Do you ever wonder why you lay in bed wide awake, when your body knows that it should be getting at least 7 hours of restful sleep?

Well it turns out, that there are several elements that can hinder your precious shut-eye, and here are some tips to help you cope and remedy wakefulness.

 

There are three types of Insomnia; which one relates to you?

• Transient (symptoms are less than 1 week)
• Acute (short term symptoms)
• Chronic (long term symptoms)

 

Statistics show that 20%-30% of Canadian adults struggle with sleep issues, and 50%-60% of those are related to medical and mental ill health.  Older adults are more susceptible to insomnia, and suffer from sleep deprivation for a number of reasons: age, anxiety, worry, hormones, digital devices, illness, inflammation, injury, and nighttime bathroom visits.

 

 

What is Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, and waking through the night, preventing you from falling back to sleep.  We need 7-9 hours of restful sleep for general good health and cognitive functioning.

Not getting a recommended 7+ hours of sleep regularly can leave you feeling foggy, irritable, depressed, confused, and at a higher risk of accidental falls.

According to the Sleep Foundation, those suffering from chronic insomnia are at a 20% increased risk of stroke and heart attacks.

 

Causes

There are several risk factors that can cause insomnia such as age, family genetics, the environment that you live and/or work in, the one you sleep in, your lifestyle in general, and the condition of your health.  A lack of sleep can affect your daily energy level, your mood swings, memory, concentration, decision-making and work performance.

We know that when we lack sleep, it can worsen your immune response, contribute to heart problems, blood pressure increases, mental health, cognitive decline and dementia.

For some, chronic pain and inflammation is the number 1 reason for their reduced Quality of Life and sleep deprivation.  Addressing pain directly could be the most important method to of tackling the source of your insomnia cycle, and promote self-healing.

 

Lifestyle Contributors

Address and review the activities that you participate in; what and when do you eat, how you exercise, what your hobbies are; do you actively listen to world events, news, COVID; are you socializing, and what medications you are taking?

 

Tips to Manage Insomnia Symptoms

The goal is to change and establish a regular sleep cycle.  One that will allow you to get a more restful night, recondition/reset your body’s time clock, and have a healthier and fresher next day to prevent illness and injury.

1. Schedule your bedtime routine. Identify when you will go to sleep, and when you will wake; be consistent each day.
2. Consume lighter meals at dinnertime, with reduced spices that can cause acid reflux.
3. No caffeine after noon, and no alcohol.
4. Keep your bedroom 2 degrees cooler at night. Your body’s temperature will adjust when you sleep.  Using blankets is a better way to warm your core during wind-down time.
5. Take a hot bath & soak 2 hours prior to bedtime. This will condition and prepare your body to know that sleep will be imminent.
6. Wind-down 1 hour prior to bedtime. Turn off TV or other stimulator sources like phones or tablets.
7. Keep your bed for sleeping only. Don’t bring work or projects with you to bed.
8. Remove artificial light and sounds from your bedroom (ie electronic devices, video games, tv’s).
9. Practice mindfulness and breathe deeply before and after lights go out.
10. Seek assistance for persistent chronic pain.

 

 

Did You Know?

A warm bath within 2 hours of your bedtime, can help promote a relaxed state by decreasing your body’s heat levels.  Here’s the science.

 

 

Exercise & Mindfulness

During the day, it’s important for you to get plenty of fresh air and sunlight, or light therapy and to stay hydrated, so that your muscles and joints are amply lubricated.  By being active and exercising in the morning, it will help blood flow and circulation early, preventing late night excitement and restless legs. Participating in Yoga, meditation, and relaxation activities in the afternoon or early evening can start your body in transitioning to a more calm and peaceful state that is more encouraging of a regular sleep cycle.

 

 

 

 

Not everyone can eliminate work or environmental stressors, but helping to manage it will better support your physical health and mental well-being; and hopefully, a better, more restful night’s sleep.

 

Learn more about ComfortSeries™️ bathtubs, and how they can help you improve your sleep cycles.

