Are you an occupational therapist or looking to get into the industry? Have you ever considered working in aged care?

Occupational therapists help older Australians fully participate in everyday life. They help older people to overcome the physical, social and emotional challenges that commonly occur as we age.

As a result, a career in aged care occupational therapy can be highly rewarding.

So, what are the benefits of occupational therapy in aged care?

The Benefits of Occupational Therapy in Aged Care

Helps provide tailored care

As we age, we will all have varying needs. A key role of occupational therapists is to identify the needs of individual patients, helping them to maximise their quality of life. Occupational therapists commonly work with seniors to help them maintain life skills including:
• General mobility
• Self-care, such as showering and bathing
• Driving
• Using public transportation
• Cooking and meal preparation

Assists with maintaining independence & maximising safety

Occupational therapists can help people to maintain their independence for longer. For example, they may identify equipment, such as mobility aids, that can enhance the independence of their patients.
A key component of this is maximising safety. Occupational therapists can perform home assessments. These assessments identify risks and recommend changes to improve home safety.
For example, they may recommend shower rails or mats in the shower to help reduce the risk of slipping.

Helps maintain & improve memory
Memory loss is a common issue among older Australians. Occupational therapists can work with clients to develop strategies to improve their memory. These may include:
• Memory-based games or activities
• Visual reminders
• Setting a daily schedule
• Setting auto-reminders using assistive technology.

Assists rehabilitation
Up to 40% of Australians over 60 have some kind of disability or mobility impairment. Occupational therapists can help older Australians overcome injuries and illnesses that commonly occur later in life. This may include strokes, falls and hip replacements.

Enhance physical abilities

Occupational therapists help older Australians maintain physical activity. This can help to reduce the risk of injury and illness.
Occupational therapists can assist their patients in maintaining their physical capabilities in several ways. For example, they may develop exercise programs to assist older Australians to increase their muscle strength, co-ordination and flexibility. Alternatively, they may develop a program to help patients increase their stability, reducing their risk of falling.

Assists with chronic pain management

As we age, it is not uncommon to experience pain in various parts of the body. This is not only physically uncomfortable but can also negatively impact individuals mental health. Occupational therapists can help their clients develop strategies to manage pain.

Helps address emotional needs

Loneliness, depression and anxiety can be common among aged care residents. Occupational therapists can help develop strategies to overcome these issues. This may include:
• Assisting residents to participate in activities they enjoy
• Helping residents stay in contact with family and friends via online platforms such as Zoom
• Assisting residents to connect with other residents
• Helping residents to participate in physical activity and exercise.

Occupational therapists can play a vital role in the lives of older Australians, helping to maximise their quality of life.

Have you ever considered a career in occupational therapy? Working in aged care offers the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

If you are considering a career in aged care, aged Care Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including occupational therapy resume writing and occupational therapy interview skills coaching.

Article References

Aged Care Decisions (14 March 2022) ‘Occupational therapy in residential aged care’, Aged Care Decisions, accessed 18 March 2025.

Focus Care (29 May 2024) ‘The important role of occupational therapy in aged care’, Focus Care, accessed 18 March 2025.

Rivergum Allied Therapies (2 July 2024) ‘How Occupational Therapy Can Enhance Daily Life For Older Adults’, Rivergum Allied Therapies, accessed 18 March 2025.