Occupational Therapy

The Occupational Therapy (OT) service works with both inpatients and community patients.

Inpatient OT

Patients are often keen to go home from hospital, but may experience a variety of problems. This can make returning home and managing more difficult than it might have been before. OT helps patients and their carers look at what they want to be able to do and ways of doing these things. Often basic activities of daily living can prove problematic eg. using the toilet and bath independently, sitting comfortably, getting in and out of bed, going up and down stairs etc.

The OT will assess the patient's capabilities and may carry out a home visit. This gives a clear picture of what would be most helpful for the patient when back in the home environment. As a result the OT may:

• Advise on alternative ways of doing things at home
• Recommend and/or provide equipment to aid safety and independence, eg wheelchairs, pressure relief, toilet and bath aids etc
• Arrange for minor property adaptations eg grab rails, extra bannister rail, door entry system, ramp etc
• 
  

The OT service is able to follow-up and review patients once they have gone home. If further advice is needed at any stage, patients or their carers are welcome to contact the department directly, or via their community palliative care nurse

Community OT

The CMH OT community service offers a range of interventions for patients who may not need, or want, to come into hospital. The aim is to make life easier for patients and their carers living at home. The OT will visit and look at any areas that may be causing concern eg

• Safety in the home
• Being as independent as possible
• Energy conservation techniques
• Providing equipment and adaptations
• Practical support and advice for managing everyday tasks