OT Magazine - July / August 2018 by 2A Publishing

magazine

THE

ISSUE 23 JUL/AUG 18

y r o s n e Sdventures

Improving Independence

por imag aptu tab ina rin le s tio g en ns so in ry p

s od

be a

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COLUMNS

PRO DUCTS

EVENTS

RECRUITMENT & T RAINING

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About us

The Team

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writers: Colette Carr and Katie Campbell Designer: Stephen Flanagan Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Robin Wilson Contributors: Kate Sheehan, Clive Gilbert and Katie Margetts

Get in touch

2A Publishing Ltd, Caledonia House, Evanton Dr, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G46 8JT 0141 465 2960 ot-magazine.co.uk The OT Magazine @ot_magazine

Disclaimer

The OT Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited. The views expressed in The OT Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2018 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. ISSN-2056-7146

This month’s issue...

ew innovations seem to be the call of the day in this issue. From life-changing products to groundbreaking platforms to test out new technologies, it is an exciting time to be an OT.

The CETEC Living Lab is a space designed to replicate rooms in domestic and healthcare settings where developers, healthcare professionals, carers and end users can gain access to test out products and innovations to see how they would work in real life situations. Based at Barnet and Southgate College this Lab is designed to encourage and improve health technology solutions by bringing together all those involved in the care of individuals with tech developers. Read more on page 45. Children are also playing a big part in this edition as we explore the BBC One programme ‘The Toddlers Who Took on Dementia’, where we see the amazing effects that these little people have on those living with dementia. You can discover more about this heartwarming story on page 26. The paediatric section is packed full of interventions, products and information that could help with your younger patients. From the magical sensory PODS featured on the cover that provide a calming space for children to the duo who have created a life-changing solution for those who are tube fed. We also hear about the amazing work the disabled children’s charity Newlife undertake in providing vital equipment for those who need it. Employment, student reflection, independent work, independent living solutions and events fill the pages throughout the magazine. Self care is another issue raised. Something that all OTs would do well to take notice of. To look after others, you must first look after yourself. We hope you enjoy this issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any ideas for future features by emailing ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

The OT Magazine, Editor

SUBSCRIBE TODAY Further your career and enhance your CPD by subscribing to The OT Magazine

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Subscribe for only £9.99 Go to: ot-magazine.co.uk/subscribe

28/06/2018 15:22

What’s inside 7 What’s New? Bringing you up to speed with all the latest news from the healthcare sector

13 Being Specific If you want it done right, do it yourself

COOKING UP

a Storm

14 Finding Your

New Normal

We explore the emotional world of the burns unit

18 Product Focus The latest must-have products on the market

22 It’s a Dog’s Life Animal volunteers providing companionship and confidence through the animal charity

25 Day in the Life Lucy Zurich gives us an insight into a day in her work post with InHealth Pain Management Solutions

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26 Toddlers

Tackling Dementia

Meet the brilliant toddlers tackling dementia

29 Cooking Up A Storm OT Anneleen Leyman whipped up the perfect recipe for those with function in only one hand

32 Swirling Thoughts The colourful and thoughtprovoking new zine battling mental health

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What’s Inside

62 Feeding on the Go Meet the friends who created the innovative and fun tube feeding solution

64 Sensory Adventures 35 Product Focus More latest must-have products on the market

38 Killer Apps How you can take on the OT world with the help of a screen

41 The Cushion

Collective

Kate Sheehan’s guide to getting it right

45 The Living Lab Welcome to a new world of care

49 The OT Show

Your Voice Counts P82 P 82

Looking ahead to this year’s event

50 Game On A new piece of tech from Korea helping post-stroke or hand injury recovery

55 Newlife Learn about Newlife, the charity for disabled children

58 The Great Outdoors In the summertime, when the weather is fine…

60 Paediatric Products The best aids for your younger clients

The portable sensory rooms making life easier

66 NHS Wheelchair

Service

Clive Gilbert looks at the struggles facing the NHS Wheelchair Service

68 A Joint Effort Three students’ guide to self-management of inflammatory arthritis for young people

70 Taking Care of You Because you can’t pour from an empty cup

73 A Weekend of WAVs Reflecting on Brotherwood’s WAV weekend

74 Independent

Living Scotland

Getting ready for Glasgow in September

75 Events For You Your essential professional calendar

76 The Job Hunt

Survival Guide How to keep upbeat through the dreaded job hunt

78 Going it Alone How to take the plunge into the independent sector

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TASTE

FOR YOURSELF

Book a free tasting session and discover the joy that our tasty, nutritious meals can bring to patient mealtimes. For your free session call

