Group items tagged

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.

Many clamoring for success in the competitive world- where resources are scarce and chased by too many- wish they could be more self-assured, self-confident and well, simply more assertive. Typical statements one hears include: "I wish I had voiced my idea earlier. Some one else has got the credit".

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 article talks about an Occupational Therapist role in teaching a client how to manage their lyphedema through complete decongestive therapy. By doing this a client can have independence and can reduce the need of a daily caregiver.

This article talks about psychosocial factors relating to patients recovering from burns. The occupational therapy practitioner plays an important role in this process. These patients may suffer from disfigurement which can lead to depression, low self-esteem and self-worth, anger, withdrawal, etc. These issues need to be addressed for the patient to have the best possible outcomes.

This is a great reference chart for MET levels.   It divides it up into self care, household, recreational, and vocational activities.  This is a great reference to see what ADLs and IADLs have MET levels from light all the way up to very heavy MET levels.

I like that one! Thank you!

I heard this on the radio today and had to share after I investigated ...this should bring up a video... with all the talk about the movie Back to the Future officially being in the past after tomorrow, nike plans to unveil self-tying shoe laces like the ones Marty had in the movie! The first thought in my head was how many people that could actually benefit from this if it works. I just kept picturing the COTA I was with during level 1 FW putting the elastic laces in several patients shoes. I hope this becomes a reality for people who need it, not lazy people who just want cool shoes that CAN and are ABLE to tie their shoes!

This article is useful because it points out that contact plans are not just beneficial for safety! Virtual technology can be incorporated and effectively decrease loneliness, promote self- efficacy, and assist families in connecting no matter how close or far away they may live from their loved one.

Introduction: There is a limit to the amount of work that you can do on your own. There is only so much value that you can deliver to your organization without the help of other people. If you are successful in your career, at some stage the demands on you will become greater than you are able to cope with on your own.

Edema - Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment and self-care of tissue swelling.

I love this website. It should be titled "Restrictions Made Easy." The Occupational Therapy Department at the University of Washington Medical Center has created this website to provide handouts for multiple conditions to include sternal precautions, ADLs following surgery of the abdomen, self-care after breast reconstruction, etc. This website will make it easy to accurately advise and treat our patients.

Information discussing three major categories of upper-limb prosthetics: cosmetic, body powered and myoelectrically controlled self-powered prostheses.

This video is short and sweet to the point! It is hard to recognize on one's self if they are using the correct body mechanics when lifting heavy objects, but this video shows what your body should look like. This information is great for at work, or for at home with IADLs/ADLs.

Some good tips I hadn't thought about before, such as tightening the butt and abs before lifting with the legs. Funny how I've been paying more attention to my own body mechanics around the house.

Print out our checklist to use with your patients to help them develop individual stress management strategies. Click here to print now! Stress is a commonly under-recognized, untreated dimension of recovery, rehabilitation and medical intervention. While all patients seeking medical care experience stress, for individuals with disabilities the dynamics are not the same.

The checklist Richard mentioned is a great resource! Thanks Richard. I plan on using this in the future. :)

Great article about how to help our patients with chronic conditions manage stress that impacts their daily activities.  Personal stories of stress management coping skills and how to help our clients identify their personal triggers. This article has some great questions for patients to ask themselves when identifying their personal stress management techniques.

These 10 fun ways to reduce cortisol levels are achievable by most anyone. Lissa has even created and provided a free self healing kit if any of these activities, particularly if you find it hard to sit still and be quiet, are difficult. I like the fact that each activity is very accessible and for the most part cost free. For example, laughter, try to win a stare down and not laugh. Or...listen to someone else laugh, that will get you every time... And it's FREE!!! This lady also provides some pretty cool TED talks, adding science to the topic.

I like to share this website because there are a lot of powerful tips on how to prevent injuries and chronic pain from daily activities such as self phone use, carrying purse, briefcase, work on the computer, etc.

This website contains a lot of information about rotator cuff injuries. This includes a general overview of rotator cuff injury along with causes, symptoms, medical treatment, self-care, prevention and prognosis.

FOUR STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH BURNOUT 1. Quit and Stay I first became acquainted with this strategy at a client engagement when I overheard a conversation taking place in the cubicle next to where I was hanging out.

"If we listen to what those in the camps are telling us, we can provide them with interventions that will serve to increase self-empowerment, create a sense of order out of chaos, provide opportunities for participation in meaningful activities, and decrease depression and anxiety."