Tis the season to be thankful! As Thanksgiving approaches, we shift to a space of reflection and practice gratitude for all that has happened this year. Like all things, the process of aging can present its fair set of challenges, but the positive aspects of old age drastically outweigh the negatives. American Standard highlights things to be thankful for this season and year-round. From the financial perks like senior discounts and Federal programs and services for seniors, to the wonderful knowledge that can only come with decades of experience, there is a multitude of things to be thankful for as we age.

Top Advantages of Older Age

1. Wisdom (From Learned Experience). The saying, “experience is the best teacher” exists for a reason. That’s because experience brings about wisdom that can’t be learned otherwise. You learn more from things that happen to you in real life than you ever will from studying things that happen to other people. Along with the wisdom that comes from learned experience, another advantage of older age is the ability to empathize. Empathy is sensing other people’s emotions and imagining what someone else might be thinking or feeling.
2. A Happier Outlook. Perspective has a way of showing you that ultimately, life always works out. In fact, researchers are beginning to uncover the biological and developmental underpinnings of gratitude that suggest it may be easier to feel grateful as we grow older. Neuroscientists have suggested older people have a sunnier outlook because the amygdala, an area of the brain involved in emotional attention and memory, becomes less active in response to the negative information. At the same time, older individuals maintain or even increase their reactivity to positive information.
3. Opportunity to Pursue Lifelong Dreams. Many aging adults have reached the age of retirement. Not working gives retirees 40+ hours of free time back every week which can be dedicated to pursuing other lifelong passions and dreams.
4. Financial Perks. One of the obvious positive aspects of senior age is the opportunity to save money through tax credits. Government programs include Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, Old Age Security, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan. There are also an abundance of senior discounts, including those specific to travel, dining, and shopping.
5. More Time for Loved Ones. More free time usually translates to more time to spend with those who really matter. Which brings us to our next advantage of old age…
6. Grandchildren. What’s better than your own children? Grandchildren. The experience of raising your own children makes you value your grandchildren that much more. They offer the love and fulfilling relationship, with a less responsibility.
7. More Stable Friendships and Relationships. By the time you’ve reached old age, you’ve likely been able to filter through toxic friendships and relationships that suck the life out of you. Having and maintaining quality friendships and relationships contribute to companionship, which is a huge factor for longevity.
8. Good Stories to Tell. Who doesn’t appreciate a good story? The longer you live, the more experiences you have, which translates to more good stories to tell. Fond memories, whether kept to yourself or told to someone else, are a huge advantage of old age.
9. A Greater Sense of Self. The older you are, the more you know WHO you are. Having a greater sense of who you are allows you to be less influenced by outside opinion and less bound by cultural restraints. When you have a greater sense of self, decision making is easier. Knowing yourself allows you to be yourself, and no one can say you’re doing it wrong! And taking care of yourself helps you to know your own needs for health and wellness.

Now that you have plenty of things to be grateful for, let’s look at fun ways to practice that gratitude!

Best Ways to Practice Gratitude

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal. Spend a few minutes each night thinking about three to five highlights from your day, then write them down. You can reflect upon your gratitude journal whenever you need to be reminded of all the things you are thankful for.
2. Set Reminders in Your Phone. Harness technology for good and put in subtle reminders every day to be thankful. Reminders can come in the form of an inspirational quote, a compliment to yourself, or a simple activity like looking outside and admiring the changing colors of the leaves.
3. Take Three Deep Breaths.This easy practice can allow for one simple moment of gratitude. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, and start the flow of thankful energy. Be grateful for your breath, because you wouldn’t be here without it. Continue to meditate in that gratitude for a few seconds or longer if you choose.
4. Say Thank You. Say thank you to everyone in your life, from friends and family to colleagues to the check-out person at the grocery store. Verbalizing your gratitude is a great way to cultivate it.
5. Smile. Smiling makes your brain happy and it’s proven by science. When a smile flashes across your face; dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin are all released into your bloodstream, making you more relaxed. Pick a day where you will smile at three random people as you walk by them, which communicates a sense of oneness and well-being.
6. Reach Out and Express It.Send a text message, make a phone call, write a post on social media. A simple “thank you for making my life brighter” message, in any format, can go a long way to both the giver and the receiver.
7. Give Compliments Daily. Whether you know the person or not, give compliments away as you think of them. Be genuine and specific. When Mark Twain said, “I can live two months on a good compliment,” he only told one side of the story. While the individual who receives the praise will appreciate feeling noticed and valued (and is motivated to do more of the same), the giver can also delight in the connection.
8. Put Inspirational Quotes Around Your House. Whether it’s written hastily on a Post-It note or framed as a piece of art, inspirational quotes and images can serve as reminders to be grateful around your house. That way, every time you sit down at your desk or walk down a particular hallway, that subtle reminder is there.
9. Slow Down and Savor the Small Things. Choose one everyday experience and take time to enjoy every aspect of it. For example, if you take a walk in the morning, take in all the sights, sounds, and smells. Appreciating the small things will only allow for greater appreciation of the big things.