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OVER 300 DELICIOUS DISHES NUTRITIONAL EXPERTISE SPECIALIST DIET RANGES

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We explore what’s happening in the healthcare sector, from new products and services to inspirational stories

What’s new? Revealing good practice of OT Parkinson’s audit reveals good practice in OT

he results of the 2017 UK Parkinson’s Audit have shown that occupational therapists have excelled in several areas when working with patient’s living with Parkinson’s. The 2017 Audit reports on the care provided to 9,480 people living with Parkinson’s. 59 services within occupational therapy took part in the Audit which found areas of excellent practice. However, the Audit has also identified areas where improvements are still needed. A common theme across all areas of Parkinson’s care was the need for more specialised

multidisciplinary working. In occupational therapy just 10.2% of patients were seen as part of a fully integrated clinic model. Dr. Anne-Louise Cunnington, Clinical Lead for the UK Parkinson’s Audit said: “It has been fantastic to see how occupational therapy services have stepped up to make improvements recommended as part of the previous audit in 2015. We have seen many areas of excellent and improved practice, in particular in the usage of standardised assessments and I am certain that people with Parkinson’s are receiving a better service as a result.”

OT Numbers

cult able ders

72%

specialising in the treatment of Parkinson’s

70% specialise in neurological conditions

85%

of therapists had access to Parkinson’s related CPD

Planting Seeds for Good Mental Health Maple Ward, Meadowfield Hospital’s mental health ward, received a timely donation of gardening tools and supplies. The hospital in Worthing received the package from local garden centre Haskins in Roundston, including compost, spades, forks and trowels amongst other supplies to allow OTs to ensure their clients can make the most of the summer weather. OT technician Tara Williams, told the Worthing Herald; “We are so grateful to Haskins for donating us these items. At Meadowfield Hospital, we use gardening as a means of mental health therapy and the equipment will be used specifically for the Maple Ward garden project.”

More articles on next page

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What’s

new?

Queen’s nod for OTs Amongst the glittering names that graced the Queen’s Birthday Honours List recently, Britain’s unsung heroes received rightful recognition, with the worlds of occupational therapy and occupational health making appearances.

Boxing proves a hit Boxing sessions prove to be a knockout in Grimsby

one man who was 31 and had never had any hobbies because of his conditions. We took him to the local leisure centre where he picked up the boxing gloves and Becki’s club in Grimsby’s Fusion absolutely loved it. Boxing Fit, has seen people with “We decided to take the bull by learning disabilities who have never the horns and approached Fusion travelled independently before Boxing on Ladysmith Road to set catching the bus to up a weekly session make the group where for people with they are taught the We decided learning difficulties. rudimentals of boxing to take the bull “The people who and build confidence by the horns come have Autism, as well as ability. Asperger’s syndrome, and approached The Care Plus OT was physical disabilities moved to reach out Fusion Boxing on and cerebral palsy. to Fusion Boxing Fit Ladysmith Road We see a massive after seeing the impact to set up a weekly change in them here boxing training was having on one of her session for people - when they come out, they’re buzzing clients. with learning and smiling from ear Becki told the Grimsby difficulties. to ear.” Telegraph: “We had ccupational therapist Becki Hoult’s new boxing sessions for people with learning disabilities has left users “grinning from ear to ear”.

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Football legend Kenny Dalglish and actor Emma Thompson lead the line of those being awarded but former director of Therapies South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust Dr Mary Teresa Morley received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to occupational therapy, while Southampton’s Chair Industrial Injuries Advisory Council Professor Keith Palmer was awarded an OBE for services to occupational health and medicine.

Highland kids are waiting Children in the Highlands have been waiting up to 18 weeks for services such as occupational therapy, the Scottish Government heard. Scottish Health Secretary Shona Robinson was challenged over what moves were being made to cut these waiting lists as MSP Rhoda Grant pointed to the 151 children waiting up to four and a half months. Shona Robinson claimed that the, “Highland Council has advised that staffing continues to be an issue, particularly for speech and language therapy, but it has recruited to a number of occupational therapy posts recently, so it expects waiting times to decrease.”

