Home-based occupational therapy can help improve the quality of life for people with dementia, as well as their caregivers. This was the conclusion of a review that analyzed studies from Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Brazil, among other countries.
Getting dressed, personal grooming, or eating and drinking: people with dementia often have difficulties with so-called activities of daily living (ADLs). In addition, behavioral and psychological dementia symptoms such as apathy and restlessness can occur. The majority of people with dementia live at home; family members acting as primary caregivers report an increased care burden and resulting health problems of their own.
In a systematic review, scientists found: Specifically, home-based occupational therapy can help optimize the ADL performance of people with dementia as a non-pharmacological therapy. Evidence was found „that people with predominantly moderate dementia, who typically received eight to 12 hours of multicomponent occupational therapy at home, showed improvements in a range of key outcomes,“ the authors write.
The analysis showed that the quality of life of people with dementia who participated in occupational therapy improved compared to those who received standard care. Fewer behavioral and psychological symptoms were observed in those affected. However, according to the researchers, it is still unclear whether and to what extent occupational therapy affects the specific psychological symptoms of depression or anxiety in people with dementia.
Caregivers need less time
Caregivers also recorded an improvement in their quality of life as a result of occupational therapy. „They suffered less from the behaviors,“ write the researchers. Furthermore, caregivers reported „that they had to spend fewer hours caring for the person with dementia.“ According to the researchers, it is still unclear whether occupational therapy alleviates depression in caregivers.
The authors recommend considering occupational therapy for people with dementia and their caregivers. „The therapists [in the studies examined] worked collaboratively with the person with dementia and their caregiver to identify their goals, tailor and adapt activities for the person with dementia, and modify the environment to maintain their engagement and participation,“ the study states.
Tip for practice: If you are caring for someone with dementia, consider occupational therapy. This can improve the quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers.
Here is the link to the study:
