RSCC Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

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?

This video about bed mobility techniques can be really helpful if you are doing your Level II FW in an in-patient rehabilitation or skilled-nursing setting.

This video is helpful for teaching patients how to get out of bed after a THR! Unfortunately, it was not mentioned if it was a posterior or anterior THR, but the precautions (no hip bending past 90 degrees) made it fairly clear that this video was made for patients with posterior THR.

I have found this video to be helpful, even though the makers should have mentioned whether it was a posterolateral or anterolateral THR. Since the "patient" avoided hip flexion past 90 degrees, I assume it was a posterolateral THR.

fingerprint sensor deadbolt program up to 50 peoples fingerprints. Awesome! No more fumbling for the house key in the dark.

Easy-to-attach g-Spout Dripless Strainer lets you pour with one hand, eliminating clumsy funnels and dripping ladles.

is the spill proof automatic drink dispenser making it so much easier to get your drinks. It fits right over your milk jugs, juice bottles and containers, the silicone universal cap fits most tops. Magic Tap works like a straw sucking up the liquid and with the push of the tap out it comes.

Getting a Leg Up: Toe-Operated Mouse Works Like Flip Flop Loss of upper limb function can be devastating for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the disruption of normal, everyday activities. Using a computer mouse becomes impossible for people without the use of their arms, and it's exceptionally difficult for people with nerve damage or other arm injuries.

Grab Bars are one of the most popular safety items for the bathroom. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and configurations while adding form and function to one of the most popular rooms in the home. Here are 7 Grab Bar Installation Tips that we've discovered over the years.

This site gives 15 ways to adjust a home for someone with a disability

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 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.

A Taiwanese designer named Sha Yao began her project in creating tableware for Alzheimer's patients due to her grandmothers deteriorating condition. She based her designs and color usage due to a study finding that the use of bright colors increased the amount of food and liquid consumed by patients. Every piece of the tableware is designed with dementia patients in mind. Some of the adaptive silverware and plates with lips should look familiar from our pediatrics class!

"We conclude a no-restriction protocol does not increase the incidence of early dislocation after primary THA."

This blog posting is not from an OT-specific source, but rather is a posting from a movement/dance coach who offers a unique perspective on the specific sensory needs of aging men. Reading this posting reminded of something my dad has always said about the importance of men having a space where they can work and be "themselves." Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, I think that it is important to remember that men/women/people all have different needs and oftentimes it takes different approaches to meet those needs.

We've learned a lot about the importance for children with sensory processing disorders to receive OT in our pediatrics class this semester, but often when those disorders go untreated they persist into adulthood. This webpage discusses the ties that SPD in adults have to higher likelihood of anxiety and depression and overall poorer quality of life. The page discusses the importance of OT intervention in desensitization training, education, and reduction of any negative coping strategies developed by those adults. Very interesting read.

Although this is basically a commercial for this specific brand of conversion kit, the idea behind converting an existing tub into a walk-in shower for those who struggle to get into their own tub is a good one. Using a method similar to this is more cost-effective than installing an entirely new shower and is much safer for individuals who don't have the flexibility or strength to step into a traditional tub.

This infographic can be helpful to caregivers and clinicians alike as it focuses on the psychosocial needs of the client (which can often be overlooked). For health practitioners it is frustrating to see clients not being compliant with their medication or maintaining a healthy lifestyle but sometimes there is more to this than just plain stubbornness. This infographic discusses possible reasons as to why client's are not making the progress we hope for them and it emphasizes the importance of client-centered care. Asking clients WHY and working with them to adjust and adapt their care to reach the best fit for them as individuals is very important.

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!

This webpage has a simple and easy-to-read infographic that covers a lot of problem areas around the house for post-surgery ambulation for individuals with joint replacement. My father recently had a L TKA and I sent him and my mother this link so that they could make any changes around the house that were necessary for safety.