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Is your Authority working on a Single Carer Project? Single handed care projects can be a challenge to implement, overcoming the barriers to working as a single carer or reducing the number of carers for a client can be hard. Handicare have helped lots of authorities to make single handed care projects work for them. Working hand in hand to assess and help identify products required, providing CPD accredited training and support on equipment and techniques to enable therapists and carers to simplify and overcome the challenge of single handed care in their area.

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Contact us, to see how we can help you with your project: T 01384 40 57 92 E mhbsenquiries@handicare.com www.handicare.co.uk

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e t a m i t l u The e t a m i t n i in s s e n i l n a e l c

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Kate Sheehan Director, The OT Service

The OT Service provides high quality advice, consultancy and training to manufacturers, retailers and service providers. It also provides occupational therapy clinical services in housing and equipment to case managers, solicitors and private individuals via its handpicked network of occupational therapists. For more info email kate@theotservice.co.uk

Get Being specific to the point I This issue Kate talks about the importance of specification

know I have written about this before, but it is essential to keep reminding ourselves of our unique selling point as occupational therapists. We put the client at the centre of our practice and work to maximise someone’s occupational performance. This can be achieved by enabling, relearning or modifying and adapting the environment so a chosen activity can be accomplished. These options are there to enable our clients to achieve their personal goals and also to support them to do the activities they need to carry out.

I become increasingly concerned when occupational therapists in my area of specialism (housing), state that they do not need to complete a comprehensive specification for the recommended housing modifications following an assessment. The specification document is key to making sure that surveyors and builders know exactly what is needed for the client and if, unfortunately, something goes wrong there is a clear and concise written record of what necessary works were required to meet that client’s needs.

process, which will ultimately impact on the client’s long-term function and their psychological wellbeing. Therefore all occupational therapists working in this field need to complete a comprehensive specification and drawing, including, but not limited to, sizes, heights, products and positions.

“It is also vital to put down the specific requirements of a piece of equipment that may be needed as well as the adaptation...”

It is also vital to put down the specific requirements of a piece of equipment that may be needed as well as the adaptation, for example, a changing table or toilet. I understand that in statutory services you cannot be seen to favour one product over another, however you can clearly define the features and benefits of a product that are essential to meet your clients’ and their carers’ needs and if one product is the only one to meet a clients’ needs then you have a duty to state this and have your clinical reasoning Simply putting ‘level access shower,’ ‘accessible kitchen,’ ‘ramp’ or ‘wash dry documented on why only this product toilet’ leaves the decision making up to will suffice. I encountered a recent clinical another professional, who may have example of this while I was working some knowledge, but nowhere near the level that an occupational therapist with a colleague in statutory services. I had reviewed the adaptation has. Their expertise lie in bricks requirements for a client for them and mortar and not with a client’s functional ability, any necessary carer and the family were happy for me to assist with the project, only to be requirements, or the interaction with told that it was not an OT’s job to their environment. This can lead to errors being made during the building specify what size and type of shower

area was needed. On questioning this they said it was the surveyors job. The specification then went to the surveyor with very limited information and the drawings came back from the surveyor with a shower area so small not even the present paediatric shower chair could fit into it and be turned to manage the essential personal care tasks. However I had measured the child and her equipment, observed the showering and washing routine with the carers and mum, taken into account the child’s potential growth, the shower chairs optimal position and could clinically justify a size and fall for the shower area. Once my specification and drawing had been passed onto the surveyor he redesigned the shower room to meet the client, carer and family needs. When reflecting on this situation, it made me so upset, as time and resources were wasted, if we had spent a small amount of additional time reviewing the actual needs of the client and jointly drawn up and agreed a comprehensive specification, not only would we have had the correct drawings first time around, we would not have wasted valuable clinical time correcting the mistake. The situation reminds me of an old proverb ‘more haste, less speed’. You make better progress with a task if you don’t try to do it too quickly, spend time getting it right the first time and more importantly, get it right for our client. -magazine.co.uk

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BURNS U NIT

FINDING YOUR NEW

normal We speak to Louise Rodgers who works in the Queen Victoria Hospital Burns Unit about the roles involved in rehabilitating a patient

rom a young age we are taught that beauty isn’t skin deep. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

And while that is true, a traumatic burn resulting in scarring is a difficult pill to swallow. From physical to emotional scars, the process of burn recovery is a long and difficult one, personal to each individual sufferer. At the Queen Victoria Hospital, its burns service is renowned for its world-class multi-disciplinary specialist burns team helping adults and children who have suffered a traumatising burn. Based in West Sussex, it provides non-surgical, surgical and rehabilitative care as well as a successful burns outreach service to patients from Sussex, Kent, Surrey and South London. We try One OT on the ground is Louise Rodgers, who leads the occupational therapy team on the unit, and takes The OT Magazine through the sensitive process, from referral to discharge and the emotional journey it takes both the patient and medical staff on. “Patients who do not have to be admitted to the ward are referred to the occupational therapy team from nurses in the outpatient dressing clinics,” Louise began. “Daily handovers from the burns ward highlight new burn injured patients who will need to be functionally assessed.

