An Extension of the Occupational Therapy Role in Gerontology

This paper focuses on service delivery for the aged population. With the prevailing trend towards the maintenance of elderly persons in the community, the contribution to be made by the occupational therapy profession is explored. A review of the literature considers the needs of the elderly, and highlights the importance of occupational therapy expertise in the areas of functional independence, quality of life and life satisfaction. At the present time, most occupational therapy services for the elderly are being provided, within acute treatment or institutional settings. However, occupational therapy has the potential to provide services which will contribute greatly towards the independence and well‐being of elderly persons living in the community.