At Homewatch CareGivers of Henderson, we believe that quality home care is most effective when it is collaborative. One of the most valuable partnerships in the caregiving world is the one between professional caregivers and occupational therapists. When these two roles work together, clients benefit from well-rounded, personalized care that supports both safety and independence at home.
But what exactly is occupational therapy, and how does it complement the work of a caregiver?
Understanding Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a health profession that helps individuals maintain, regain, or adapt their ability to perform everyday tasks—also known as “activities of daily living.” These may include dressing, bathing, preparing meals, moving around the home, or managing medications.
An occupational therapist focuses on practical strategies that allow people to live as independently as possible. This might involve improving physical strength or coordination, teaching new techniques for daily routines, or recommending home modifications such as grab bars or assistive devices. Occupational therapy takes into account each person’s environment, goals, and abilities.
In the United States, there are more than 130,000 licensed occupational therapists, and their work is a crucial part of helping people age in place safely and confidently.
How Occupational Therapists and Caregivers Work Together
Caregivers and occupational therapists often support the same individuals but in different ways. Therapists create a care plan after assessing the person’s needs, and caregivers help carry out that plan in the home environment.
This collaboration creates a number of benefits:
- Reinforcing daily routines: Caregivers are present consistently and can help clients practice the strategies or exercises suggested by the occupational therapist.
- Supporting independence: Therapists and caregivers both aim to help clients do as much as possible on their own. Caregivers are trained to offer just the right amount of assistance while encouraging autonomy.
- Ongoing communication: Caregivers observe the client’s day-to-day progress and challenges. When needed, they can share these insights with the therapist to adjust the care approach.
This kind of teamwork makes a real difference.
Studies show that 80% of older adults prefer to age in their own homes, and with the combined support of caregivers and occupational therapists, this goal becomes much more achievable.
Real Impact in the Home This partnership has a direct and meaningful impact on the quality of life of the people we serve. Clients often experience:
- Greater safety and reduced risk of falls
- Increased confidence in performing daily activities
- Faster recovery after illness or injury
- Improved emotional and physical well-being
- A stronger sense of independence and dignity
Occupational therapy has been proven to reduce hospital readmissions by up to 30% when included in home-based care after discharge. And when caregivers reinforce the therapy at home, these outcomes are even more sustainable over time.
For family members, the collaboration between caregivers and therapists brings reassurance. It ensures that their loved one is receiving care that is not only compassionate but also informed by clinical expertise.
Our Approach at Homewatch CareGivers of Henderson
We are proud to work alongside occupational therapists as part of a broader care team. Whether we are supporting someone during rehabilitation, helping them adjust to new physical limitations, or simply promoting safe daily routines, our caregivers play an essential role in extending the therapist’s work into everyday life.
If you or a loved one could benefit from in-home care that is thoughtful, reliable, and collaborative, we invite you to reach out. Together, we can design a care plan that promotes comfort, confidence, and independence at home.
Contact Homewatch CareGivers of Henderson to learn more about our approach to care and how we work alongside healthcare professionals to support our clients.
Sources- American Occupational Therapy Association. What is Occupational Therapy? https://www.aota.org/practice
- National Institutes of Health. Occupational Therapy and Caregiver Support. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7833473/
- AARP. Home and Community Preferences Survey. https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/community/info-2018/2018-home-community-preference.html
- Journal of Applied Gerontology. Home-Based Occupational Therapy and Functional Outcomes. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0733464820910043
- Harvard Business Review. Occupational Therapy Cuts Readmissions. https://hbr.org/2016/08/where-to-start-when-designing-a-high-value-health-care-system
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