experts in promoting independence, have a role in providing wellness and health promotion programs in the community. This article features several models targeting the needs of the elderly, incorporating comprehensive functional wellness and prevention programs by occupational therapists. Oxford'S Health Plans, Health Promotion, and Wellness department, under the direction of an occupational therapist, has offered cost-effective programs, including health and nutrition screening, fall prevention, diabetes management, a sleep well/feel well educational series, and a member led walking club. The lifestyle redesign program emerging from the model of occupational science is presented. Research outcomes for a randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant benefits in a variety of health, function and quality of life domains based on the occupational therapy intervention with community based, culturally diverse well-elders. Lastly, the use of T'ai Chi in the ROM (Range of Motion) Dance program reviews the health benefits of T'ai Chi and resources available to implement this approach. Each of these programs serves as an evidence-based model for community-based practice. Implications for addressing public health goals articulated in Healthy People 2010 are also discussed.