Written for BATHCARE August 2018, updated October 27, 2021

 

Occupational therapy plays a key role in identifying strategies that enable individuals to modify their homes, thereby maximizing their ability to participate in daily tasks and activities.  Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled at recognizing how the environment affects the ability to perform desired occupations, and will recommend a course of preventative or corrective actions that will assist people in leading more productive and satisfying lives.  The occupational therapist professional is trained to understand medical, physical and psychosocial factors that affect a person’s health and wellness; but in addition to the individual’s performance abilities, occupational therapists also evaluate the home environment to identify barriers to performance.

Occupational therapy services can be provided directly to clients who are experiencing a decline in safety or independence, or are planning for future needs.

Occupational therapy practitioners provide client-focused intervention to adapt the environment in order to increase independence, promote health, and prevent further decline or injury.  For example, most falls occur at home, from home hazards in combination with declining physical abilities.  To minimize the risk of injury from falls, an occupational therapist will provide a home assessment, and observe daily living activities (bathing, dressing, self-care activities) to instrumental activities (preparing meals, doing laundry, performing home maintenance chores) to play and leisure activities (playing cards, exercising, playing a musical instrument, entertaining friends, enjoying hobbies.

As part of the evaluation, occupational therapists analyze how a person interacts with the environment to complete a task or activity.  Through this process, modifications and intervention strategies are selected to improve the fit between these elements, with a goal of maximizing safety and independence in the home.  The intervention plan may include but is not limited to strategies such as adaptive equipment, lighting, home modifications and renovations, or client training to promote safety in the home.

 

Occupational therapists also work with other professionals to assess and help clients find solutions to address the everyday functions in their homes safely to prevent disability or illness, and help to engage in everyday living.

Often, occupational therapists will call upon American Standard Walk-in Tubs & The Walkin Tub Company as Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) who are also certified with Age Safe Canada, to provide accessible and safe bathing solutions as part of their evaluation and recommendations to prevent or improve injury and promote independence and wellness.

 

Occupational therapy services are available in many places in the community: hospitals, home health agencies, or through private practice.

 

 

For more information contact:

Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists, Ottawa—www.caot.ca

American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada—www.AmericanStandardWalkinTub2U.com

 

Written by American Standard 2018; Updated on October 15, 2021

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is the world’s most prevalent disease. For most of us, that fact is shocking. Being aware of Arthritis and the devastating impact that it can have on so many people, is our opportunity to understand important facts about this condition, treatment and prevention, and what you can do to help.

 

 

Arthritis is Bigger Than You May Think

While arthritis may not be as life-threatening as heart disease or cancer, it is no small health issue. Arthritis is the most common chronic health condition in Canada.

 

Arthritis not only costs the 6 million individuals and their caregivers who must live with its effects, it places a tremendous burden on our Canadian healthcare system. Affecting all ages, it interferes with physical and mental health, decreasing quality of life.

 

Arthritis is On The Rise

As Canadians age, the number of people with arthritis will also increase, furthering impacts on families and our healthcare system.  It is projected that today’s 6 million living with arthritis, will increase to 9 million by 2040.

While researchers look for ways to find a cure for arthritis, there are treatments and strategies available today to make arthritis relief easier for you or a loved one.

Reach Out to Loved Ones

The pain of arthritis expands beyond just physical hurt. Many patients feel lonely because their friends and family don’t understand what they’re going through. But just because they haven’t felt the same pain doesn’t mean that they can’t help. If you have arthritis or arthritis symptoms, lean on your loved ones and know you’re not alone. Explain your limitations to those close to you and suggest activities you can do together, such as going for a walk or reading. The Arthritis Foundation has even more solutions for dealing with challenges that arthritis can create in your relationships.

 

Practice Self-Care

While arthritis compromises physical health, it also impacts mental health, where depression and anxiety are known factors.  Dealing with long-term arthritis symptoms can be just as taxing on your emotions as your body. Feelings of emotional distress, including anger are all completely natural. The key to dealing with those feelings is not to ignore them, but to understand and accept them as a part of your own process. It’s important to remember that your emotions can change your perception of your arthritis symptoms, and you have the power to alter your condition.

Self-care practices like therapy, exercise, diet or counseling and arthritis support groups can help you manage your challenges.

Canada’s Food Guide can help you plan meals to ensure that you achieve your recommended intake of protein and nutrients.  Some foods help to reduce inflammation and arthritis pain.

