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Research Article  |   September 1991
Occupational Therapy in Geriatric Mental Health
Susan Trace; Timothy Howell
Author Affiliations
  • Susan Trace, OTR, is an Occupational Therapist, Geropsychiatric Center, Mendota Mental Health Institute, Madison, Wisconsin 53704, and a graduate student in therapeutic science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
  • Timothy Howell, MD, is a Geriatric Psychiatrist and Unit Chief, Geropsychiatric Center, Mendota Mental Health Institute, Madison, Wisconsin. He is also Clinical Assistant Professor, Departments of Psychiatry, Medicine, and Family Medicine and Practice, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Article Information
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Research Article   |   September 1991
Occupational Therapy in Geriatric Mental Health
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 1991, Vol. 45, 833-838. doi:10.5014/ajot.45.9.833
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, August 1991, Vol. 45, 833-838. doi:10.5014/ajot.45.9.833
Abstract

Elderly persons with psychiatric disorders often experience a variety of functional deficits that affect their independence, safety, and activity level. The occupational therapist’s role in addressing these needs is discussed, as are the possibilities for improvement of the elderly person’s autonomy, safety, and integrity. Barriers to optimal service provision in the health care and social service systems as well as in occupational therapy are addressed.