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to start as soon as possible with functional goals like washing and dressing.

“So that could be if they are in the critical care unit or the burns ward. We complete an outcome assessment that’s been designed by therapists working in burns. If the burn is over a joint, we’ll look at positioning or splinting. We try to start as soon as possible with functional goals like washing and dressing. For example, brushing hair is a small goal but it will help start the rehabilitation process. Patients will step down from the critical care unit to the ward where we will continue working on functional tasks. We will look at hobbies that might be important to them to help regain function, especially of their hands. We also review mobility and start discharge planning, making sure their home environment is set up with any

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Burns Therapy

potential equipment. “Once they are discharged they come back to the outpatient clinic where OTs will review and see how they are progressing. We then set new goals and look at whether splints need to be changed and if functional tasks are still problematic. When they are healed we take them through to the scar management clinic. Here, the OT looks at anything that will help in minimising scars in terms of massaging techniques, moisturising, pressure garments and desensitisation. We look at if they have returned to work or school and their normal daily lives. Potentially they could be under our care for a few years if they are going under reconstructive surgery. “Something I really love about this area is having the privilege of seeing someone from day one through the whole process of their treatment,” Louise shared. But it takes a village and, a lot of cross-discipline thinking, from physio work to dietary experts according to Louise. “We have a team of psychological therapists who work in the unit and we do lots of joint sessions with them. “We work very closely with the physiotherapists as well, with many patients receiving joint sessions to help them achieve their goals. We also work with dieticians, speech and language therapists, play specialists and patients may have their own mental health teams already. We will organise case conferences before discharge and try to get all the important members of the team there. The patient will be there, and they can choose if they want family to also attend. The clinicians working closely with the patient will be there and then we’ll invite people from outside the hospital such as their mental health team or a support worker,” the OT lead explained. Following a person’s recovery and supporting them at such a close level can see health professionals become emotionally invested and have to work to keep their own head above water. “Having really good close working relationships with others is so important,” Louise said, nodding to the background efforts away from the patient. “We regularly have informal reflective sessions where if we have a bit of a long or emotional session, the burns therapy team which is made up of OTs and physiotherapists are there to help you. Our psychological therapists also offer support to staff as well as patients. If you have a patient that may be challenging to work with, we debrief to make sure we learned from that experience. We also have close working relationships with burns therapists in other parts of the country which can be supportive when treating complex patients,” she added 

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Burns Therapy

While surgical and non-surgical treatments are necessary to ensure the burn heals to its full capability, Louise stressed the importance of the holistic occupational influence on rehab and recovery and making the process meaningful to the individual. “It’s really important we hone in on what the patient views as meaningful to them.

public transport and eating out. Patients adopt coping strategies to help, for example when people look at them and ask about their injuries,” Louise explained. In the past couple of years, reports of harrowing acid attacks have become prominent in the media, with tragic stories hitting the headlines, but it is hard to really know how much of it has been sensationalised, with Louise telling us that at Queen Victoria, they haven’t seen a sharp rise, but more populated areas may have.

“We as a team would love to work on all aspects of OT with a patient but actually, if it’s not important to them “At Queen Victoria Hospital we haven’t really seen an it may not be the right thing to do. We’ve had patients increase in the number referred to us who have said, “I don’t mind someone although we have seen an increase coming in to help me get washed and in it being talked about in the media. dressed, because I really want out of However, we have always had the house and to go pick my daughter Evidence shows that it patients who have sustained chemical up from school and that is my aim,” so injuries here both from accidental we work on that and our treatment will doesn’t matter what size and deliberate causes. I think the real reflect that goal. of injury that someone increase within our network has been “We work closely with the London can have, any size can in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and South East Burns Network and affect their emotional and St Andrews Hospital which covers we have two rehabilitation beds for the capital more, so it seems to be wellbeing patients referred via that network. This more of a link with bigger cities,” she is a facility where there are two en posed. suite rooms with a shared kitchen and lounge area. Patients use this facility to help in the transition from a supportive hospital environment to going home. Staff are still there to support the patients, but the focus is on giving them independence and confidence to leave hospital. “An important part of the rehabilitation process is addressing patients’ psychosocial recovery. We work on goals around being able to step outside of the hospital environment and complete tasks such as shopping, using

