Occupational Therapy with Aging Adults: Promoting Quality of Life through Collaborative Practice, 2nd Edition

By: Karen Frank Barney & Margaret Perkinson

ISBN: 9780323877985

Publication Date: October 29, 2024

Reviewer: Cara Lekovitch, CScD, MOT, OTR/L, BCG, FNAP (Univ of Pittsburgh School of Health
& Rehabilitation Sciences)

Description

This updated edition of this book includes information based on expanding research in gerontology, with a particular emphasis on collaboration with clients. It aims to support and equip occupational therapy (OT) students and practitioners, while also providing valuable insights for those helping older adults seek a more fulfilling life. This edition introduces new topics and elaborates on previous ones to stay current with recent developments and contemporary practice. The previous edition was published in 2015, making this revision both timely and essential. The book is structured with clear sections to facilitate easy understanding and practical application.

Purpose

The book’s purpose is to offer a holistic, occupation-based approach that helps students grasp the extensive body of gerontological evidence and how to apply it in practice. It explores important areas such as systemic and legal issues, global perspectives, and emerging trends in OT practice. A key emphasis of the book is on collaboration with clients. These objectives are valuable, as they address the evolving landscape of OT and emphasize a client-centered, evidence-driven approach. The book meets these goals effectively by providing in-depth coverage of both current and future OT practices, along with practical tools for students and practitioners to enhance their work.

Audience

This book’s primary audience is students and professionals already working in the field of occupational therapy, although it could also benefit individuals from other disciplines (e.g., social work, recreation professionals) who want to better understand the issues older adults face. It may even be useful for lay consumers who want to gain insight into their own aging process. The book specifically targets OT practitioners, especially those involved in gerontology and community-based practice. It effectively addresses the needs of its intended audience by offering valuable knowledge and practical guidance. The authors are credible experts on the topic, with strong credentials and a recognized body of work in the fields of occupational therapy and gerontology.

Features

The book provides comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics relevant to occupational therapy practice with older adults, emphasizing a sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each of the 33 chapters, organized into six sections, follows a consistent structure, beginning with an overview of the evidence and then applying it to clinical practice. One of the strongest aspects of the book is its use of case examples, which help readers relate the content to real-life situations and make the material more practical. Further, the case examples represent diversity in the issues that older adults face. The writing is clear and accessible, making complex concepts easier to understand. However, the book is quite text-heavy, and it could benefit from more figures or graphics to enhance engagement and break up the dense material. Additionally, while the content is thorough, there could be more exploration of certain emerging trends in OT practice, such as health promotion and prevention programs. Despite these minor shortcomings, the book remains an invaluable resource for students and practitioners alike.

Assessment

The book is of high quality and provides significant value to its intended audience, particularly students and practicing professionals in the field of occupational therapy. The updated edition is both justified and necessary, as it incorporates the latest research and emerging evidence in the field, making it a relevant resource for current practice. I particularly appreciate the interdisciplinary authorship, which brings a broader perspective to the content, enhancing its depth and applicability. The book stands out in the field due to its diverse expertise and high focus on new research, which sets it apart from other texts. Overall, this new edition fills an important gap, offering a unique and timely resource for OT professionals.

©Doody’s Review Service, 2025, Kyle Perry, MD (University of Michigan Medical School), Doody’s Score: 97 – 5 Stars!

Purchase your copy of Occupational Therapy with Aging Adults: Promoting Quality of Life through Collaborative Practice, 2nd Edition here!