Evaluating Occupational Therapy Effects to Self-Care Functions of Stroke Senior Who Live in a Long-Term Care Facility – An Example of Taipei Elderly Facility

• Main Authors: Tsao, Nienchia, 曹念佳
• Other Authors: Chia, Tingshih
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/01191217060405930934

碩士 === 實踐大學 === 家庭研究與兒童發展學系碩士班 === 99 === The purpose of this research is to determine whether seniors with histories of strokes and living in an elderly facility in Taipei with a Certificate of Disability have measurably demonstrated improvement in their activities of daily living(ADL) after receiving occupational therapy. The survey in the research was conducted by orthopedic physicians and physiatrists using the structural questionnaire of the Barthel Index. Using the theories behind occupational therapy as the basis, the researchers referred to studies both in Taiwan and overseas. This research focused on forty seniors who were being treated by occupational therapists. These seniors had all been paralyzed by strokes, resulting in single-limb disabilities or other disabilities, and were over the age of sixty-five. Occupational therapists attempted to improve their ADL by providing them with treatment twice a week for four months. The research discovered that after occupational therapy, those seniors who were younger experienced better recovery. Additionally, male patients displayed better improvement than female patients, and those who worked as public servants displayed more progress than those working in other industries. On the other hand, those who had suffered from more serious strokes experienced greater difficulty in recovering. And, those who had suffered from strokes for longer experienced a lower degree in recovery than more recent stroke patients. Initial ADL assessment did not affect seniors’ improvement in rehabilitation, and many who were diagnosed with lower ADL made noticeable advancements in eating, moving, walking, and getting dressed. Last, with the occupational therapy being provided directly at senior institutions, it may have directly increased the seniors’ willingness to participate, and as a result, enhanced the improvement of their ADL. This research shows that seniors who have suffered from strokes and received occupational therapy display noticeable improvement in their ADL; these seniors also experienced greater independence in their daily lives. The results of this study may serve as a reference for Taipei City Government’s Bureau of Social Affairs in its policy-making with regards to supplementing long-term care facilities with rehabilitation services. And, as a result, these activities could raise the professional images and social responsibilities of those long-term care facilities.