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But overall, Louise believes first and foremost their role is to help someone adjust to the situation and circumstances as well as possible and adjust to their new life as best they can. “Evidence shows that it doesn’t matter what size of injury that someone can have, any size can affect their emotional wellbeing.” “It’s helping people find their new normal,” Louise concluded.

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Product

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Every issue we bring you the latest products from across the market to help you improve the lives of your clients...

MINDFUL

book

Colouring

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2 Therapressure Brush amazon.co.uk Ideal for use in Wilbarger Protocol therapy, this pack of two sensory brushes feature snap off handles to easily replace the bristles. The soft and pliable bristles are a calming sensory experience, making the sensory brushes perfect for those with sensory processing disorders or autism as a form of portable intervention.

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SNAP OFF

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28/06/2018 12:57

Pet Therapy

F PET THERAPY

A DOG’S

life

For people who are lonely, those with mental or physical health conditions, or even children who struggle with public speaking, Pets as Therapy provide a fun and fuzzy lifeline. 

ounded in 1983 by Lesley ScottOrdish, Pets as Therapy are committed to improving and enhancing the wellbeing and health of those who may require it within the community by setting up visits to hospitals, hospices, special needs schools and a host of other locations where people who may require additional needs or attention are, where their volunteers will encourage people to interact with their behaviourallyassessed animals. The aim of Pets as Therapy’s visits to these places is to improve lives within their community, providing companionship and friendship from loyal and loving pets and animals; encourage holistic intervention for those

who may have mental or physical conditions such as autism, dementia, or those living with post-stroke conditions; and improve the literacy and confidence of children in schools by having their therapy animals accompany them in social and public speaking environments as part of their Read2dogs scheme. Pets as Therapy relies on a group of volunteers who put forward their pets – mostly dogs, but cats and other animals are not unfamiliar faces – as therapy animals. Each undergoes a temperament assessment to ensure the animal’s personality suits the volunteer work they’ll be doing. The temperament check examines how well the animal stands being handled, fed and groomed,

All Images © Becky Moyce: Monchu.uk

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Pet Therapy “One resident is often reluctant to engage with staff and can be noncommunicative, but when Esther visits she is much happier, chats with staff and other residents”

which also simultaneously assesses the volunteer by examining how well trained and in control of the animal they are. Each animal must pass this test, and there is a very real possibility that they fail – especially for dogs, for whom the guidelines are strict. The dog can’t take food too greedily, mouth (when a dog nibbles semi-consciously), lick, jump up or paw, otherwise its application will be deferred.

Even the diet and vaccination style of an animal will be assessed to ensure that those who come into contact with the Pets as Therapy animals will be as safe as humanly possible: animals fed on raw-meat based diets are not allowed due to the presence of E. Coli, salmonella and listeria in their diets, and pets who receive homeopathic medicines are not allowed to take part. Read2dogs is one of

Pets as Therapy’s biggest schemes. As children and young people find that speaking in public can be a very daunting thing which can cause undue stress and nervousness, Pets as Therapy noticed that introducing one of their pets into an environment greatly relaxes people in the room, and they become less stressed, self-conscious, and more confident due to the non-judgemental and loving nature of dogs. This encourages children to read both to and around the dogs, and makes them excited about the reading experience as they associate it with being around the dogs. Therefore, Pets as Therapy provide dogs to schools and educational settings, and the dogs in turn provide the children with a sense of comfort, positivity, and encourage positive social behaviours while enhancing self-esteem. The animals have had a tremendous effect on the establishments they have been a part of. Princess Royal University Hospital said: “Joyce, along with her delightful Pets as Therapy dog Indie, has been visiting patients on the Stroke Unit at the Princess Royal

University Hospital for over three years. They call into the Unit every Wednesday and brighten everyone’s day. “They are a professional, compassionate and dedicated duo and have made an outstanding contribution to the recuperation of extremely ill patients. Joyce and Indie’s attendance has become a highlight of the week for both patients and staff on the Unit and their tireless service to the Trust is greatly appreciated.” Pets as Therapy also visit the Dementia Friendly Communities at Kent County Council, who said: “For many residents, Esther’s visits are something to look forward to in the week and really do brighten up their day. “A member of staff explained that one resident is often reluctant to engage with staff and can be non-communicative, but when Esther visits she is much happier, chats with staff and other residents and has her mood boosted for several days. The wife of another resident described how “Esther’s visits bring a smile to everyone’s face. She really is a super-dog!”

