April 23, 2024
Shawnee State University’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program partnered with the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) to provide community education through in-person presentations that took place throughout Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties.
In the past, the two organizations have worked together to provide community education through AAA7’s “Matter of Balance” falls prevention program. This year, the partnership’s community education was able to target some of the specific counties in Ohio that the Ohio Department of Health has recognized as having maintained the highest rates of unintentional fall-related deaths among older adults. Locally, the counties include Lawrence, Ross, and Vinton counties.
The community education focused on the benefits of Occupational Therapy that can improve strength and mobility as well as information on community resources that can help individuals stay in their home and community.
“We are very thankful for the partnership with Shawnee State University and their Occupational Therapy program to be able to bring education and resources to older adults in our region,” said Teresa Reed-Powell, LSW, Director of Community Programs at the AA7 in a release. “The students were exceptional in sharing important information with our community that was well received and appreciated by many.”
SSU’s Master of Occupational Therapy program teaches students to provide a vital health care service that uses occupation as the basis for treatment of people of all ages with a wide variety of physical, developmental, and emotional disabilities. Occupations are everyday, purposeful activities that all people engage in as part of their daily routines. Occupational Therapists help people acquire or regain the skills needed to live independent, productive, and satisfying lives. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, public and private schools, and home health agencies.
To learn more about the Area Agency on Aging District 7’s mission and services, visit aaa7.org or contact info@aaa7.org. To learn more about the Master of Occupational Therapy program at Shawnee State University, visit shawnee.edu/mot.