While occupational therapy can benefit people of all ages, it’s commonly used to help adults who have suffered an injury or illness that has affected their ability to live independently.
Here are some occupational therapy exercises you can easily do at homeāor with a group of friendsāto help improve your memory and cognitive skills.
Occupational therapist activities for adults
1. Stringing Beads
Occupational therapists often use bead activities to improve fine motor skills.
What you’ll need:
- A bowl or container to hold the beads
- A piece of string or yarn for each person
- Beads in a variety of colours and sizes
How to play
- Cut a piece of string or yarn to the desired length for each person.
- Thread a bead onto each piece of string, leaving a small amount at the end.
- Tie a knot at the end of the string to secure the bead in place.
- Repeat until all the beads are on the strings.
The goal of the game is to remove all the beads from the string by using only one hand. Players take turns removing a bead and placing it in another player’s container. If at any time, the player drops or touches the bead with their other hand, they must start over again. This fun game helps improve fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity.
2. Colouring
Another popular occupational therapy activity for adults is colouring. Colouring not only relaxes the mind but can also help improve cognitive skills like memory, focus, and concentration.
What you’ll need:
- A colouring book
- Coloured pencils, crayons, or markers
How to play
- Choose a colouring book that features images or designs that interest you.
- Select your favourite colours and begin colouring the book’s images.
- Take your time and relax while you colour.
- If you get stuck, take a break and return to the image later.
- When you’re finished, admire your work!
3. Jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a classic occupational therapy tool that can improve cognitive skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
What you’ll need:
- A jigsaw puzzle with at least 100 pieces.
How to play
- Choose a jigsaw puzzle that features an image or design you like.
- Separate all of the pieces and place them in a pile next to the puzzle board.
- Take a few minutes to study the image on the box and get an idea of where each piece goes.
- Start by placing some of the larger pieces in the correct spot on the board. Once those are in place, start working on the smaller pieces.
- If you get stuck, take a break and come back to the puzzle later. Don’t forget to admire your work when you’re finished!
4. Playing catch with a ball
Playing catch with a ball is another great way to improve gross motor skills.
What you’ll need:
- A ball
- A partner
How to play
- Stand or sit a few feet away from your partner.
- Throw the ball to your partner and have them throw it back.
- Repeat until you’re both tired.
This game is a lot of fun and is a great way to get some exercise.
These are just a few examples of occupational therapy activities for adults to help them improve their skills and abilities. Gen Physio provides mobile occupational therapy. If you’re interested in learning more about occupational therapy, please contact Gen Physio today. We’ll be happy to help!
