WHCoA Delegates Emphasize Occupational Therapy Solutions
Policies That Enable Senior Participation in Communities Will Improve Health Quality
Occupational therapists from across the nation attended the White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA), held December 11–14, 2005 in Washington, DC. The delegates represented their states and the profession of occupational therapy by seeking policy solutions that enable seniors to continue participating in activities that provide meaning and independence.
OT Delegates Attend the White House Conference On Aging. From left to right are: Susan Stark, Linda Levy, Anne Dickerson, Cynthia Hughes-Harris, Leonard Trujillo, Janet Menke, Sherri Montgomery, Laura Beckman and Elaine Adams. |
The AOTA display at the White House Conference on Aging. |
"As occupational therapists, our research shows that participation in the everyday tasks of life is fundamental to human development, sustenance, and vitality," said Dr. M. Carolyn Baum, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) president. "A lack of participation leads to a physical deterioration, cognitive decline, and social isolation, while also lessening the ability to perform competently in daily life."
AOTA has made a series of recommendations to the WHCoA in a report.
The report includes recommendations such as:
- Provide fall prevention programs in adult day care
- Expand Medicare reimbursements for assistive technologies
- Direct more public research dollars to develop new therapies for aging in place
"Our response to aging issues must be proactive," added Dr. Baum. "Policies that address seniors' personal, environmental, and occupational challenges will build a healthier senior population that costs the American public less money."