There is never a shortage of things to be thankful for if we just take the time to look. This Thanksgiving, be sure to cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” that can last throughout the year.

Learn more about living your best life with a ComfortSeries™.

According to Statistics Canada, the Golden years of retirement have become more golden. While some Canadians’ savvy savings and pension plans have helped people 54+ maintain pre-retirement lifestyles.  While it’s great to retire early, 65 and sometimes 55 seems to be the magic numbers to unlock numerous everyday discounts! While you may be aware of some of the more common senior discounts, like breakfast deals, CAA and CARP, there are plenty of other discounts for seniors that you might not be aware of.  American Standard uncovers more ways to save money.

 

Common Senior Discounts

Auto Insurance: Most aging drivers don’t know that auto insurance is generally less expensive than before. Discover CAA’s innovative offerings like CAA MyPace™, Canada’s only pay-as-you-go payment plan, as well as other ways to save.

Banks: Many banks offer discounts for seniors, including free chequing accounts and free cheques. Ask your bank about special rates on savings accounts and bank services for adults (60+).

Barbers and Salons: Local barbers and salons provide great senior discounts that range from 10% to 20%. Some national chains offer discounts for seniors as well.

*First Choice Hair Cutters: Receive a 20% discount on all salon services and hair care products, Monday through Thursday (60+).
*Supercuts: Those 60 years old and older receive $2 off the regular adult price for a haircut.

Canadian Universities: many universities offer academic fee waivers for seniors, as well as other discounts and offerings (55+).

Enbridge: residential customers 65 or older, “Golden Age Service” program includes many benefits.  Call to inquire.

Theaters/Cinemas: Most theaters offer discounts to seniors, but often for certain showing times. Special senior prices at movie theaters can range from discounts to special admission prices.

*Art Gallery of Ontario: Admission discounts Wednesdays (65+), free admission Wednesday evenings 6p-8:30p.
*Cineplex Cinemas: (SilverCity, Odeon, Coliseum) GeneralAdmission $8, $6 on Tuesdays (65+)

*Great Canadian Theatre Company: Individual Admission $35.77. (65+)
*Empire Theaters: General Admission $22 (60+)
*IMAX Theaters: General Admission $12, $9 on Tuesdays (60+)

*National Arts Centre: senior discounts for subscription to series (65+)
*Ottawa Little Theater: Individual Admission $8, $5.50 on Tuesdays. (65+)
*Science North: Senior discounts on exhibit and theater admission (65+)
*Theater Calgary: Senior Saturday Matinees on select shows (65+)
*Toronto Symphony Orchestra: save 25% on certain shows for CARP members only.
*Vancouver Art Gallery: 30% discount (65+).
*Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: discounts vary CARP members get 25% off (65+)

Museums: Most museums offer discounts for seniors but often for certain days or times. Be sure to ask prior to purchasing admission.

Senior Travel Discounts

Many individuals over the age of 55 are on the road to retirement and are likely starting to experience empty nest syndrome. What better time than the present to start traveling? There are numerous senior travel discounts available to those 55 and over.

Air Travel: Check with national firms like Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise and Budget. All of these dealerships have a discount program in place for seniors.

*Air Canada: 10% off base fares before taxes and surcharges (60+)
*American airlines: varies, see CARP website
*CheapOAir: discounts on select flight tickets to seniors (65+)

*First Air: Elders save 10% off with special fares promotion (55+)

Transportation: Check with your municipality for local discount programs in place for seniors.

