Group items tagged

FRONTLINE and ProPublica investigate assisted living in America. A disturbing look at assisted living in America.

According to AOTA, almost 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 have survived cancer. Lymphedema, a secondary problem caused by cancer, is often not addressed by physicians. However, occupational therapy can address this issue and improve quality of life for these individuals. Just another very important way that occupational therapy can make a difference.

The growing number of people with cancer has increased the need to services such as lymphedema therapy, hospice, and palliative care. OT can help in so many ways. Who needs help "living life to the fullest" each and every day more than someone with such a grim prognosis?

This article talks about how cancer care and oncology is an emerging practice for OT. We help clients get control of their lives back by helping them gain or maintain function in their daily lives. Their lives aren't just about existence (fighting cancer) but about living.

In class we have been discussing the wellness wheel and holistic health. This article about wheelchair tennis is inspiring and encouraging for persons living with disabilities. As practitioners, we should be aware of a variety of resources that could help our clients live full lives. "Wheelchair Revolution" relates the history of wheelchair tennis through the lives of Brad Parks and Jeff Minnebraker, both paraplegics. The two fatefully met at the Ranchos Los Amigos rehab center (remember the levels of consciousness scale by the same name?) in the 1970s. Minnebraker was a pioneer of lightweight, maneuverable w/c's, while Parks was experimenting with w/c tennis. The article also describes the game's popularity, attractive prize money, international tour, and sizable fan base. More info on wheelchair tennis can be found at http://www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/Wheelchair-Tennis/Wheelchair/.

I decided to share this article as I was unaware that there is a specific group to help farmers continue to live and work independently. In the rural area I live in, this information will definitely be needed. Many of the physical disabilities I witnessed in nursing homes and in outpatient settings were direct results of farming injuries. As well, farmers are very self-sufficient and their self worth is based mostly on their ability to maintain their lifestyle.

I found a lot of these tips useful! It is important that we take time to ourselves in hopes to maintain a healthy and well balanced life. I especially liked the idea of scheduling a work out so that it doesn't get pushed aside. I know that if I schedule something I am more likely to do it.

I found this article on the AOTA website. I didn't realize that occupational therapy is one of the only professions qualified to work with lymphedema. I thought it was really interesting how the writer pointed out that occupational therapy gives control back to patients who are in a very uncontrollable situation. Sometimes when working with patients, it is not about saving their lives but about helping them live their life with the most quality and happiness while they have life to live.

NAHB: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Houses for Living. Homes for Life. American's are getting older - 88 million people will be over 60 within the next 15 years according to AARP, which also reports that 83% of middle-aged Americans wish to live in their homes indefinitely rather than an assisted living facility.

Real story of elective amputation

Her strength amazes me! To be so young when the accident happened, then for her to ultimately decide an elective amputation.

This information is not only important for us as future practitioners, but also useful for those in our personal lives that may be living with arthritis. This is also beneficial for those with conditions where energy conservation is essential to one's well-being and quality of life.

A story I just heard this morning on NPR about healthy lifestyles and how it may be related to telomeres. A small study but a good place to start. I was also thinking who has that much time to do yoga, meditate and spend more time with family/loved ones! Maybe after graduation, however, a little may go a long way.

Are you in the Living Zone or in the Unfortunately, many of us have found ourselves living in the Tolerance Zone - tolerating our limited strength and mobility. We've given up fighting the battle and have come to accept our current limitations as inevitable.

this is a neat interactive tool that you can use with senior (or any age) clients to help educate them about what safety hazards to watch out for and avoid in their home. It is a fun, visual way to show and tell the client about what to look for in the different rooms (living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom) in order to reduce the risk of falling. Something different besides a checklist.

just click on the "hidden hazards house" link to help Harold find the 26 hazards

Who would have thought a National Council on Aging! There are all kinds of resource linked to this sight. I can see how this could be a great resource for those who are aging or caring for those who are. If you scroll down to the section on "I want to stay healthy" you can click on a list of ways to "restart living." This section helps those who may need to re-evaluate their life and provides direction to encourage them to recognize that they still have something to live for

This is a great site for the older adult or caregiver to find numerous resources. From money management, transportation, job searches, fall preventions and much more. I know I will refer to it in my future practices and thought I would share.

There are several things in life that we as individuals must face, there is no way to avoid it and that is aging. As we age, some people prepare for it and others don't. This article offers information as to how to live healthier to help avoid the inevitable. It offers information on how to help avoid cancer, cardiovascular problems, and many others. And in our lives it may be inevitable that we get these problems, BUT we can sure start now to try to keep from getting them as we age.

Falls put you at risk of serious injury. Prevent falls with these simple fall-prevention measures, from reviewing your medications to hazard-proofing your home. By Mayo Clinic Staff Fall prevention may not seem like a lively topic, but it's important. This web site lists 6 simple was to help aging individuals avoid falls. It goes along with what we have learned in class.

Living in a community with ample open space is associated with more physical, occupational and social participation for adults with physical impairments, according to new research. Authors Amanda Botticello, PhD, MPH, and Nicolette Cobbold, BS, of the Kessler Foundation, West Orange, N.J., and Tanya Rohrbach, MS, of Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, N.J., explored associations between community and neighborhood land uses and community participation.

We all need balance - and we will really need it next semester! This has some good perspective.

This article in the Washington Post about these two older women ask about their secret to living to 102 -- and their answer is work. These women have always stayed active and busy and found much purpose in their lives. Seems like future occupational therapy assistant students could learn a lesson from these two.

This blog posting talks about the importance of pacing your interactions with those who have dementia. Not all people suffering from dementia will have the same level of cognizance but it is important for us as future OT practitioners to understand that no matter their level of function, clients should always be spoken to as if they are able to respond. The focus in most healthcare settings is to be as efficient with your time as possible, so striking a balance between efficiency and giving your client adequate time to communicate their needs is one of the demands of our client-centered form of care.

Video made by the CDC about infection control and saving lives