Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy at Nevada Senior Services
At Nevada Senior Services, Occupational Therapy (OT) isn’t a separate service - it’s woven into the heart of every program we offer. Our team works directly with older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers to improve safety, build confidence, and make daily life easier and more meaningful.
Unlike traditional clinic-based therapy, our OT program is fully embedded across our continuum of care. Through personalized consultations, home visits, and virtual or phone sessions, OT helps older adults and caregivers identify barriers, find practical solutions, and build confidence in daily life.
“Our focus is on education, safety, and independence - giving families the tools and strategies they need to thrive at home and stay engaged in their community.”
Marie Llanos
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people participate in the daily activities that bring purpose and independence to life - things like bathing, cooking, managing medications, getting dressed, staying mobile, and engaging in meaningful hobbies or routines.
We focus on education, consultation, and prevention, supporting older adults and people living with disabilities or chronic conditions by:
Recovery after stroke, surgery, or hospitalization
Reducing fall risks and improve home safety
Strengthening mobility, balance, and confidence
Improving daily routines, energy conservation, and self-care
Helping manage memory loss and changes in thinking
Reducing caregiver stress through education and problem-solving
Our approach to occupational therapy is especially powerful because we support not only the individual, but also the caregivers who walk alongside them. Nevada Senior Services is the only community-based organization in the region with occupational therapy fully embedded across its continuum of care.
Where and How We Work
Most of our occupational therapy sessions take place in the home, where we can best assess daily routines, safety risks, and environmental challenges. Our therapists help clients and caregivers adapt spaces and habits to support independence, safety, and dignity.
We use evidence-based models including both COPE (Care of Persons with Dementia in Their Environments) and Skills2Care®, a nationally recognized program designed to train and empower family caregivers.
These tools guide our work with both clients and caregivers — ensuring that care doesn’t just improve function, but also reduces stress, prevents burnout, and improves overall health outcomes.
Our Approach
By embedding occupational therapy into community services, NSS ensures that older adults and their families receive not just care, but the right kind of care—supporting dignity, independence, and aging in place.
Preventive
Focused on early intervention to maintain safety and independence before crises arise.
Person-Centered
Rooted in each individual’s goals, routines, and environment and strengthened by collaboration with families, caregivers, nurses, and social workers.
Evidence-Based
Guided by proven programs that enhance daily function, caregiver confidence, and quality of life in the community.
Marie Llanos, OTD, MHPEd, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM
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Marie Llanos is a highly respected occupational therapist specializing in aging-in-place, dementia care, and home safety. With a background across hospital, community, and educational settings, she brings a practical, compassionate approach to helping older adults and caregivers navigate daily challenges with confidence.
She is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and holds the Executive Certification in Home Modifications from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. Marie is also certified in Skills2Care® and has led programs using the COPE model — two nationally recognized, evidence-based approaches that support both individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
At Nevada Senior Services, Marie works closely with nurses, social workers, and program staff to integrate occupational therapy across the organization, ensuring clients receive coordinated, person-centered support. She also mentors students and emerging clinicians, helping grow the next generation of OT professionals.
Above all, Marie is dedicated to promoting safety, independence, and dignity at home — one meaningful routine at a time.
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Unlike traditional rehabilitation, therapy at Nevada Senior Services is community-based and consultative. Rather than focusing on medical treatment, our OT works directly with families and caregivers in their homes or communities to identify challenges, provide practical solutions, and prevent issues before they arise.
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Therapy services are led by a licensed occupational therapist who collaborates with nurses, social workers, and other team members.
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Caregiver and Family Consultations to address dementia-related behaviors, daily routines, and safety concerns.
Home Safety and Accessibility Assessments to identify risks and suggest simple, effective solutions.
Education and Training for caregivers and staff on fall prevention, aging-in-place strategies, and functional independence.
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Yes. A physician’s order is required to begin occupational therapy services. Referrals may come from other healthcare providers — such as nurses, case managers, or social workers — or even from family members seeking support.
Once the physician’s order is received, our team will contact you to review your needs and schedule a consultation or visit. If you need help obtaining a referral, we can coordinate directly with your provider to simplify the process.
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Call (702) 648-3425 or complete our online referral form. Our therapy team will connect with you to discuss your needs and determine the best way to support you and your family.