Ageing in place Archives - LDOT - O.T.SERVICES INC.

Ageing in place

Occupational Therapy Assistant Programming

ldot LDOT Services , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Occupational Therapy Assistant Programming

Our Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) work alongside the client’s health care team to provide one on one treatment that is specifically designed for the individual.  OTA program goals as described by the client and the rehab team with a client centered approach. 

OTA Cognitive Compensatory Strategy Program 

The OTA will take the time to understand strategies that best suit the client’s personality.  Tools are suggested (using adult learning principles tailored to client’s strengths) and demonstrated to ensure effectiveness. OTA can help the client to predict barriers and develop strategies in advance. These programs vary from creating strategies for remembering appointments to new learning such as how to take public transportation. The program goals are directed by the client to include meaningful activity that promotes a positive outlook for the future. 

OTA Community Integration 

Often client’s present with a lack of motivation due to mood dysregulation or as a symptom of acquired brain injury. Many are fearful of re-injury or their inability to manage their limitations if they go on a community outing. Early OTA intervention can drastically reduce many psycho-emotional symptoms.   Outings encourage re-integration into pre-MVA hobbies/interests, provide opportunity to problem solve areas of difficulty such as taking public transportation and to increase the client’s independence with ADL. Job coaching is also available for those with return to work goals.

OTA Gym/Pool Exercise Program 

OTA specialized fitness trainers can develop a specific fitness program to meet client specific rehab needs. The program can be centered in a home gym or community gym/pool. Community based fitness programs can also be used in a community integration program as it introduces and promotes a healthy lifestyle post injury. Goals can include increased strength and activity tolerance; improved range of motion and endurance; pain management and mood regulation. Water is the perfect environment for clients experiencing high levels of pain due the body’s natural buoyancy in water which minimizes the harsh jolts the body experiences during regular exercise.

Please call us directly at either of our two locations Hamilton: 905-481-1122 or Toronto/Woodbridge: 416-907-6287 so we can communicate with you about your goals.

Share This

Occupational Therapy in the Home

ldot LDOT Services , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Occupational Therapy in the Home

We work with the individual to determine the physical, cognitive and emotional impairments that affect the client`s function within the home. Recommendations can range from a few assistive devices to a complex program to help a person gain independence doing their normal activity of daily living.

Please call us directly at either of our two locations Hamilton: 905-481-1122 or Toronto/Woodbridge: 416-907-6287 so we can communicate with you about your goals.

Share This

Home Modification to Age in Place…Let’s Start that Conversation

ldot Helpful tips , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Home Modification to Age in Place…Let’s Start that Conversation

Most people do not buy their first home with the idea of living there forever. But increasingly, seniors are not only living longer but are opting to “age in place” – to stay in their homes where they are happier and more comfortable.

Age in place

Most people do not buy their first home with the idea of living there forever. But increasingly, seniors are not only living longer but are opting to “age in place” – to stay in their homes where they are happier and more comfortable.

In this series of videos, we follow the journey of John and Inge – a couple who decided to “age in place”, but with a twist – they moved from a 2 storey 4 bedroom home to a bungalow while in their sixties. They made the modifications ahead of time, so they could be in control of the process, rather than have to consider making the changes on an emergency basis.

Most consumers do not yet recognize Home Modification as an industry. Why? Perhaps it has not been a priority in our society – until now. In an article published in Reuters (May 3, 2017), the following was reported: “The number of seniors in Canada exceeded the number of children for the first time last year, Statistics Canada said on Wednesday, pointing to the economic and social challenges facing the nation as the population ages.”

We must all start that conversation – NOW. We all must look into the future – our collective futures – and start to understand the needs of the consumer not only in the Home Health Sector, but in the Home Renovation and Home Modification sector as well.

When we tell governments, home builders and home renovators, consumer product industries, and our healthcare system what we want and what we need, we can all look forward to the possibility of ageing well, and ageing in place.

Video Series Age in Place – Episodes 1 through 4

Episode 1 of 4

Episode 2 of 4

Episode 3 of 4

Episode 4 of 4

Share This

Ageing in place? – Think Ahead…..

ldot Community , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Ageing in place? – Think Ahead…..


