Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Role Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners In The Care Of Pets And Animals: A Guide To Aging In Place With Pets And Animals, Blake Randell, Mary Jan Greer, Sherry Pidgeon

Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

This capstone project explored the role of occupational therapy practitioners in the care of pets and animals among older adults which has been referred to as the forgotten instrumental activity of daily living (or IADL) for this population. A needs assessment was conducted to determine how to provide facilitators and remove barriers or hindrances to occupational performance in the care of pets and animals among a group of older adults (with a variety of disability- and non-disability-related needs) in independent living communities. This needs assessment identified compounding health disparities of physical and/or cognitive impairments and lack of financial and necessary …

Occupational Therapists' Perspectives On Nursing Home Culture And Addressing The Psychosocial Needs Of Residents: Mixed Methods Design, Nayeli Mendoza, Mikayla C. Wandersee, Divya Sood

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore occupational therapists’ perspectives on the culture change movement to address the psychosocial components of care among nursing home residents and identify supports and barriers to implementing the culture change movement.

Methods: We used a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Electronic surveys were completed by 102 occupational therapists who work in nursing home facilities. Three focus groups were conducted via conference call with occupational therapists (n = 9). The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Seventy-four of survey …

Occupational Engagement Of Older Adults With Age-Related Vision Loss (Arvl): Understanding The Influences Of Social Networks, Ji Won Kang

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The present study sought to understand how older adults’ social networks facilitate and constrain their engagement in meaningful occupations after being diagnosed with age-related vision loss (ARVL). A constructivist paradigm and narrative inquiry methodology were used to elicit and make sense of the participants’ unique stories. The participants consisted of five older adults 60 years and older, living with ARVL, including one of the following conditions; macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Participants were recruited from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and Society for Learning and Retirement (SLR). Data was collected through three sessions of semi-structured, audio-recorded …

Occupational Responses Of Older Adults Following Partner Loss, Carol Huang, Jane Song, Peter Behr, Stephanie Sterner

Occupational Therapy | Graduate Capstone Projects

Spousal loss has been frequently identified as a life stressor that can greatly impede one’s ability to age at home. The purpose of this study is to identify the occupational changes that commonly result after this event and their impacts on one’s ability to age in place. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research design. Eight participants were recruited from an educational program for older adults and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. Researchers transcribed and coded all interviews to determine emergent themes. Two major categories of themes were found: occupational and intrinsic responses. The areas of occupation that …

Occupational Responses Of Older Adults Following Partner Loss, Carol Huang, Jane Song, Peter Behr, Stephanie Sterner

Student Research Posters

Spousal loss has been frequently identified as a life stressor that can greatly impede one’s ability to age at home. The purpose of this study is to identify the occupational changes that commonly result after this event and their impacts on one’s ability to age in place. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research design. Eight participants were recruited from an educational program for older adults and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. Researchers transcribed and coded all interviews to determine emergent themes. Two major categories of themes were found: occupational and intrinsic responses. The areas of occupation that …