235 | An Emerging Practice: Occupational Therapy's Singular Contribution to Housing First
Tracks
Workshop
| Wednesday, April 10, 2024 |
| 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM |
| Room 203 |
Session Overview
As Housing First residents age and their needs become increasingly medically complex, they are de facto aging in place. This presentation outlines the remarkable potential for occupational therapy to improve client outcomes and decrease hospital (re)admissions via: (1) assessing and treating individual clients struggling with basic self-care and mobility; (2) facilitating healthful leisure participation and meaningful time use to address depression, isolation, and substance use; and (3) maximizing accessibility of Housing First buildings using principles of Universal Design. Indirect benefits of occupational therapy include decreased staff burnout, improved relations with first responders, and decreased property damage.
Description
As Housing First residents age and their needs become increasingly medically complex, they are de facto aging in place. This presentation outlines the remarkable potential for occupational therapy to improve client outcomes and decrease hospital (re)admissions via: (1) assessing and treating individual clients struggling with basic self-care and mobility; (2) facilitating healthful leisure participation and meaningful time use to address depression, isolation, and substance use; and (3) maximizing accessibility of Housing First buildings using principles of Universal Design. Indirect benefits of occupational therapy include decreased staff burnout, improved relations with first responders, and decreased property damage.
Abigail Cooper
Occupational Therapist
DESC
Presenter
Abigail Cooper, Occupational Therapist, DESC's COAT Program - Abigail Cooper received her Masters in Occupational Therapy from UNC Chapel Hill in 2011. She has devoted her career to working with underserved populations in a variety of settings including hospitals, home health, the federal prison system, and Central America. She joined DESC in February 2022.