If you are in the position to purchase or modify your “forever home”, you may want to give some thought to how your home will accommodate you as you age. Ageing in place is something that you may be able to do relatively easily, if you take aging in place into consideration when you purchase or renovate your home. These are a few things that you should consider…

Access, Access, Access

How easily can you access the home? If you do not have a level walkway and front entrance, is there enough room to have a lift or ramping installed (ramping requires 12 feet of run for every one foot of rise), or is there easy access through the garage, where you are protected from the elements? Did you know, if you build a walkway at 1:21 it no longer is a ramp, and you can landscape it to beautify your curb appeal?

Can you access the main floor? Is it open and without those pesky changes in level (think split level townhouses, or even those pesky 1960’s sunken living rooms) You will need this if you have any mobility issues and need to use a walker or wheelchair.

And speaking of walkers and wheelchairs, are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate you and your mobility aid around a corner? If you have a narrow door to the bathroom, and you are renovating it, budgeting for door widening is a must!

And the last thing about access – is there a bathroom on the first floor that has or is big enough to accommodate a three piece bath suite? Not having the ability to accommodate a bathroom is the number one reason people with mobility issues move residence.

While you’re at it…

Already mentioned was widening the doorway to the bathroom. While you’re at it, widen the door to your bedroom, or any room in which you have an expectation of privacy.

And if you are renovating the bathroom, consider installing a rite height toilet – it saves scrubbing a raised toilet seat. Grab bars are no longer a sign of disability. They can be a design statement. Several bathroom fixture manufacturers have designed soap holders and towel racks to double as grab bars. Lastly, those fancy bathtubs are great to soak in, but treacherous to get in and out of safely if your balance or strength is compromised. Think ahead – and think of your lifestyle – do I prefer bathing or showering? Barrier free showers and walk-in baths may be something that you adopt now, rather than in the future.

Managing the elements

We have mentioned the garage, but this is such a under utilized space. With some careful planning, you can avoid using the garage as the main storage space for your home, and have your accessibility to your home sorted out. It protects you from the elements when getting into your home, but also in and out of your car. A shorter driveway will lessen the need of contracting snow removal services as you age. Also, if you have your ramping or lift in the garage, you do not change the curb appeal of your home, nor do you advertise that a vulnerable individual may live there.

If you have any questions about Ageing in Place – contact us at info@LDOT.ca

Share This

Fall Prevention – In–Home Safety to Address Ageing in Place

ldot Community, Helpful tips , , , , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Fall Prevention – In–Home Safety to Address Ageing in Place

fall-preventionFall Prevention – Ageing in place – Staying put – Accessible at Home – Inclusive Space,  all are phrases that are being used to address the issue, no – crisis, that is facing us here in Canada.

With the population ageing, the last baby boomers hitting 55 years, with no further long term care facilities being built in the province of Ontario, ageing Ontarians and their caregivers are faced with the reality that to stay healthy, one must learn to live safely at home . Why? According to CDC published study:

  • In 2012–2013, 55% of all unintentional injury deaths among adults aged 65 and over were due to falls.
  • From 2000 through 2013, the age-adjusted fall injury death rate among adults aged 65 and over nearly doubled from 29.6 per 100,000 to 56.7 per 100,000.
  • Falls cause more accidental deaths than all other causes COMBINED.
  • Over 3/4 of all falls occur in or near the home

So while everybody talks about accessibility, for our ageing population, the concern is really Fall Prevention.

How can we help? We provide:

  • No hassle solution
  • A flat rate for initial screening assessment
  • After that, pay for only the services that you want
  • Well trained , experienced and supervised Occupational Therapists
  • A number of solutions depending on client individual needs and budget
  • Able to provide a list of vetted contractors that specialize in accessibility solutions

As regulated health professionals, we do not pay or accept referral fees – our recommendations are in your best interest, not ours

Want more information? Please contact info@LDOT.ca or call our office directly.

Share This