top of page

Empowering Everyday Living: OT Tools for Self Care

Writer's picture: Engage PT, OT, SLP Therapy and WellnessEngage PT, OT, SLP Therapy and Wellness

Occupations — the meaningful and purposeful everyday activities that you need and want to do — can be roughly divided into 3 types:


Things you do:

  • to take care of yourself (self care or activities of daily living “ADLs”)

  • that you consider to be work or productive activities

  • that you consider to be leisure and recreation (including social interaction)


(Restful activities and sleep are also occupations but that’s a blog post for another day.)


Occupational therapy can focus a lot on self care and ADLs because these activities support independence and a person’s ability to participate in the daily routines and valued roles of life. (For example, getting dressed — while not the most exciting of occupations — enables you to go outside for a walk or to a restaurant to eat with friends without getting arrested for public indecency.)


Occupational therapists are experts in helping you to find ways to complete self care and ADL tasks more easily, efficiently and with less frustration. They can be a valuable resource in recommending speciality products, tools or adaptive equipment to cope with PD symptoms — including slow/small movement, tremor, rigidity and postural instability — that get in the way of self care.


Here are some tools that may be useful in getting daily self care routine done while living with PD. Since each person with PD is unique, working with an OT can often be helpful in deciding which tools are the best fit for an individual


Click on each image to get more details. (*Note: These products are examples, not endorsements. User experience may vary!)


Personal grooming

Weighted Razor Cuff


Easy Grip and Swivel Toenail Clipper



Long Handled Hair Brush



Oral Care


Toothpaste dispenser




Electric Toothbrush






Dressing


Magnetic Buttons



Ready-to-Wear Clothing with Magnetic Fasteners





Dressing Stick and Shoe Horn






Hands-Free Shoes




Bathing


Shower seat


Foot scrubber



Toileting


Bidet



Spill Proof Urinal













111 views0 comments

Comments


Engage Logo
Engage your Brain,
Move your Body,
Feel Better

Specialties

Community

Company

3175 East Genesee Street Suite 5

Syracuse, NY 13224

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

© 2022 Engage PT, OT, SLP PLLC

NOT MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER:  None of the content on this website constitutes medical advice.  If you have concerns about any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare provider. In case of medical emergency, you should call 911 immediately.

NO PROVIDER-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP: This website does not create or constitute a provider-patient relationship between you and any of our providers and does not create any duty for any provider to follow up with you.

bottom of page