It can be overwhelming when a loved one begins to exhibit problems with daily activities. The changes can start out very subtly. But progress over time.

It could be challenges with:

• Self-care
• Movement
• Routines
• Independence.

This becomes especially problematic when it interferes with daily living.

occupational therapy aims to help affected individuals perform daily activities safely and independently. Below are some circumstances that may warrant attention.

Small daily tasks are taking longer

Notice changes in how the individual performs activities? For example, they take longer to:

• Get dressed
• Cook
• Bathe
• Write
• Walk around the house.

Taking longer does not necessarily call for therapy. But if there is a clear and persistent shift, there is a problem.

An occupational therapist can identify and assess areas of difficulty. They can identify practical modifications that could make the tasks easier.

Getting to a clinic is challenging

Regular visits to a clinic can be challenging due to:

• Mobility issues
• Tiredness
• Childcare
• Longer commutes
• Special support needs, etc.

Mobile occupational therapy can bring sessions to the home or another appropriate setting. This also helps the therapist observe what happens to the person in their actual daily environment.

This can make therapy more manageable for families who have an established routine.

Your family member is losing confidence

Sometimes the change is not physical. Maybe someone used to do things on their own. But now they ask for assistance often. You might notice that they get frustrated when they can’t do something. Or they avoid certain tasks.

This can occur following a:

• Sickness
• Injury
• Disability
• Development issues.

OT can be directed toward skills and strategies that will enhance participation and independence.

Safety at home has become a concern

Safety issues may arise due to:

• Trips
• Falls
• Difficulty getting into and out of the shower
• Trouble maneuvering in the kitchen
• Issues with everyday equipment.

An OT can evaluate the interaction between the person and their environment at home. They can explore changes, equipment, or other approaches to make day-to-day activities safer.

Your child has trouble with skills that are easy for other children

The symptoms may be very common for children. Maybe your child has trouble:

• Holding the cutlery
• Handling buttons
• Holding a pencil
• Processing sensory input
• Self-care tasks.

This may impact participation in the home, school or community environment.

An occupational therapist can assist with evaluating these difficulties. They can help your child practice and reinforce the needed skills, including:

• Fine motor
• Sensory processing
• Independence.

A health condition is affecting everyday life

Some health problems can impact someone’s ability to do daily activities. For example:

• Stroke
• Brain injury
• Parkinson’s disease
• Other neurological problems.

An occupational therapist can provide the necessary support to do daily tasks. This can include modifying the tasks, adjusting the environment, or changing the method of doing the same task.

The bottom line

Don’t wait until these challenges worsen. Seek professional advice in time.

An occupational therapy assessment can be useful if the changes are ongoing or impacting safety and independence. A professional can help identify what is making the activities more difficult and the ideal practical support.