Munich scheme brings occupational therapy into older people's homes ahead of World Occupational Therapy Day

Older Munich residents who struggle to get to a therapy practice can receive occupational therapy in their own homes through THEA mobil, a service funded by the city's Health Department. The city is highlighting the scheme ahead of World Occupational Therapy Day on 27 October, which this year carries the international theme "Participation Matters" and aims to draw attention to the importance of occupational therapy for independence, health and participation in society.

ThEA mobil, short for "Therapy and help in everyday life for older people", is generally aimed at Munich residents aged 60 and over who need occupational therapy because of an acute or chronic illness and who find it difficult to visit a practice. Occupational therapists practise everyday activities with people at home, advise on the use of aids and on adapting the home, and help to organise any further outpatient support that is needed. The aim is to maintain or restore physical, mental and psychological abilities and as independent a life as possible.

In the run-up to the day, the association Stadtteilarbeit invited the public to an open day on Tuesday 20 October, from 10am to 4pm, focusing on how people can live independently at home for as long as possible. THEA mobil's occupational therapists were to demonstrate practical aids, give tips on using walking frames and explain how independence in daily life can be maintained and encouraged. Visitors could also find out about options for adapting their homes and speak to specialists and partner organisations.

Beatrix Zurek, head of the city's Health Department, said: "Being able to live at home on one's own terms is a central wish for many older people. THEA mobil shows how occupational therapy in familiar surroundings can help to maintain abilities, cope with everyday life and enable participation."

In Munich, THEA mobil is provided by four organisations: Stadtteilarbeit e.V. with its Kompetenzzentrum Barrierefreies Wohnen (centre of expertise for barrier-free living), the FrauenTherapieZentrum (women's therapy centre) FTZ gemeinnützige GmbH, MUTABOR e.V. and the non-profit company of the Projekteverein. Each has different target groups and treatment priorities. The Health Department supports the network with expertise and funding. Further information is available at www.muenchen.de/theamobil.