This past year, our occupational therapy program has become a lifeline for hundreds of Detroit seniors and their families. With the help of our licensed staff, graduate interns, and community partners, we’ve been able to bring practical, hands-on support right where it’s needed most—whether that’s in a senior’s apartment, at DayBreak, or over the phone when someone is feeling isolated.
The impact is easy to see. More than 120 older adults received one-on-one assessments from occupational therapists who helped them make simple changes—like rearranging furniture to prevent falls, adding grab bars, or learning exercises to build balance and strength. These may seem like small things, but they mean the difference between staying independent at home or risking a dangerous fall. Caregivers also benefited from personalized consultations, giving them strategies to make daily life safer and less stressful.
We also introduced group sessions in senior apartment buildings, where neighbors come together not just to exercise, but to connect. One resident who had been withdrawn for months began showing up early, chatting with classmates, and even practicing at home after an intern connected with him in Spanish. That moment of recognition built a bridge—not only to better health, but to community.
Our reach extends beyond therapy exercises. Through partnerships with United Way and other local groups, we distributed care packages and offered reassurance calls to older adults who rarely leave their homes. We also created an emergency fund that stepped in when seniors faced urgent crises—like the veteran who needed a safe place to recharge his wheelchair or the woman at risk of eviction after identity theft stole her benefits.
For families navigating dementia, our DayBreak program added something new and joyful: therapy dogs. The arrival of Skadi the poodle and Andi the labrador has sparked laughter, calmed anxieties, and given caregivers a break from the constant weight of worry. Caregivers tell us those visits don’t just brighten the day—they lighten the load.
Our occupational therapy program shows what’s possible when practical expertise meets compassion: seniors can stay strong, safe, and connected, and caregivers can breathe a little easier knowing they’re not alone.
