Unraveling the mystery of OT's role in Hospice and Palliative care in the home-based therapy setting.  There is a clear path for OT intervention in Hospice that is often overlooked.  I discovered in my preparation for this podcast that I should be advocating for OT to continue with the patients that I have transitioning from restorative intervention to hospice care.   recognizing when a patient is ready to transition to hospice making an impact that delivers caregiver and patient quality of life 5 roles of hospice and how similar they are to OT role in patient care identifying ..read more

Let’s talk about the impact of illness or hospitalization on one’s health.  I see it happen firsthand as a therapist working in the hospital.  People lose their ability to walk and complete self-care with independence within a very short period of time, making it harder for them to go home without additional support.  Consider this:  How at risk are you?  How about your partner, the one you care for?  We are moving less and getting out into nature less as we further develop our society.   Too many hours spent in front of various screens is just 1 example and ..read more

Pick a challenging area of your caregiving day.  You know, that time of day that you feel stuck or when your loved one just doesn't participate at the level they need to.  What if your unique personality traits could be used to help you through those and  make it a little less frustrating?   There is a term that health care providers know as  'therapeutic use of self' which is defined as the 'thoughtful and deliberate use of one's personality, opinions, and judgments as a component of the therapeutic process', according to Mosby's Medical Dictionary (2009).    ..read more

Just getting to your physician appointment can be overwhelming right?  By the time you are in there face to face you might miss an opportunity to bring up some important information.  These are often overlooked and can provide very helpful information on multiple levels.       1.   voiding the bladder- what should be expected?   What is the typical amount per day and volume? If they are on a diuretic, this is especially important to know.  They should be eliminating the desired amount depending on the dose of their medication and the timing of ..read more

Patients have been coming home from the hospital sicker, weaker, and with more complications than you might be prepared to manage at home for a few reasons and the burden on you might be bigger than you expected.  This is a global situation.   What's going on out there?      Covid 19 has overburdened the global healthcare system by adding people requiring treatment to the normal flux of patients  Covid 19 has stressed the labor pool of healthcare workers who have to take time off due to exposure, and in some regions of the world, can not work unless they are vacc ..read more

Episode notes:    This episode is a switch in audience focus.  As an occupational therapist of 22 years, I know where my passion lies and that is with building a connection between caregiver and loved one, building bridges from difficult to easy and from a life of dependency to greater independence.  I have been a caregiver to my husband in the past and I know first hand the challenges that arise and the emotions that are not easily discussed.      This is the first episode that will focus on providing support, education, and weekly updates to make the experi ..read more

Knowing where your patient is safest and what to do when their home is not it.There will be times that this is going to mean that you make a call to your local adult protective services department.  Knowing when that is the right call to make and how to proceed can be a challenge but in this episode, I share my experiences with it and go through the steps of assessing when it is time to call.  The OT has a role of maximizing a patient's independence and quality of life in any setting.  Working with the patient's care managers, social workers and interdisciplinary healthcare prov ..read more

Over the years I have found that there are a few simple but powerful things that hold my patients back from optimal function.  These may sound simple but they make a big difference.  Each of these affect a persons ability to complete their daily tasks, personal care, functional mobility and general wellness. crossing your ankle over your opposite knee: this simple motion makes it possible to get your clothing over your feet ( pants, socks , shoes) and it makes it easier to wash your feet and  so much more.   The mobility of the hip and knee in combination for this position ..read more

A follow-up conversation from episode 43.   Taking a deeper look at the strategy needed to build connection through the challenges of caregiving.   After working with a couple the other day, I wanted to share a deeper perspective with you.  Example of a couple working through a basic task that could otherwise cause stress and potential resentment; they discovered how to work together and develop a deeper connection.  How could this change your life? Well, consider this:  Your Types of strength: Physical Health Relationship Imagine improved strength in any one of thos ..read more

The daily routine of a caregiver includes focus on many of the same things that an OT is looking at when they work with a patient .  The difference is in how those things are analyzed and how they are interpreted.  Attending to the person with a holistic approach that carefully considers main areas body function ( think of all the ways the body interacts with the environment) and body structures ( think of all the things that keep a body alive), values, beliefs and spirituality. habits, daily routine, role in the home or social structure,  behavior patterns physical and social ..read more