 

 

Seek Comfort

ComfortSeries^™ accessible bathtubs have built-in benefits to specifically target and ease aches and pains caused by arthritis. Designed specifically to provide safe bathing for users with limited mobility, American Standard’s ComfortSeries™ walk-in tubs are Arthritis Friendly, and have been awarded the Ease of Use commendation from the Arthritis Foundation.  Our bathtubs are designed specially to be accessible to those who suffer from mobility challenges, to help soothe arthritis pain, and are proven* to make life easier for people with Arthritis and limited mobility.

Features include ADA safety and comfort features, as well as RevitaJet^®Hydrotherapy System for soothing therapeutic massages.

 

*This award recognizes products that make life easier for people with arthritis and other physical limitations. Products undergo a multi-step testing process conducted by an independent lab of experts in the field of universal product design and evaluation.

 

If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, consider looking into walk-in tubs to serve as a complement to your arthritis treatment and relief, and consider ways to make your home safer and more comfortable if you are struggling with arthritis pain.

The ability to move freely, dress, bathe, and go about our daily business is often taken for granted, until Arthritis develops.  Pain can be life-changing.

Support & education is available through the Arthritis Society among other resources, but consider how you can help someone with arthritis today.

 

Sources:

Statistics Canada Annual Demographic Estimates: Canada, Provinces and Territories 2020

ACREU: Status of Arthritis in Canada Report

Arthritis Society: arthritis.ca

 

Updated October 12, 2021

Did you know that your diet plays a major role in your arthritis pain management? While physical therapy can do wonders, eating right can also help. Let’s look at five anti-inflammatory foods that can help with arthritis pain.

1. Green Tea

Green tea has many health benefits, one of which is its anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a natural antioxidant that works to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in our bodies. Research also suggests that EGCG may prevent or slow down the break down of our body’s cartilage, which can help preserve joints longer. So grab a nice, warm cup of tea, pour yourself a bath, and enjoy this healthy and refreshing drink.

2. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish, such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, rainbow trout, and oysters, contain omega-3 fish oils, a natural compound that can help decrease inflammation by suppressing the enzymes that erode cartilage. Not only do omega-3 oils reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but they also aid in more strength, less fatigue, reduced joint swelling and stiffness, and less overall pain.

Bonus tip: when cooking your fatty fish, use seasonings like garlic, turmeric, and ginger for even more benefits. Garlic is a member of the allium family, which means it contains a compound that also limits cartilage-damaging enzymes. Turmeric is actually one of the most researched inflammation fighters, as it contains curcumin which is beneficial in managing chronic inflammation. Lastly, ginger blocks the production of inflammatory substances in the body.

 

3. Walnuts

Like fatty fish, walnuts are full of healthy nutrients and loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. Omega-3 has been shown to decrease symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation. In addition to omega-3, walnuts also contain healthy fats and oleocanthal, which also helps decrease inflammation. In fact, these healthy fats block the same inflammatory pathways as ibuprofen and aspirin!

4. Greens

It’s no surprise that leafy greens are great for our health, but favorites like broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, and cabbage are especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis. These vegetables have carotenoids, which have long been touted for their protective properties. Usually, carotenoids are responsible for the bright yellow, red, and orange we find in nutritious picks like bell peppers and carrots, but these greens have carotenoids as well. Carotenoids act as antioxidants in our bodies, are major cancer-fighters, and have anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. So fill your plate up with a colorful diet of fruits and vegetables to help alleviate some of your arthritis pain.

 

5. Berries

Berries such as blackberries, elderberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and help our bodies generate connective tissue. In fact, anthocyanins are even more powerful than Vitamin C in defusing free radicals in our bodies, which can irritate tissue and cartilage.

These five foods will help relieve joint pain, but eating a healthy diet all the time will also help. Whole grains, lean proteins, and lots of fruits and veggies are naturally anti-inflammatory and will help you maintain a healthy weight. Every pound of weight you lose, you reduce the load on your joints by four pounds. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet will help you control your joint and arthritis pain. If you want to learn more about preventing arthritis and healthy tips and tricks, visit the Arthritis Society or the Arthritis Foundation.

ComfortSeries™ Bathtubs by American Standard can also help soothe Arthritis Pain.

In fact, our walk-in tubs have been tested and commended by the Arthritis Foundation for Ease of Use.  Our walk-in tubs were awarded this commendation because they are products that are proven* to make life easier for people with Arthritis and limited mobility.

*This award recognizes products that make life easier for people with arthritis and other physical limitations.  Products undergo a multi-step testing process conducted by an independent lab of experts in the field of universal product design and evaluation.