UNM Occupational Therapy Graduate Program

Considerable attention is being given to transforming rural healthcare, and occupational therapy is particularly well suited to be part of the teams doing this inherently important work.

One example we face in New Mexico is that we are not prepared for the needs of older adults who are aging in place, and the problem is amplified in rural areas. Older adults and people with disabilities are living in homes that were never designed for their needs, often hours from the nearest provider. Falls are one major associated problem, but environmental issues like narrow doorways and unsafe bathrooms erode safety and independence. Furthermore, the workforce cannot reach everyone through in-person visits alone.

Home modifications are an effective solution for enhancing independence and safety while decreasing falls and caregiver burden. Pairing occupational therapists with nurses and handymen is a particularly strong, evidence-based model for improving outcomes, including reduced healthcare expenditures.

What continues to be a challenge is reach. OT-led home assessment and modification planning can now be conducted remotely, even for families who live far from services. While this has been done in a makeshift way (i.e., requesting pictures and sometimes videos from families leaving therapists to use their best judgment from limited low quality data), since even before the COVID era, never has there been a standardized way to give clients and their families the expertise to collect high quality data from their smartphones. This system paired with local installers and community partners, can extend to communities that have been long underserved.

New Mexico has exciting opportunities for innovation in rural health, and occupational therapy is ready to be a strong partner in that effort.


NMOTA - New Mexico Occupational Therapy Association

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Albuquerque company uses AI to make homes more accessible for seniors, those with disabilities The platform uses augmented reality and occupational therapists to help residents identify and address potential hazards.

Just because it’s Summer doesn’t mean our Getaway Adventures stop! We have trips lined up all summer for you to enjoy. Join the Outdoor Adventure Center and make this Summer one to remember!

Are you, or do you know a UNM OTGP Alumni who should be in the spotlight? Send nominations to Dr. Mary Thelander at [email protected]