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“To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
— Buddha
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this chapter, readers will be able to:
22-1. Appraise wellness services to support older adults’ engagement in occupation.
22-2. Determine the value of different community-based services to older adults.
22-3. Discuss the role of interprofessional community agency partners.
22-4. Articulate how older adults with health issues gain value from community participation.
22-5. Create interventions to address older adult health and wellness needs.
22-6. Document wellness and community-based services to support service reimbursement.
22-7. Advocate for occupation-based community programming.
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Mini Case Study
Fred is a 75-year-old man who is a resident of a senior living community in a first-ring suburb of a midsized city. He has a history of type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension, and neuropathy. He has been widowed for 5 years and moved to the senior community 2 years ago. Fred feels that he used to have more control over his various health conditions, especially when his wife was able to help him with health management. She used to be his main source of transportation around the community, as he was having difficulty driving due to the neuropathy in his hands and feet. She also played a vital role in helping Fred with various instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and took care of the household chores that required larger amounts of energy. Fred recalls fondly that once they both retired, he enjoyed spending time with her in the kitchen while she showed him how to prepare healthier meals in order to prevent exacerbation of his conditions. Fred feels that his wife was his greatest accountability to practice health and wellness. After she passed away, he felt lost and ill-equipped to manage his chronic health needs. He notes how he slowed down physically since his wife passed away, as he had decreased motivation to participate in his favorite activities due to low energy. He remained in their home by himself for a few years before he made the tough decision to move into a community living environment and sell their house.
Provocative Questions
What community resources would be relevant to supporting Fred’s health and wellness?
What theoretical models would support your intervention approaches?
What interventions would target Fred’s medical, social, and emotional needs?
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Globally, there is increasing interest in health and well-being to promote healthy aging for older adults (Wilson et al, 2021). This chapter defines health and wellness; relevant factors that support positive health and wellness outcomes, including environmental influences; evidence-based programs that support health and wellness; and roles and emerging opportunities for occupational therapy practitioners on interprofessional and interdisciplinary teams. Many older adults are choosing to age in place; thus, the focus of healthcare is moving toward community-based practice. For therapists who wish ...