Dementia Care & Occupational Therapy Center – San Diego
Occupational Therapy at Bella Vista Health Center
At Bella Vista Health Center, our Occupational Therapy programs are designed to help patients restore independence, improve daily function, and enhance their quality of life after illness, surgery, or injury.
Our licensed occupational therapists also specialize in working with patients who experience Dementia or memory-related conditions, helping them regain confidence, safety, and comfort in everyday activities.
After a detailed evaluation, our in-house therapists create a personalized treatment plan focused on returning each patient to a home-like environment with the skills necessary for self-care and mobility.
Our mission is to help every patient progress toward their functional goals and live with dignity, comfort, and independence.
Occupational Therapy Services
The goal of our Occupational Therapy program is to identify and overcome barriers that interfere with daily living. Each treatment plan is individualized and may include:
Strength Training
Weak muscles and fragile bones can reduce mobility and independence. Through a combination of resistance and flexibility exercises, our therapists help patients rebuild:
Strength
Coordination
Balance
Endurance
These improvements support daily activities such as walking, dressing, and meal preparation.
Transfer Training
Transfer training teaches patients how to safely move between surfaces — for example, from bed to chair, in and out of the shower, or on and off the toilet.
Therapists adapt each method to the patient’s physical ability, incorporating wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices when needed.
Adaptive Equipment Training
Our therapists may introduce specialized tools that simplify daily tasks. These may include:
Dressing sticks and reachers
Long-handled sponges
Zipper pulls and button hooks
Bed assist bars
Modified utensils for easier eating and cooking
This training allows patients to perform self-care activities more safely and confidently.
Occupational Therapy Rehab Center in San Diego
Through personalized therapy and adaptive techniques, our Occupational Therapy program helps patients regain independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as:
Bathing
Dressing
Grooming and oral care
Eating
Toileting
We also assist patients in relearning instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — more complex tasks that promote full independence, including:
Walking and stair navigation
Caring for pets
Preparing meals
Using the phone or computer
Performing household chores and laundry
Shopping and managing finances
Responding to emergencies
Medication management
Once patients can perform these activities safely and independently, our therapists conduct a final discharge evaluation to ensure all goals have been achieved.
Dementia & Memory Care Support
Our occupational therapists are trained to support individuals experiencing memory loss, confusion, or cognitive decline due to dementia. Therapy focuses on:
Enhancing daily routine consistency
Improving orientation and environmental safety
Promoting engagement and confidence
Reducing caregiver burden
Bella Vista provides a warm, structured environment where patients feel secure, understood, and supported every step of the way.
To learn more about our Occupational Therapy or Dementia Care programs, please call us at: (619) 644-1000 or schedule a tour of our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove.