I don't think using a reacher is something most need "continued" training for but Hip Fx pts need to initially learn to use it. You would be suprised at some who have a hard time. We put pennies. paper , magazines and a variety of househols items on the floor to pick up. Some automatically want to reach down to pick items up. Training with the reacher forces them to learn to use it rather than to use thier own body and break hip precautions. It is especially necessary for those with impaired cognition. I am one who believe something can be fun and functional.
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]on Behalf Of Ron Carson Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 23:20 To: Barbara H. Hale Subject: Re: [OTlist] Game using reacher Hello Barbara: Thanks for writing back. I'm still kind of stuck because using a reacher is well, pretty mindless. Heck, you can buy them at Home Depot and they are advertised on TV. So, I guess I just don't see where OT skills are needed for continued training on how to pick something up with a reacher. I agree that use of self, what Carl Rogers might call a "therapeutic relationship", is CRITICAL to achieving outcomes. But, I whole-heartedly believe that relationships should be formed while engaged in medically-necessary therapy. And no, that doesn't mean that every minute of every session is 100% therapy, but in my mind, if a treatment session is spent on playing "reacher games", that's sort of wasted time and dollars. Based on my education, social interaction is not an occupation. Social interaction is broad category that includes such occupations as playing cards, playing bingo, going to church, etc. Lastly, I have interactions with people all day long. Sometimes, I feel like a whole person, sometimes like a 1/2 person and sometimes I just feel like I don't matter. So, I'm not sure that I agree with the statement: "Having an interaction with some one is allowing the person to be recognized for their ability to be a thinking whole person." I've also seen many therapist and patient interactions leave patients with feelings of helplessness, confusion, disrespect, etc. By the way, these are great topics for discussion and I hope others will join in. S ----- Original Message ----- From: Barbara H. Hale <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subj: [OTlist] Game using reacher BHH> I understand what you are saying Ron. However, I would much rather play a BHH> game with the reacher to get a pt. to demonstrate they have the skills to BHH> use it. To dump out a container of blocks and have the patient pick them up BHH> and put them back into the same container is a mindless thing. Having an BHH> interaction with some one is allowing the person to be recognized for their BHH> ability to be a thinking whole person. Attention from a therapist while BHH> building a relationship will make a huge difference in the outcome, "use of BHH> self" was important in my training. Social interaction is in my view an BHH> occupation, important for providing a sense of accomplishment, trust in BHH> another person, a few laughs, making life a little more enjoyable. I cannot BHH> imagine it would be a negative to payers, professionals, or patients. Is BHH> everyone supposed to sit around and look depressed because it is a medically BHH> necessary piece of equipment? I believe the therapist is able to make a BHH> decision about the appropriate use of a game with a patient vs. practice of BHH> a skill. Just my opinion! BHH> -- BHH> Options? BHH> www.otnow.com/mailman/options/otlist_otnow.com BHH> Archive? BHH> 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]
