Hi Ron, I find myself having to damage control several times a week in my home care practice. Many of my clients had OT in a SNF before returning home, and when I get there they many tell me right off the bat they they do not want OT. When I ask them why, they proceed with stories similar to the one you related, ie they felt stupid, didn't see the point, etc. I wiggle my way in by telling then that in home care, the role of the OT is to be a "problem solver" who can help them do the daily thing s they want or need or desire to do. Then I ask them to walk me through a typical day for them (pre-SNF) and we compare it to how they are doing now that they are home. Once I assure them that we CAN tackle some of the things that are problematic for them.they are sold. I also tell my clients flat out that "I am not the exercise lady" , which seems to go over well. In the end I hope my clients perception of OT is changed for the better. One thing I always do to make sure it sinks in is to correct my patients when they refer to me as a PT or a nurse, I always say kindly, "remember, I am the occupational therapist". It seems to be working...Terrianne
Ron Carson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Well, not really horror but I think it's a catchy title! Today, my 80 y/o patient's daughter was present for therapy. She says something about continuing our PT. I give the same ol' standard spiel about being an OT and she say's "Oh, I see it on your shirt". A few minutes later I started to explain a little about occupation and OT. The daughter chimes in: "Oh, Mom had OT in the SNF. About this time, the daughter starts doing the UE cycle 'dance'. And then the Mom chimes in about places pegs in a mat. The Mom says; "It was stupid, they just wanted to see if I had a brain". I tried doing the two-step to explain about the "theory" behind the pegs but they weren't really interested. I just sort of said that they had been through some 'contrived' OT. Aaah, it never ends! Ron -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn ************************************************************************************** --------------------------------- Now that's room service! Choose from over 150,000 hotels in 45,000 destinations on Yahoo! Travel to find your fit. -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ************************************************************************************** Enroll in Boston University's post-professional Master of Science for OTs Online. Gain the skills and credentials to propel your career. www.otdegree.com/otn **************************************************************************************
