Each time you fasten the buttons on your shirt while getting dressed, grasp the handle of a mug as you sip your coffee, turn a doorknob to enter or exit a room, hold a pen while jotting down a note and much, much more, you are using your fine motor skills to do so. Fine motor skills are the ability to coordinate the small muscles in your hands and wrist. This involves synchronization between your brain and muscles, and it begins to develop in infancy. As numerous, monotonous tasks require the use of these skills on a daily basis, they aren’t typically given much thought. That is, unless, the ability to complete such tasks are impeded by fine motor limitations.
Experiencing difficulty with using fine motor skills can be due to a variety of causes. Muscle weakness, arthritis, neurological injuries, dyspraxia, nervous system disorders, and other conditions can cause fine motor impairment, so it is important to seek medical advice to help determine the root issue. Fine motor functioning is monitored early in life for delays and milestone achievement. However, individuals with underlying conditions may experience issues in adulthood.
Here at Aqua Home Care, we believe in quality, compassionate services that support overall health and wellness. Trusted caregivers we refer have the experience, patience, knowledge and skill to provide the care their clients need. When it comes to daily living, many tasks involve some level of fine motor use. Services that support individuals facing difficulty in this area include assistance with:
- Dressing and undressing
- Fastening shoelaces
- Hygienic routines (brushing teeth, bathing/showering, using the facilities, etc.)
- Writing notes and dialing the phone
- Meal preparation (making food, pouring a beverage into a cup)
- Feeding assistance (using a fork/spoon, cutting food with a knife, using a napkin)
- Opening containers
- Transportation
- House cleaning
- And more
It may not seem like an overexertion to complete daily living tasks that require the use of fine motor skills. Yet in reality, fine motor skills are part of a complex system that can be impacted by certain causes, whether noted earlier in life or later. When support is needed, our Aqua Home Care team is here to help. With a reputable registry, trusted resources and years of experience, we are able to guide individuals toward a positive in-home care experience that makes daily tasks more manageable.