*BC Ferries: BC residents 65+ can ride for free Monday through Thursday, but vehicle fare applies.

*BC Transportation: discounted fare rates and bus pass program for seniors (65+).

*Calgary Transit: apply for Senior Yearly Pass and Low Income Seniors Yearly Pass (65+)

*GO Transit: single-ride fare is 50% of adult single-ride fare (65+)

*Halifax Transit: offers every day fare discounts for seniors, and free rides every Tuesday (65+)

*OC Transpo: Seniors 65+ ride free all day every Wednesday and Sunday on all bus routes and O-Train.

*TTC: offers discounted fares and passes for seniors (65+)

*York Region Transit: seniors reduced rates for 10 tickets & monthly passes.

VIARail: Travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive up to a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most ViaRail trains.  CAA members save 20%.

Car Rental: Check with national firms like Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise and Budget. All of these dealerships have a discount program in place for seniors.

*Avis: 25% off for CARP members
*Budget Car Rental: up to 25% off for CARP members (50+)
*Hertz: Hertz’ 50 Plus Car Rental Program offers discounted rate and exclusive rental deals.  CARP members may get up to 20% off promotional rates (50+)
*Thrifty Canada: offers 5% discounts (55+)

Cruise Lines: Most cruise lines offer discounts for seniors, including Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean (55+).

Hotel Discounts for Seniors: Many hotels offer a range of discounts for seniors. Before booking, we recommend calling the property ahead of time to see what rates they can offer you.

*Best Western:  offers up to 15% (55+).

*Choice Hotel:  10% discount on select room reservations (60+).

*Holiday Inn Express: senior’s get a discount at participating locations (62+).

*Hyatt: Senior Citizen Travel Rates could save you as much as 50% in Canada and the continental U.S. (62+)
*Marriott: The hotel chain offers seniors 62+ at least 15% off their stay.
*Starwood Hotels: Westin, Sheraton, and others in the Starwood family offer CARP members 5-15% off their best available rates.

*Wyndham Hotels and Resorts: save up to 20% with a CARP membership.

Parks Canada: Experience a significant discount on a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for access to select National Historic Sites, or get 12% discount on a day and yearly Parks Canada pass (65+).

Senior Retail Discounts

Who doesn’t love to shop and save? Many retailers offer discounts for seniors. Here are some of our favorites:

American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada: $1,500 in savings with exclusive, limited time offer for every customer who purchases and installs a new ComfortSeries walk-in tub.

Banana Republic: Most stores offer 10% off , varies by location & day of week (60+)

Bulk Barn: 15% senior discounts every Wednesday (65+)

Giant Tiger: senior discounts varies per store (60+)

Global Pet Foods: 15% off on last Tuesday of each month (60+)

Goodwill Alberta: 15% off every Wednesday (60+)

Carlton Cards: 10% senior’s discount every day (60+)

Laura Secord: 15% off every first Monday (65+)

LensCrafters: 30% off CAA members discount (60+)

Lawtons Drugs: 20% off once each month (55+)

Michael’s: 10% off every day (60+)

M & M Meats: offers 5% discount on Tuesdays; 10% if you spend $30+ (60+)

Northern Reflections:  get 10% off first Tuesday of each month (60+)

Pet Value: 10% off last Thursday of each month (60+)

Rexall Pharma Plus: 20% off to CARP members, 20% off on last Tuesday of month (65+)

Shoppers Drug Mart: 20% off to PC Optimum card holders every Thursday (65+)

The Bay: 15% off on first Tuesday of each month (60+)

The Salvation Army: 10% off at participating stores (60+)

Value Village: 30% off every Tuesday at participating outlets (60+)

Restaurant Discounts for Seniors

Does discounted dining sound too good to be true? It’s not! There’s an abundance of restaurant discounts for seniors. Discounts at chain restaurants can range from a free drink to a percentage off your entire bill. Having an CAA and CARP membership can help you get 10% off at several restaurant chains after age 50. Here’s some of our favorite deals for seniors!

