In-Home Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on helping people perform the activities of daily living (ADLs) that are essential to independent functioning. Unlike physical therapy, which focuses primarily on movement and strength, occupational therapy addresses the practical skills needed for everyday life.

When delivered at home, OT has the advantage of working in the patient's actual living environment. Your therapist can assess real challenges you face — like reaching items in your kitchen, getting in and out of the shower, or navigating stairs — and develop practical solutions specific to your home.

In-home occupational therapy addresses:

• **Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)** — Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating
• **Instrumental ADLs** — Cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, managing finances
• **Fine Motor Skills** — Hand and finger dexterity for buttons, zippers, writing, and using utensils
• **Home Safety Modifications** — Recommending grab bars, shower seats, ramps, and other adaptations
• **Adaptive Equipment Training** — Teaching patients to use assistive devices effectively
• **Cognitive Rehabilitation** — Memory strategies, attention training, and problem-solving skills
• **Energy Conservation** — Techniques to manage fatigue during daily activities
• **Splinting and Orthotics** — Custom devices to support hand and arm function

OT at home is beneficial for people who:

• Are recovering from stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury
• Have had hand, wrist, or upper extremity surgery
• Live with arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis
• Are experiencing cognitive decline or early dementia
• Have difficulty with self-care after illness or hospitalization
• Need home modifications to age safely in place
• Have developmental or sensory processing conditions

Medicare covers in-home occupational therapy at 100% with no copay as part of a home health care plan. You must be homebound and your physician must certify the need for OT services.

Important note: Under Medicare rules, you must first qualify for home health through a need for skilled nursing, physical therapy, or speech therapy. Once qualified, continued occupational therapy can be the sole reason for ongoing home health services.

• **Speak with your doctor** about your difficulties with daily activities
• **Get a home health referral** that includes occupational therapy
• **Contact us** for free guidance on your options and coverage
• **Begin therapy** with a licensed OT who visits your home

Our care advisors can help you understand whether occupational therapy is right for your situation and navigate the process from referral to first visit.