OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH WAR TRAUMA

Abstract

Relevance. In the context of the increasing number of elderly individuals who have suffered injuries during the russian-ukrainian war, ergotherapy is becoming particularly relevant. It contributes to restoring functional independence, improving the quality of life, and facilitating the social reintegration of patients. Ergotherapists assist in regaining lost skills, adapting to new living conditions, and ensuring maximum autonomy in daily activities. The application of ergotherapy in the rehabilitation of elderly individuals with war-related injuries is an important area of modern rehabilitation that requires further research and implementation in practice.Objective – to determine the main directions and strategies of ergotherapeutic approaches in restoring functional independence in elderly individuals who have experienced war-related trauma.Materials and methods. A comprehensive approach was employed in the study to identify the main directions and strategies of ergotherapeutic interventions aimed at restoring functional independence in elderly individuals affected by war trauma. The methodology included a systematic review of scientific literature, analysis of current ergotherapy programs, and expert surveys among practicing ergotherapists.Results. The study identified several key areas for the development of occupational therapy aimed a trestoring the functional independence of older people who have suffered war trauma. These include training of specialists, logistical support, regulatory framework and funding, accessibility of services, and professional development.Training programs for occupational therapists need to be improved, including the integration of specific methods of working with elderly patients affected by the hostilities in Ukraine. Improving the provision of rehabilitation centers with modern equipment and technologies will help to make therapy more effective. It is important to develop and implement a national strategy for the development of occupational therapy that takes into account the specific needs of Ukrainian society, as well as to ensure adequate funding for this area. It is necessary to ensure equal access to occupational therapy services for all segments of the population, especially for the elderly, people with disabilities and those affected by war.Regular training and exchange of experience among practicing occupational therapists will facilitate the introduction of modern evidence-based methods and technologies into practice.Thus, the implementation of these areas will help to increase the effectiveness of occupational therapy and improve the quality of life of older people who have suffered war trauma.Conclusions. Occupational therapy plays a key role inrestoring the functional independence of older people who have suffered war trauma by adapting to new living conditions and improving the quality of their daily existence.Individualized rehabilitation plans that take into account the specific needs and limitations of patients are the basis of effective therapy. Important aspects include professional development of specialists, introduction of modern methods and ensuring accessibility of occupational therapy services for all segments of the population. The implementation of these approaches will help improve the quality of life of older people who have experienced war trauma.