Real Life, Real Progress

Helping a Client Regain Strength and Confidence at Home

One of the things I enjoy most about occupational therapy is helping people make meaningful changes in their daily lives — the kind of changes that help them stay safe and independent at home.

I recently worked with a client — we’ll call her Margaret — who reminded me how small, consistent steps can make a big impact.

Margaret is in her late 70s and lives alone in a home she’s been in for decades. She loves her space and was determined to stay there as long as possible. But over time, everyday tasks were becoming more challenging. She was having trouble getting up from her recliner and toilet, and carrying things like laundry or groceries was starting to feel like a struggle.

She reached out for help, and after an assessment, I supported her in getting a walker to improve her safety and stability. But Margaret didn’t want to stop there. She told me, “I want to keep my strength — I don’t want to lose more ground.” She asked if we could continue working together to build her strength and balance.

Building a Plan That Fit Her Life

We met for 10 one-on-one sessions. Each one was tailored to what mattered most to her: getting stronger, improving her balance, and making daily life a little easier.

We focused on:

Practicing safe ways to get up and down from lower surfaces like her recliner and toilet

Building strength with simple, targeted exercises she could do at home

Improving her balance and coordination with steady, manageable routines

Finding better ways to manage tasks like carrying groceries or reaching for items safely

Everything we did was practical and realistic — no gym equipment or overwhelming routines, just small, meaningful steps that added up.

The Results

By the end of our sessions, Margaret could get up from her chair with much less effort. She was walking more confidently with her walker, and she felt more in control of her movements. Most importantly, her confidence grew. She didn’t feel as anxious about moving around on her own or managing her day-to-day tasks.

And that’s what it’s really about — not just staying safe, but feeling capable.

Thinking Ahead, Not in a Crisis

Stories like Margaret’s are a good reminder that support doesn’t have to wait until something goes wrong. Occupational therapy can help before a fall or setback happens.

If you or someone you care about is starting to notice that everyday tasks are becoming harder — even just a little — it might be the right time to put a plan in place.

I offer personalized, practical support for older adults who want to stay strong, safe, and independent at home. Sessions are available in your home or online, depending on what works best for you.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more.