Occupational therapists (OTs) are a key member of the care team in home healthcare. One area of expertise that providers should tap into is the OT’s ability to assess functional cognition.

Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is how an individual uses and integrates their thinking and processing skills to complete everyday functional activities, including activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

Occupational therapists are specially trained in the assessment of these areas and are highly skilled in determining patient safety related to cognitive function.

Occupational Therapy Assessment of Cognitive Function

Occupational therapists assess cognitive function as part of their therapeutic role with performance-based testing of everyday activities and ADLs. This includes routines and activities that engage the patient in a relatively short period of time, including self-care, personal roles and other meaningful activities to the patient. OTs specialize in assessing performance-based cognitive impairments, which can be subtle or obvious. The OT has the skills and training to assess the patient’s ability to initiate real world tasks, perform the tasks, how they avoid or correct errors, sequencing and time management with performance-based testing of ADLs and IADLs.

By evaluating a patient’s cognitive function, OTs can help them identify strengths, as well as identify and teach strategies to compensate for cognitive impairment. The OT can use this information to identify the appropriate level of care, reduce caregiver burden, reduce risk for hospitalizations and increase patient safety.

Axxess Home Health, a cloud-based home healthcare software, equips organizations with occupational therapy assessments and built-in features that prioritize patient satisfaction and maintain compliance.