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 10:20

VIP 2

The new VIP 2 is the updated version of the VIP series of folding tilt in space wheelchairs, building on many years of experience of design and development. As well as 35 degree tilt it now has either fixed or adjustable recline.

TES T E SH

It also now comes with an improved headrest design and a deeper seat.

TES T E SH

a 35Â° Tilt-in-Space

a 30Â° Anti-Sliding Recline

a Foldable and Durable

Tilt-in-space system further enables attendant to tilt the chair up to 35 degrees, allowing user to change to the most comfortable position helping to reduce the potential of developing pressure ulcers.

Sliding has always been one of the greatest concerns for people in a standard reclining chair. The VIP2 solves this problem by locating the reclining pivot point of the chair close to the human hip joint, which synchronizes the motion of the body and the chair.

The VIP 2 is light and folds fitting easily into a car boot. The lateral push-bar strengthens the durability of this foldable chair and makes it easier to push the chair.

T: 0845 630 3436 E: INFO@KARMAMOBILITY.CO.UK WWW.KARMAMOBILITY.CO.UK

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KARMA MOBILITY LTD UNIT 6 TARGET PARK, REDDITCH WORCESTERSHIRE B98 8YN

28/06/2018 12:57

A day in the life

y c u L t Abou

A day in . f o e f i l the Lucy Zurich

.we talk to a differe occupati onal thera nt to see wh pist at is for the a typical day m a little mo and explain re about their role.

BSc n of a pletio y m u o L c e ee c and ing th e ) degr Follow logy (Hons euroscienc al o rn ion t fo a n p psych u io pass c Occ euro ered a er MS discov ompleted h worked in n unity later c py. She has and comm ith ost w Thera ntal health rent p ions in , me er cur t h o o t rehab S g t lu y emen leadin iplinar rehab Pain Manag an interdisc K S M , h S p lt InHea and Glosso vice for NH ser . side Tame unity-based hronic pain c comm atients with p

What is your current role? I’m a clinical specialist OT and I run clinics in GP centres providing one-to-one appointments and co-facilitate pain management programmes focusing on selfmanagement and helping patients move forward with their life despite persistent pain. We see patients for a variety of pain conditions such as lower back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis and complex regional pain syndrome. A large part of my role is to improve patient’s understanding of pain mechanisms and its multifactorial influences to collaboratively identify the biophysical, social and psychological contributors to their wholly unique pain experience to formulate a treatment plan.

Describe a typical day… New patient appointments involve functional and psychosocial assessments incorporating the patient’s narrative, reviewing their understanding of pain, explaining the purpose of therapy and briefly introducing the neuromatrix of pain and central sensitisation. Other clinic appointments remain

Each month .. ..

The biggest reward is when a patient feels more in control and have started remembering how it feels to be themselves again

focused on meaningful occupations and include self-management strategies such as pacing and grading of activities, anxiety management, sleep hygiene, identifying unhelpful thought processes, gentle exercise provision and relaxation methods to redirect the brain’s focus to reframe pain. In a day I might also be; practicing transfers, developing selfadvocacy skills, sensory re-education, reviewing the use of a walking aid, improving body movement, graded motor imagery, recommending needs assessment for equipment or minor adaptations to GPs or completing flare-up self-management plans.

What’s the best part of your job? Having flexibility in interventions and not having to choose between

treating either physical or mental health needs in isolation is refreshing. The biggest reward is when a patient feels more in control and have started remembering how it feels to be themselves again, their function improves, and they begin reclaiming their lives.

What’s the hardest part of your job? Disappointingly the treatment model for chronic pain remains largely biomedical despite the use of early biopsychosocial intervention, alongside the appropriate use of medication, being recommended best practice. Patients who are referred a year or 20 years after the onset of pain are often fearful, disillusioned and disabled through pain following a myriad of ineffective passive treatments, misinformation and unhelpful biomechanical explanations for pain. This culture is slowly changing within the medical community and I’m hopeful that current scientific understandings of pain and treatment become more widely embedded throughout society in the future.

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 10:21

Dementia Treatment The BBC One programme showed that this little-performed intervention can have huge benefits for both those with dementia and similar symptoms, and the toddlers who are crucial to the intervention.

BC One Wales recently showed a programme which showcased a previously unapproached intervention for patients with memory loss – specifically as a symptom of dementia or Alzheimer’s. The Toddlers Who Took On Dementia chronicled an experimental intervention from Bangor University, headed by Professor Bob Woods, a psychologist specialising in cognitive stimulation therapy, which aimed to investigate the effect that three and fouryear-old children would have in facilitating the care and treatment of patients with memory loss who were members of a day-care centre in Colwyn Bay, over three days. The experiment aimed to include both the children and adults in activities which would not only stimulate them, but that they could both enjoy. The show introduced a number of elderly people with dementia to the children including: Jean, 81, who cries every day after lunch; David, 81, whose dementia manifests vocally in him repeating the same catchphrases over and over, often to bring him a sense of comfort; and Mo, 87, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2012 and lost her speech a year later. Mo’s case is perhaps the most significant success story in the show: as the programme progresses, she becomes less attached to the doll which she projects all of her feelings

Toddlers tackling dementia The experiment aimed to include both the children and adults in activities which would not only stimulate them, but that they could both enjoy.”

all of the rice crispie cake mixture, having fun, laughing and joking in the process.

of love and need to care on to as part of the (thought by some to be controversial) doll therapy which she has been treated with for some time.

This is an important theme of the programme: the researchers, including Dr Catrin Hedd Jones and Dr Nia Williams Child, are adamant that the experiment must create ‘moments’ together. What is important for the researchers is not that the people with dementia remember their time with the children, but that they have an emotional reaction to the experience and are able to open up to the children and engage while creating these good moments.

As the programme goes on, Mo goes from feeling unable to join in with the group to taking part in the activities, and even beginning to once again communicate with the staff and carers verbally. In one especially touching moment, she gives up her doll to bake with one of the children, Leo, who is autistic. While they’re supposed to be baking, the two really only succeed in eating

There is a tangible sense of change over the three days that the children spend in the day-care. They perform a number of activities with the adults, such as making hats, colouring in, decorating cakes and blowing bubbles. The activities are sensory and do not require the children to have any knowledge that would be outwith their capabilities, or the adults use of memory. In fact, the adults

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:45

Dementia Treatment

PAST TIMES: David, who has dementia, in his days as a chauffeur

different vehicle manufacturer on it, and David listens on happily; he was a chauffeur in Manchester for almost 30 years and was known to drive around enthusiastically singing and playing songs from the 50s and 60s.

fail frequently to remember even the children’s names, a factor which does not seem to phase the giggling toddlers. Permission was given by the families of the patients, the patients, and the families of the children, some of whom had a personal link to dementia themselves. One of the toddlers, three-year-old Arianwen, was born just after her grandfather, Gyn, died. He had dementia, and in a deeply saddening and tragic interview with Arianwen’s mother Lowri, she reveals that they came into his room one day to find a black footprint on his window ledge: he had jumped from the window and suffered a fatal head injury. Geraint Ellis, who is the senior care assistant at the day-care centre, is all too aware of how dementia is capable of crippling familial bonds through the degredation of memory, experienced first-hand by many of the families whose loved ones attend the day-care centre:

And then dementia comes along and it doesn’t really discriminate and it just starts taking your pieces, and bits are missing and bits aren’t there anymore.” “It’s like you’ve got your puzzle in front of you and you’re adding your friends and your family. “And then dementia comes along and it doesn’t really discriminate and it just starts taking your pieces, and bits are missing and bits aren’t there anymore.” The researchers worked closely to stimulate the patients with the parts of them that memory loss had not yet stripped, and for many, it was their connection to music which maintained the bond that they shared with their families and friends. With this in mind, David was given a special gift to spend with toddler Leo. Leo has a fascination with cars and keys, and enthusiastically takes David through his collection of branded key fobs, each with a

