Instead of playing a "game' which is not very functional in day to day life, why not do functional things with it??? For example, name items in the cabinet in the kitchen and have the patient find them and get them, have the patient pick up laundry and carry it to the washer, wash it, then use the reacher to get it to the dryer and fold it??? Why not pick up a newspaper, or clothing that may have fallen to the ground??? Why play a game when there are so many practical functional things to be done??? If the primary goal is recreation and socialization, a game is fine. If the primary goal is function, then function is what it should be used for.
Just my two cents... Linda Stovall Linda Stovall, OTR/L [email protected] Program Manager Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation Program 228-867-4179 228-867-5357 (fax) 228-883-8443 (beeper) >>> "Barbara H. Hale" <[email protected]> 02/03/09 6:19 PM >>> I understand what you are saying Ron. However, I would much rather play a game with the reacher to get a pt. to demonstrate they have the skills to use it. To dump out a container of blocks and have the patient pick them up and put them back into the same container is a mindless thing. Having an interaction with some one is allowing the person to be recognized for their ability to be a thinking whole person. Attention from a therapist while building a relationship will make a huge difference in the outcome, "use of self" was important in my training. Social interaction is in my view an occupation, important for providing a sense of accomplishment, trust in another person, a few laughs, making life a little more enjoyable. I cannot imagine it would be a negative to payers, professionals, or patients. Is everyone supposed to sit around and look depressed because it is a medically necessary piece of equipment? I believe the therapist is able to make a decision about the appropriate use of a game with a patient vs. practice of a skill. Just my opinion! -- 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]
