When developing treatment plans with patients, the aim is for the tasks practiced to be functional and meaningful while at the same time addressing specific areas of concern, whether that be standing tolerance, UL rehab or cognitive rehab etc etc. You would be surprised at how demanding making a cup of tea is!! domestic activities if meaningful to a patient can easily be graded, as can gardening. One neuro ward on which I worked had a lunch group run by the OT and SALT, depending on the patients needs and goals some planned the lunch, some made it and all ate it together. Within this everyday activity many areas physical, social and cognitive can be assessed, challenged and remediated. I have used games such as connect 4 to work on a no. of deficits with neuro patients, this may not be functional but is what I have heard referred to as 'process training' where the process of carrying out the task is working on the areas of deficit.
Just some ideas to share, am finding the discussions here very useful, although some times confusing since I work for the NHS so not involved in the 'business side of things'! (although things are heading that way here!) Thanks Lucy Kind Regards Lucy Simpson For Quality Stationery and Greetings Cards check out this website: www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/lucysimpson Save it in your favourites for the next time you need cards. --- On Mon, 1/12/08, Diane Randall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: Diane Randall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [OTlist] AARGH! Ideas to use for functional tasks To: [email protected] Date: Monday, 1 December, 2008, 12:23 PM Great ideas. I have challenged patients to a game of Connect Four. Not sure if I would consider that functional but it really did seem to make the pts stand for longer periods of time, which was the main goal. I remember last year I was asked to come up with an idea for encouraging forward bending of the trunk. This particular pt was recovering from a pelvic fracture and was afraid to bend even after three weeks. They were doing stacking cones on the floor to the mat. I got two OJ plastic containers, filled the bottom with large rocks for stability and bought some silk flowers at the dollar store. I then had her arrange flowers from the floor to mat and back again. Then I left the activity with the facility. I think part of the problem is that there are not enough recourses nearby to pull out at the last minute. It cannot be up to just one person to think of new ways to do treatment. It has to be a department goal. It is hard to be "creative" when you are limited to what the facility provides or to what they have purchased out of a catalogue. But, it can be added to over time. Thanks for your ideas. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Barbara H. Hale Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2008 23:53 To: [email protected] Subject: [OTlist] AARGH! Ideas to use for functional tasks I work PRN at an IP Acute Rehab (previously in the school system, SNF, Mental Health IP and OP) When I am asked to come in to work I feel like I am more willing to come up with ways to use the "creativity" that Ilene from New Jersey is speaking about. When the caseload is high and I have worked for an extended period of time the ease of pegs and cones is all I can think of to do with my pt. so they get what is available and quick. It is bad that I am often running behind in my treatments. I have a hard time cutting tx off when things are going well but taking too much time, or feeling good about my therapy when nothing I try is working. The problems seem so related to the productivity and amount of time required for treatment. Some ideas I will share for standing: I have engaged pts in arranging flowers for others to enjoy.( I brought in from my own yard) At holidays and changing seasons I have had pts assist with decorations in the clinic. Walking to reach the walls to attach the item so others can enjoy the appearance of the seasonal decor (also this can help with orienting other pts to the time of year) Hanging decorations on the tree at Christmas, making salt dough ornaments with cookie cutters (simulating baking.) The altruistic nature of the individual is useful in gaining their assistance for activity in the clinic. The more alert and aware pt can assist the others with some things handing them a tissue, help with placing the brake on the WC. I also have enlisted the pts to clean out/organize a cabinet, reaching leaning bending to get things straightened out. (The cabinet may not really need straightening) The pt can sweep using long handled dust pan. Place clothes on a hanger to hang up. The encouragement for the pt is that we as staff need their help to allow us all to "work smarter not harder" Having the pt use a reacher to play a game of bean bag tic tac toe with the tx or another pt makes the task of learning how to use AE not so dull. I have had clients plan and prepare a light lunch with canned soup, crackers, a salad and ice tea. Use energy conservation and work simplification while preping for lunch. I make every effort to get the client out of the transportation wheelchair and into a regular chair while in the clinic. I have the pt sit unsupported on the mat and place cones puzzles pegs in positions that challenge sitting balance/safety. . -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] -- Options? www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com Archive? www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]
