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I think everyone should watch this video that is working with cancer patients. Knowing what our patients might experience will be our biggest tool when treating.

Wow, this video really puts everything in perspective, especially the girl mentioning her still being worried about homework (day-to-day worries still causing her stress). Gives a unique perspective from young survivors of cancer as well. Typically when one thinks of cancer survivors they generally picture people who are older. I would imagine cancer patients that are younger may have some differing needs in terms of a practitioner's psychosocial approach. Great post!

The focus of care in OT is often directly on the client, and rightly so, but it is also important to support and educate the caregiver in ways to reduce their stress and provide them with resources such as the article posted here. This article discusses the importance of caregivers self-care, the benefits of attending support groups, and overcoming personal barriers. Being a caregiver is a very tough job both physically and mentally, so it is important that OT practitioners advocate for caregivers as well as the clients for which they care.

This video shows a novel technique for addressing deficits in clients with Parkinson's disease. Although not OT specific, utilizing dance and movement in therapy is of course something that we can be doing in therapy, especially if dancing is an occupation that the client finds important. Groups like the one in this video are not only good for increasing endurance, strength, and concentration, but being connected with other individuals with Parkinson's is beneficial as well.

Wow, I love this program and its philosophy! I wish there was one like that in the Knoxville area. Have you seen my post about dance and occupational therapy?

I know that you are probably wondering what hoarding has to do with OT, but after reading this article on the topic I can see that there is a definite need for OT practitioners. Therapy can include education on increasing home safety by reducing clutter (and tripping hazards) and removing detritus to reduce likelihood of health hazards such as mold and household pests. Since the psychology of hoarding is oftentimes complex, the OT can also work with a team of other professionals to help the client address the underlying issues causing the hoarding. Even the removal of the clutter can be part of therapeutic activity and can be used to train the client on energy conservation as well as frustration tolerance.

This article is about a man that knew he needed a hip replacement, but dreaded the long recovery of having one. He talked with a surgeon that recommended using an anterior approach for his surgery because it required much less muscle to be cut through. As a result of using the anterior approach, he had an extremely quick recovery and was able to resume all his favorite actives.