With the right tools and support, anyone can overcome barriers and have a life worth living. That’s the goal of occupational therapists – like guest Heidi Huynh, OTR, CTRS.

Heidi is an occupational therapist that has spent years working with adults in their 50s and into their 100s in a variety of settings, including senior living. Occupational therapy involves helping you do anything you want or need to do safely, more easily, and independently. This is especially important for seniors who need help around the home, especially after hospital visits or injury.

With Senior Services Expert Lori Williams, she discusses:

– The ins and outs of occupational therapy

– Medicare insurance coverage

– The importance of mindset during recovery (and in life)

– Modifications and tools to stay more independent

– And more

Occupational therapy may sound like it just involves your occupation or job, but it’s about helping you adapt to daily tasks. Going to the bathroom, taking a shower, even walking around your home are tasks that occupational therapists make safer for seniors.

With Heidi’s tools, you’ll have ideas of ways to better equip yourself and find the professional help you need.

Topics discussed:

– Occupational therapy

– Home safety for seniors

– Senior independence

– Outcomes for positive, purpose-driven mindsets

– Outpatient therapy

– Skilled nursing facilities

– Walkers, shoehorns and safety bars

– Medicare coverage for occupational therapy

https://youtu.be/_IxRemr_45g

Takeaways from this episode:

– Occupational therapists can provide home visits to strengthen you to perform daily tasks, while adjusting your environment so you can do what you need to, safely.

– It may be tough initially to start using tools like walkers, but it restores quality of life by allowing you to be independent and partake in daily activities.

– Occupational therapy must be ordered by a physician, but is typically covered by Medicare.

– There are differently qualifying factors for home health versus occupational therapy, and they’re covered by different parts of Medicare.

– If you have Medicare Parts A and B and your occupational therapy is medically necessary, you have an unlimited amount of therapist visits.

Resources from this episode:

Ascend Therapy services:

https://weagewithpurpose.com/links

Heidi@ascendtherapypnw.com

How to senior proof a home, on a weekend:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2541015a/077-want-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget-on-a-weekend-follow-these-steps

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Originally Published on https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/

Lori Williams Senior Living Expert & Host of the Podcast, Aging in Style

Owner/Founder of Lori Williams - Senior Services. I’ve worked in senior living for over 16 years. My passion for learning all I could about aging, dementia and resources for older adults was inspired by my grandmother who was diagnosed with dementia in 1994. I am also the creator and host of the podcast, Aging in Style. The purpose of the podcast is to educate on all things senior related and to share stories of inspirational seniors.

I have a degree in Marketing from LSU, and I am a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner.

Tagged: ,