Everything about Treating Dementia with the Right Occupational Therapy Software

The proportion of seniors is increasing along with our population. Since age is the primary factor in dementia development, the prevalence of dementia cases is also likely to rise. In light of this, we are providing occupational therapy software that can be applied to the care of dementia patients. Although there is currently no known cure for Dementia, occupational therapy is extremely effective in managing the symptoms.

Whether you work as an occupational therapist in home health, outpatient, rehab, or in a long-term care facility, you will undoubtedly encounter patients with a dementia diagnosis. If you primarily treat elderly patients, this might even make up a sizable portion of your patients. We’d like to tell you how occupational therapy software can be helpful in your treatment process.

What is Dementia?

A collection of symptoms known as Dementia are linked to the deterioration of the brain and its functions. When a disease harms the brain, like Alzheimer’s, Dementia develops.

Dementia has a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Confusion
• No Memory
• Sluggish processing rates
• Having trouble remembering familiar faces, names, dates, etc.
• Lack of emotional control
• Loss of motor function
• Disorientation
• No memory
• Having trouble following conversations
• Loss of orientation in terms of times, dates, years, etc.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy aids a person with daily tasks through assessment and intervention. It is frequently used as a component of injury or illness recovery. A person’s needs and potential risks are evaluated by occupational therapists, who then offer advice and support on how to live a safer, more satisfying life.

A therapist will initially need to evaluate the patient to ascertain the best course of treatment for them based on their symptoms and the stage of the disease. Three stages of Dementia are as follows:

• Early Stages of Dementia
• Middle Stage Dementia
• Late Stage Dementia

An OT will work with a client who has Dementia to identify their challenges and provide them with solutions with the help of an Occupational therapy EMR. They aim to directly offer the patient and their family members helpful guidance and methods. Here are a few instances where an occupational therapist might be able to assist a client who has Dementia.

• As the condition worsens, advice on new methods to continue performing daily tasks like dressing and meal preparation is provided. For example, assistance in finding the appropriate tools to help with challenges as they arise, such as the right wheelchair or comfortable chair.
• Recommendations will aid you, in the long run, to ensure your house will meet your needs both now and in the future. This will involve taking into account modifications like wet rooms or stair lifts.
• Managing tiredness as extreme fatigue is a common issue with Dementia.
• Techniques for managing short-term memory loss
• Orientation techniques
• Working with memories can help manage long-term memory loss.
• Routine preparation to stabilize the day and give it structure

How Can Occupational Therapy Programme Help with Dementia?

Decreasing behavioural issues

When someone has cognitive impairment, simple daily tasks like brushing their teeth can become more challenging. Such tasks can be made simpler through occupational therapy, increasing the patient’s success. Patients with dementia experience embarrassment, frustration, and anxiety when they cannot complete tasks that they know they should be able to complete. When those emotions reach a breaking point, dementia patients can experience what is known as a catastrophic reaction or meltdown.

Occupational therapy can help people feel less stressed while performing tasks, preventing crises from developing. With the right occupational therapy software, patients can get treatment from the comforts of their homes without the physical therapist being stressed about virtual therapy.

Taking Care of the Caregivers

When a person is diagnosed with Dementia, it’s not just the patient who is suffering; their families or caregivers also have to go through the struggle. Caregivers can get advice from occupational therapists on how to manage situations in a better way.

For instance, caregivers can learn to let the Dementia patient use a lot of discretion when completing simple chores like setting the table for dinner or other simple tasks without emphasising accuracy. Both the caregiver and the dementia patient may experience less resentment and anger as a result, and the latter may feel more accomplished. Also, a physical therapist can monitor the assigned daily exercises via occupational therapy software like SmartPT.

To Sum Up

It’s clear how beneficial occupational therapy can be for patients diagnosed with Dementia. Presently, since there is no cure for Dementia, it is crucial to provide those who are affected with the knowledge and resources they need to support them on their journey. If you are an occupational therapist who’s treating Dementia patients, opt for nothing but the best occupational therapy software in India.
You can get started right away, requesting a free demo call today.