Occupational Therapy - are you missing out?

Posted 24 July 2011 by Melissa McConaghy     1 comments

What does an Occupational Therapist actually do?

Occupational Therapists assist clients adapt to changes in their lives which have occurred as the result of injury, illness or ageing. Occupational Therapists assess a client’s physical skills, thinking skills, the tasks they need to complete- whether that be showering and dressing or returning to work, and their environment. Occupational Therapists then provide treatment which aims to improve a client’s independence, safety or comfort with those everyday activities.

Are you missing out on areas of your life.....how can an Occupational Therapist assist you?

ARC and MRI clients are referred to our Occupational Therapist for a variety of reasons. Take Mrs Adams for example: 

Mrs Adams is a 79 year old lady who lives on the Lower North Shore. She had a fall at home in May 2011 and had a long stay in Royal North Shore Hospital. Mrs Adam was discharged home, requiring care services to assist with personal care and shopping. Mrs Adam’s had lived alone for many years and was determined to regain her independent lifestyle.

When Mrs Adam’s returned home, MRI Physiotherapist, Louise, initially began seeing her to improve her mobility, general strength and prevent future falls.  Mrs Adam’s told Louise about her goal of returning to living a ‘normal life’. Louise made a referral to the Occupational Therapist to assist with this.

Through the Occupational Therapy assessment, the following problems were identified:

-          Mrs Adams’ was unable to shower independently as she could not safely step over the bathtub into shower. Once in the shower, she did not feel confident bending down to             wash her legs and feet. She was having daily assistance which she did not like.

-          Mrs Adam’s was unable to carry her laundry basket out to the clothesline due to her decreased strength and balance when walking.  

-          Mrs Adam’s was feeling socially isolated from her local community as she could no longer walk to her favourite coffee shop.

Mrs Adams’ worked with the Occupational Therapist to overcome these problems:

-          A bath board was trialled to assist Mrs Adam’s get in and out of the shower. She can now safely get into the shower by sitting on the bath board and swinging her legs over. She then sits to wash her legs and feet using a long handled sponge. A small grab rail was also installed so Mrs Adams could steady herself when standing. Mrs Adams has regained her confidence and can now shower without assistance.

 -          Following consultation with Mrs Adam’s Physio, it was determined that she was not safe to carry her washing basket down the back steps, now or in the future. In order for Mrs Adams to safely access the clothes line, the OT recommended a small ramp to replace the back steps. This meant Mrs Adams could push a washing trolley from the laundry to the clothesline without negotiating the steps.

 -          Finally, getting to the coffee shop. Prior to her fall, Mrs Adam’s walked to the local coffee shop a few times each week.  She was now unable to walk long distances without feeling very fatigued. The Occupational Therapist assessed Mrs Adam’s ability to use an electric scooter. This assessment included looking at her ability to physically use the scooter, understand the road rules and safe driving techniques. Mrs Adams’ purchased a scooter and has returned to having coffee every Wednesday as she has done for many years.

Occupational Therapists look at practical ways of overcoming everyday problems. If you or someone you know would benefit from a referral to our Occupational Therapist, just phone the office and we can assist you. 

Categories: Feature Article, Occupational therapy