Volition Via Culture: Enhancing Occupational Participation Amongst Community Dwelling Elders Of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

Abstract

Occupational imbalances for community-dwelling elders occur throughout the aging process and may arise due to a lack of resources, disease, illness, and disability. The occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice supports productive aging by considering an individual’s meaningful habits, roles, routines, and values throughout the treatment planning process with a continuous consideration of the client’s cultural lens. Cultural adaptations to meaningful treatment activities aim to increase motivation (volition), engagement, independence, and quality of life. This proposed research study will electronically survey occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) in elder community health programs to determine the methods, tools/supplies, and perceived cultural competency being implemented to culturally adapt treatment interventions.