Habilitation of occupations for elderly people in CHSLD

Issue: A few recent studies (Cipriani and Haley, 2010; Crowe, 2014) highlight the contribution of occupational therapists in long-term care facilities in providing opportunities for participation in occupations by analyzing the environment and the abilities of older adults. However, certain behavioural, fall or autonomy problems of the elderly mean that alternative measures to restraints are necessary for safety (sound mats, chair positioning, sound monitors, motion detectors). How is it possible then to promote opportunities for occupation while providing alternatives to restraints? To date, there has been little empirical study of this phenomenon in the scientific literature. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the perception of occupational therapists working in CHSLDs in the context of the use of alternative measures to restraints. It will focus on the description of the alternative measures used, the occupational therapists' perception of these measures and finally their perception regarding occupations and how to make them possible.

Autorentext

A graduate of the Master's program, Gabrielle works as an occupational therapist at DEXTÉRITÉ, a clinic specializing in upper limb rehabilitation. The contribution of occupational therapists in enabling seniors to participate in their occupations through the use of alternative measures was a topic that greatly piqued her interest.