Adults & Geriatric Practice

 

Recent Submissions

  • The Impact of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms on Maternal Child Rearing
    Taylor, Anne; Fink, Twyla (2021-04-10)
    This study, The Impact of Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms on Maternal Child Rearing aims to provide the audience with information about Multiple Sclerosis and the ways in which its associated symptoms may impact maternal parenting. The study also hopes to provide information to justify further research on the topic.

  • Primary Care Provider’s Perceptions of Occupational Therapy
    Paquette, Hannah; Parker, Maria (2021-04-10)
    Research suggests chronic illness in the United states is the costliest expenditure for the current health care system and is likely going to increase with the aging adult population. Occupational therapy practitioners are skilled in providing chronic illness interventions for older adults in the primary care setting. The purpose of this exploratory research survey is to understand what primary care providers think about the role and scope of occupational therapy practice. Primary care providers who provide chronic illness interventions for adults aged 65 and older will complete a survey about their years in practice, perceptions of chronic illness management, using a collaborative approach, and their understanding of occupational therapy practice for chronic illness. The outcomes of this study may implicate a need for future research about strategies that occupational therapy practitioners can apply to integrate into this emerging area of practice.

  • How Students with Disabilities (SWDs) Perceive Peer Inclusion Related to Student Organizations and Activities
    O'Connor, Meaghan; Fink, Twyla (2021-04-10)
    College Students with Disabilities (SWDs) drop out at higher rates than non-disabled peers (Haber et al., 2016). Both environmental and social factors influence enrollment (Fleming, Oertle, Plotner, & Hakun, 2017) and SWDs may have adverse social experiences with peers (Read, Morton, & Ryan, 2015). This presentation will explore literature conducted on the experiences of SWDs and social participation to discern potential occupational therapy interventions to facilitate an inclusive collegiate experience. By the end of this program, participants will be able to: - Identify social barriers faced by college students with disabilities that inhibit peer inclusion on campus - Describe the impact of social participation on retention rates - List possible occupational therapy interventions for college SWDs who have negative perceptions of peer inclusion

  • What is the Impact of the Quality and Quantity of Available Leisure Activities on Quality of Life for Older Adults in Long-term Care Facilities?
    Fleming, Martha; Silveira, Jeramie (2021-04-10)
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2019) reports that in 2014 there were 46.3 million Americans aged 65 years or older and estimates that by 2060 the older adult population will rise to 98 million Americans, indicating the population of older adults in the United States is growing. Leisure participation becomes a significant occupation in the daily lives of older adults when work roles are no longer performed (Fallahpour, Borell, Luborsky, & Nygard, 2016). Changes in health and relationships can impact an older adult’s ability to participate in leisure activities (Fernandez-Mayoralas et al., 2015). The purpose of this study is to better understand the role leisure participation plays in the perceived life satisfaction of older adults living in long-term care settings. Participants will be older adults aged 65 or older who reside in long-term care units of skilled nursing facilities. Using an exploratory correlational survey design, participants will complete a paper survey on the quality of leisure activities, the quantity of leisure activities available, and their perceived quality of life. Potential limitations include a small sample size and lack of generalizability. Anticipated results may impact occupational therapy practice by providing evidence to support occupational therapy intervention to address participation in meaningful leisure activities for older adults in long-term care facilities. Objectives:• Describe the significance of participating in leisure activities for older adults • Discuss barriers that may impact an older adult’s ability to participate in leisure activities • Identify the benefits of participating in meaningful leisure activities for older adults

  • The Client's Perceived Value on Occupational Therapy Interventions in Skilled Nursing Facilities
    Cisse, Salimata; Nickola, Meghan; Parker, Maria (2021-04-10)
    Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provide medical care from short to long term care (AOTA, 2015). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) aim to implement occupation-centered interventions in SNFs (Jewell, et al., 2016). However, according to Reynolds, et al (2019) OTPs experience barriers that impact using occupation-centered practice in SNFs. As a result, occupational therapy (OT) interventions lack relation to occupation and when this occurs it is suggested that the OT profession surrenders distinct value to the clients served (Lamb, 2017). The goal of this research is to investigate how the clients perceive the value of OT interventions in SNFs. Data will be collected using an exploratory, quantitative research design. Clients in short-term rehabilitation will be recruited using informative flyers. Participants will voluntarily complete a paper-based survey to provide subjective impressions on the OT services received. This study hopes to provide evidence to support a gap within the literature regarding the clients’ perceptions of OT interventions in SNFs.