Occupational Therapy Treatment in India

James Roy, a 68-year-old retired carpenter,...

James Roy, a 68-year-old retired carpenter, had always been fiercely independent. Six months ago, a severe case of pneumonia left him with significant deconditioning and persistent shortness of breath. Simple tasks like getting dressed, making a meal, or walking to his mailbox became exhausting and frightening. His primary care physician in Internal Medicine, concerned about his rapid functional decline and risk of readmission, recommended Occupational Therapy (OT). James was skeptical, viewing it as 'glorified babysitting' for his lost strength. His OT sessions, however, focused on energy conservation techniques, adaptive equipment for dressing and bathing, and a graded program to rebuild his endurance for daily tasks. The therapist worked with him in his own home, making the training practical. After eight weeks, James regained the confidence and ability to manage his personal care, cook simple meals, and tend to his small garden using a stool. The emotional shift was profound, from the despair of feeling like a burden to his wife to reclaiming a sense of purpose and autonomy in his own home.