Occupational Therapist from MHT
- Thread starter PatRayH
- Start date
OTs are looking at the practical side of living with a disability and are usually the ones to come up with gadgets, aids and advice to help where there are problems with day to day living.
OH has had an OT come round on a couple of occasions. The first one organised an extra bannister and grab rails around and put risers on his chair to make it easier to get out of. she also suggested things that could help with him using cutlery (he has hand tremor), supplied a non-slip mat to go onto a tray and, following her advice I bought an Aegean tray. The second one got me a perching stool and a bath board so that he could sit down to have a wash and shower.
When MIL had an assessment the OT got her a commode and several grab rails.
They can also organise things like a frame around a toilet, ramps for use with a wheelchair and something to help you get out of bed. Later when mobility has gone they can get hold of standing aids and hoists.
Think about the sort of things that your mum has trouble with in day to day living and see if the OT has any suggestions.
OH has had an OT come round on a couple of occasions. The first one organised an extra bannister and grab rails around and put risers on his chair to make it easier to get out of. she also suggested things that could help with him using cutlery (he has hand tremor), supplied a non-slip mat to go onto a tray and, following her advice I bought an Aegean tray. The second one got me a perching stool and a bath board so that he could sit down to have a wash and shower.
When MIL had an assessment the OT got her a commode and several grab rails.
They can also organise things like a frame around a toilet, ramps for use with a wheelchair and something to help you get out of bed. Later when mobility has gone they can get hold of standing aids and hoists.
Think about the sort of things that your mum has trouble with in day to day living and see if the OT has any suggestions.
If the OT is from the mental health team, they are there to consider how your Mum's cognitive impairment/ dementia is impacting her ability to undertake day to day activities. She may well re-assess your Mum using either a quick or more comprehensive practical assessment. (i.e. a leather lacing tool verus something like preparing a hot drink/ simple meal) - the results of which should enable her to gauge your Mum's abilities. It's important that you mention how effective/ ineffective you consider the previous recommendations to be. This OT may have nothing further to add but, there again, may be creatively constructive. Before the OT's visit, it might also be of benefit if you prepare a list of specific areas of difficulties that you are aware of your mum experiencing. Sometimes it's the little things that provide the greatest benefit.
If the OT was from the older people's team, her primary role would be to consider your Mum's functional performance from a more physical perspective.
