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Staying Part of the Season with Occupational Therapy

September is over, which means one thing: It’s time for Halloween. For many people, October is chock full of seasonal activities. There are pumpkins to carve, decorations to put up, costumes to make, and parties to attend. For others, illnesses and accidents can make the season harder to navigate. Strokes can make passing out candy, or even eating it, more difficult. Arthritis can make carving pumpkins painful. Decorations and flashing lights can cause confusion in people with Alzheimer’s. These symptoms can cause people to sit on the sidelines of the season.

Sitting out instead of participating in these activities has real health consequences. Research consistently shows that social isolation can lead to a higher risk of death, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and anxiety. Sitting out of activities that get the body moving can lead to physical decline and loss of independence.

One study showed that social participation led to several more disability-free years in older adults. For those who find October’s lively activities challenging, occupational therapy (OT) can help reduce those barriers and get people back to Halloween celebrations.

How occupational therapy helps break down barriers to independence

OT is all about regaining independence and taking part in those everyday life activities. Occupational therapists assess each client’s specific situation. They may look at grip strength, range of motion, energy levels, sensory sensitivities, and lifestyle to figure out exactly where the friction is. OT identifies the triggers and creates a specific plan to get patients back to the activities they love.

Easier decorating with occupational therapy

Decorating can really set the scene for any trick or treater or party guest. It’s also one of the first things to get cut when things get overwhelming. An occupational therapist looks at exactly what motion is causing trouble. Is it the overhead reach for hanging lights, or the sawing and rotating wrists for carving pumpkins? Is it trying to get it all done in one afternoon?

Once the trigger is found, occupational therapists set up a plan. Someone with a shoulder that cannot reach overhead might get a long-handled hook so they can hang things without needing to stretch. Carving a pumpkin could mean a change in technique, using the whole arm and shoulder instead of relying on the wrist. Spreading tasks out across a few days instead of pushing through it all at once can make decorating easier for someone with fatigue.

Sweeter trick or treating with occupational therapy

Handing out candy may not sound like it requires a lot of energy. However, for someone who has trouble standing repeatedly, carrying a bowl, reaching in and out of it for hours, or even swallowing candy, it’s easy to turn your porch light off and not participate.

An OT plan might include handing candy out of a rolling cart or a bowl sitting next to the door. It might mean setting up a chair on the porch to reduce frequent sitting and standing. For someone with swallowing difficulties, OT can help sort out which textures are a concern and build a plan, such as pre-sorting safe-to-eat candy to snack on while handing out the rest. OT can help people enjoy the simple things, such as smiling children in homemade costumes, without pain or fear.

Lively parties with occupational therapy

Halloween parties can be one of the best parts of the season, especially when they’re with the ones you love. Between dressing up, standing around to socialize, and walking into a room full of noise and unfamiliar sights, Halloween parties can be stressful, especially for those managing pain, fatigue, or sensory sensitivity. It can sometimes feel easier to just stay home.

For these people, an OT plan may include replacing buttons on costumes with Velcro, or wearing a costume that can easily slip on and off so getting ready is easier. For someone battling fatigue, an OT plan might include pacing for the evening —sitting when possible, taking breaks in a quieter room, or deciding ahead of time when to leave. For someone overwhelmed by strobe lights, loud music, or crowds, an occupational therapist might recommend asking the host in advance about what to expect at the party, identifying a quieter room for breaks, or arriving and leaving early before the party hits its height. OT can help people enjoy the simple things, like seeing friends and family in costume, without dreading the noise or the exhaustion that can come with it.

October is such a lively month, full of Halloween excitement and activities. This season, do not let pain, fear, or fatigue stop you from taking part in the fun. OT can help you stay in the moments that matter to you. Contact us today to learn more.