Food preparation is widely used in Occupational Therapy for adults with all kinds of cognitive impairments to help them return to independent living.
Whether it is cooking a meal, doing laundry, shopping, cleaning or other household tasks that people struggle with, we use practical techniques to maximise independence.
Occupational Therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them. This support increases people's independence and satisfaction in all aspects of life.
But food preparation is so much more than a good opportunity to hone physical and cognitive skills. For many, it has deep personal meaning and is central to people's identities, culture and occupational roles as caregivers and partners.
Mildmay Mission Hospital works to strengthen existing abilities and promote maintenance of physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional well-being. This can lead to improved ability to use and be part of community services and reduction in incidences of hospitalisation due to factors including but not limited to, poor adherence to medication, reduction in mental well-being, or cognitive challenges.