Applebee’s Senior Discount:  varies by location, (55+)

A&W: Seniors discounts on coffee/tea and on food (60+)

Church’s Chicken: offers 30% off, discounts on Tuesdays (55+)

Denny’s: Senior section on menu (55+)

Golden Griddle:  10% off (60+)

IHOP: Discounted rates on 55+ menu items (55+)

Mandarin Chinese Buffet:  get 20% off buffet price with valid ID (65+)

McDonald’s: offers everyday discounted seniors coffee with free refills, and coffee/muffin deals (60+)

Royal Buffet Restaurant: 25% between 4p-5:30p (60+)

Subway: Varies by location. Often 10% off (60+)

Wendy’s: free drinks to seniors (55+)

The Golden Years unlocks a multitude of savings for those 50 and above. Penny pinching is made easy, thanks to discounts for seniors by private companies and those affiliated with CAA and CARP. Keep in mind that while American Standard may have highlighted several ways to save, there’s many more senior discounts out there. When in doubt, it never hurts to ask!

October 2022

by Lee-Anne Creery

 

The day is finally here—the one that you been thinking of and planning for years.  From organizing your finances and investments, to mapping out when and what day you will announce your next chapter of living.

 

People around the world, are living longer, healthier lives.  In Canada alone, our group of 7.337M older adults is projected to grow to 9.407M by 2030, and 10.745M by 2040.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared 2021-2030 the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, to focus attention on what we all can do to improve the lives of older people, their families, and the communities in which they live; to ensure that older people can fulfil their potential in dignity, equality, and in a healthy environment.

 

Healthy Aging and those next steps don’t have to be difficult, but deciding on details early can help make it easier and according to your Healthy Aging Plan.

Are you prepared?

 

The National Institute on Aging identifies influential factors that are within our control in taking care of ourselves, such as exercise, a healthy diet, taking care of our mental and cognitive health, as well as our social well-being.  Despite what big plans that you have in mind for your future, the most important consideration for your Quality of Life and how you choose to live it, should be at the grassroots level:

1. 1. 1. Health and Well Being

      2. Living Environment

There are many health professionals to advise and assist you in maintaining your weight, diet, blood pressure, heart health, chronic conditions, and emotional health; but who do you go to for advice on your living environment to ensure that your home gets a medical and safety checkup just like you do?

No matter how well you take care of your own personal aging, accidents happen—and they can be quite costly.

In a perfect world, our living environments (our homes) should be accessible to all who live and visit you.  The sooner older adults can assess their living environment, the easier that it will be to make changes or adaptations to support healthy aging.

 

If you plan in your retirement to travel, or spend time with family & friends; shouldn’t you plan for your physical and emotional safety as well?

 

From the moment that you step into your home, it should be a safe haven—from the front entrance, through to the kitchen, bedroom, and to the most used and most personal room—your bathroom.

Ideally, being able to Age in Place in a home that is all on one floor, is the safest type in terms of eliminating stairs.  Realistically though, there are more two-storey homes than single-storey, so addressing stair safety is important, no matter what age you are.

Handrails—are they fastened properly, are they installed correctly, and at the proper height?

Treads/Risers—do the height & depth of the stairs meet standard Codes, that would prevent too narrow of a step, or too high between steps?

Surface Material—are the steps carpeted, non-slip or a slippery surface?

Clear/Clean—are your stairs clean and free of clutter?

If all your stairs (including outdoor steps) have been given a green check, and you are still struggling to safely ascend/descend them, perhaps installing a stairlift or elevator is your best option to get from floor to floor.

 

Here is a home safety checkup list of areas in your home that should be reviewed with a goal of safe and healthy living through your years.

According to Statistics Canada, 2/3 of all falls at home occur in the bathroom, and most people falling are older adults 65+.

Bathrooms are the most often used room in our homes, and are our most intimate areas; because of that, they are usually private and personal, and not considered until an accident occurs.

 

Some bathrooms are used as spa retreats where you can relax, unwind, eliminate stress, or find therapeutic relief from aches & pains; others are used for their intended purpose of cleansing and toileting.

