Each November in the U.S., the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) raises awareness for the millions of family caregivers providing critical support to older adults and persons with disabilities.  CAN’s theme for 2024, “I Care…”,  as selected to help caregivers recognize and identify their role as a caregiver and encourage them... Read more ..read more

Join the world’s voice for OT -The World Federation of Occupational Therapists – to celebrate our great profession on October 27, 2024. The WFOT sets international standards for education, and promotes research and practice excellence.  Representing 633,000 OTs across the globe, WFOT understands that OT does make “lives fit for... Read more ..read more

For those that follow my blog, you know I believe OT has the greatest impact in the home health setting.  With the majority of falls occurring in the home, falls prevention is no exception. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to reduce a patient’s risk for a fall.  Occupational therapists are... Read more ..read more

OT is a field with a bit of an identity crisis so as OTs we are quick to dissuade anyone who says – “Does OT help people find jobs?” But OT can and should help patients identify jobs, keep current employment or help improve function at work.  Work provides identity,... Read more ..read more

If you are a reader of my monthly musings, you know I think all patients should be given written, tangible reinforcement of the occupational therapy appointment and recommended interventions.  Paper handouts with notes and comments are valuable for patients and caregivers as they work while the OT is not there... Read more ..read more

Emerging research shows loneliness has a profound impact on a person’s physical and emotional health.  Loneliness can increase depression and can have a greater impact on mortality than smoking or inactivity. Who better in the healthcare field to address the barriers that exacerbate loneliness than OT? With a holistic approach focused on person-centered goals, the OT scope of practice can address the goal of reducing loneliness or improving social connections.  While research is limited on OT’s impact, screening for both social isolation and loneliness should be considered for every ..read more

One of my all-time favorite activities at the AOTA Conference is to meet other entrepreneurs and learn about their products.  Here are my 5 favorites from 2024 – take a minute to check them out! ReachAble Technology ReachAble Technology was my favorite find at the 2024 conference!  The founder is committed to improving the universal cuff and fostering increased independence for patients with grasping difficulty.  Marrying a versatile adapter with a universal cuff allows users to attach a range of everyday feeding utensils including cups, spoon, and fork.  The system include ..read more

For OT month, I am celebrating occupations! Occupational therapy improves patient access to the occupations and their ability to participate in occupations. What does OT mean by occupations?  Any skill a patient needs for the job of living is an occupation! Adaptive Sports – Buttoning –  Cleaning –  Driving –  Food Prep –  Eating – Gardening –  Handyman Skills   Ice Skating –  Jigsaw Puzzles –  Knitting –Lovemaking – Managing Meds – Nature Access – Online Shopping Personal Hygiene – Quilting – Reading  – Sleeping- Transfers – Uno & Car ..read more

Have you ever wanted to combine travel and work?  With occupational therapy jobs on nearly every travel healthcare board, now might be a good time to explore the possibilities! So how do you decide whether a travel gig is right for you? Of course, I can’t answer that, but I can help you get started! First, answer questions in each of the groups below– feel free to ad lib – you can even create your own set of questions! Sort your answers into pros and cons.  Remember there are no wrong answers – your pro could easily be someone else’s con. Capture your list on a white board or a big s ..read more

The AOTA Conference is just a month away! Have you started to prep yet?  Need a starting point?  Think of these three areas: Organization Goals Engagement Get Organized Conferences go by fast and have more events than one person can attend.  Make sure you don’t miss out by getting organized before going. Set up a meeting with your boss or team to see if there is any information they need from the conference. If a group is going from your organization, go over the next two points with them. Divide and conquer! Review sessions ahead of time to select first and second choices. R ..read more