Regardless of how fancy your bathroom is or not—SAFETY should be the primary focus in how it is used, how it is organized within, and how it will grow with you and your aging needs.  Universal design is usable by everyone, and can be designed attractively and comfortable.

 

Consider Ages and Stages: age is inevitable, so planning well through the stages of use and needs, allows you to keep using your bathroom independently until you can no longer stay in your home.

Surfaces—floor surfaces should be non-slip

Materials—consider low-maintenance materials and wall surfaces for easy cleaning

Heights—as we age, higher seating protects knee & hip joints, and higher countertop levels allows a better work and cooking space; however for older adults using walkers or wheelchairs, a more universal counter height would be beneficial

Space—ensure sufficient room for movement to prevent tripping and that would allow walkers and wheelchair use

Lighting—insufficient lighting will impair tasks, movement between rooms, and hinder safety.  Consider types of lighting that will not cast shadows

Storage—ensure there is a place for everyday items, and that they are within reach.  Clutter and over-reaching can cause accidents

Contrasting Colours—with changing vision as we age, it is best to look for contrasting colours between floor transitions, counter surfaces, furnishings, and accessories

Ease of Use—lever handles on doors, faucets and walk-in tubs helps those with arthritis and other physical impairments

Door Sizes—aim for 34”-36” for interior doorways, which will allow for optimal movement between rooms

Ease of Maintenance—consider low-maintenance materials and wall surfaces for easy cleaning

Accessibility—are rooms on one level, or are there numerous height transitions or steps?

Potential Trip Hazards—carpets should be securely fastened or removed.  Bathmats should be rubber-backed to prevent movement, but are needed to prevent slips from wet feet. Shower thresholds need to be visible.

Bathtub vs Shower—traditional bathtubs can be dangerous, and aging sometimes prevents being able to step over the side.  While showers might be the answer for accessibility, glass doors are unsafe with changing vision needs, future caregiving needs, and the inability for proper seating that you can be within arms-reach to all of the controls.  A walk-in bathtub with shower, is an option that will meet all needs for Ease of Use, Accessibility, Safety & Comfort.  For those requiring circulation assistance, the included therapeutic water/air massage jets are an added bonus

Grab Bars—properly placed and properly secured grab bars can help you support yourself and remain confident when they are needed.

There are many elements to consider in ensuring your bathroom will safely age with you and your stages—and there are plenty of bathroom products on the market to help.  From Right-Height toilets, lever faucet handles, to accessible bathtubs.  It is peace of mind when bathroom fixtures and aids are properly sized, mounted and secured.

 

American Standard’s DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) Division works directly with customers to provide bathroom safety assessments.  They are Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) and Senior Home Safety Specialists (Age-Safe Canada), so they know what the most common issues are, and can provide the best advice, through all Ages & Stages.

 

American Standard knows bathrooms, and has been manufacturing for 150 years—innovative products that allow you to be comfortable and independent, and with many design patents, some of the safest and most hygienic products available.

Like the ComfortSeries™ accessible bathtubs that not only allows you to access it from a seated or standing position, but provides the most therapeutic bath air & water jets available, providing the ultimate experience in relaxation, pain relief & rejuvenation at the touch of a button.

It’s the ideal product to grow with you, even if you just want to have a shower.

And because American Standard knows bathrooms—we know that as you age and go through changing stages, an accessible bathtub is the necessity for keeping you safer, and it’s dependable: there for you when you want and need it.

 

When American Standard Safety Specialists complete a free Bathroom Assessment for you, they will provide advice based on your Age & Stage to prevent falls from occurring.  Bathcare can help you get started before you schedule an appointment.

 

Did you Know?

There are Home Accessibility Tax Credits available to you when you choose to make your bathroom safer and more accessible.

 

As we enter the month of October and Active Aging Month, we celebrate Canadian Older Adults and Seniors, and we are committed to keeping you Safe, Independent, and Well.

 

Learn More about American Standard’s bath products for Seniors Safe at Home.

 

American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada         1-844-867-7737

Social Media:

Instagram:               American Standard Tubs Canada

Facebook:               American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

LinkedIn:                 American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

YouTube:                 American Standard Walk-in Tubs Canada

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