In spite of his dementia, he still remembers every word to the songs and covets his old car. David’s dementia can sometimes lead him to become confused and irritated, but in spite of this, he’s extremely social and craves human interaction. The centre arranges for David and Leo to go for a ride in a vintage car, which allows not only for the two to bond, but to create a good moment which is so valuable to the experiment. On the final day, the adults and children are treated to a “knees-up,” complete with a live singer and his baby grand piano to celebrate their newly formed friendships. It’s here, with everyone singing and dancing, that it’s most obvious what the effect of the experiment was: the children have bonded with the adults in spite of their age gap. They talk freely about what dementia is, sing songs, and dance. Mo, who was non-verbal until the second day of the experiment and hid away in another room avoiding the children, was now dancing in the middle of a ring of the toddlers and the centre of attention. If The Toddlers Who Took On Dementia teaches us anything, it’s that the time these older people can give the toddlers is just as important as the attention and social stimulation the toddlers give them. The relationship is reciprocal, and brings out the best in both the children and adults, in spite of the conditions they may face.

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:46

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28/06/2018 12:57

Stroke Care

S TROKE CA RE

COOKING UP

a Storm

Cooking is one of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest joys but how can you still enjoy good food if you only have one hand?

ne common consequence of a stroke a survivor will have to navigate is the loss of function in one hand, leaving occupational therapists with the job of supporting those living after a stroke to re-learn daily functions. Most of our day to day occupations employ the use of our hands and cooking or preparing simple meals is one of the biggest. Recognising this, Belgian occupational therapist Anneleen Leyman and stroke nurse Valery Termont decided to go a step further than supporting people left with the use of only one hand in their rehabilitation, and create a comprehensive cookbook, full of tasty, healthy and varied recipes with a twist - they can all be rustled up with just one hand. Kookboek Lekker Eigenhandig, which translates to Nice Handy Cookbook or Nice and Convenient, is just the latest piece of the puzzle for Anneleen and

Kookboek Lekker Eigenhandig, which translates to Nice Handy Cookbook or Nice and Convenient, is just the latest piece of the puzzle for Anneleen and Valery...

Valery who regularly raise awareness for stroke recovery and symptoms. But after deciding they had to think more outside the box, they landed on the idea of creating the accessible cookbook that has easy to prepare dishes, but also is full of beautiful recipes that people would want to cook and enjoy eating, not just simple food that is easy to make. The book was also made with people with other disabilities in mind and on top of the accessible recipes and instructions, the book recommends kitchen equipment that can make life easier including anti-slip mats, clamp peelers, one-handed pourers and specially designed knives. In Belgium, the age of stroke sufferers has become lower and lower and one in three patients has functional problems after their stroke, requiring long-term care and assistance.

-magazine.co.uk

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Stroke Care

“Every year we want to inform people about stroke - symptoms, how to react, the risk factors etc, we go on the street with our team when it’s World Stroke Day,” Annaleen began. “We had the feeling that we couldn’t reach enough people, so we wanted to do something different, something that would reach the news. We also thought that it’s important to help the people who have already had a stroke and still have some functional problems. “Because of that we started a help group for young patients who had a stroke in the hospital, and profits from the book goes to that help group. So, a cookbook helps that group, because as you know, participation is so important,” she added.

chef Broes Tavernier.

The book was created with influence from both the clinical and culinary world, mixing extensive stroke rehab knowledge and experience with high end restaurant quality recipes. Anneleen has worked in Gent Hospital’s stroke unit in the Department of Neurology at UZ Gent for ten years, working with other pathologies while Valery has been a stroke nurse for 14 years, giving the book strong medical and occupational foundations to build on. It was released on the European Day of the Stroke, 8 May. “I work for the physical and rehab department of our hospital in acute care, but stroke care is my biggest interest. Also, Valery has been a stroke nurse for 14 years. “I can’t really use the book on the stroke unit as we don’t have a kitchen there, but we do hope to have it in a few years. But they use it in our rehab centre and patients go there two or three weeks after their stroke,” Anneleen explained. But rather than just create a cookbook detailing meals that can be whipped up one handed, the pair enlisted the expertise of young and up and coming

The highly regarded chef that cooks at Aalter’s Fifth Season restaurant adapted thirty of his own recipes for the book and added his tips on simple kitchen tasks such as cracking an egg singlehandedly.

For now, the book is only available in Dutch, but if there’s a big enough ask we want to translate it into French and English.”

Anneleen said; “The chef is young and is getting more and more famous. He is a friend of Valery’s and when we went to talk to him about our idea he was very pleased to help us. Since everything is for a good cause he did this for free, but we had to do a fundraiser for other costs.” And despite only being released in Dutch in May, its creators have high hopes for its success. “It’s had a warm welcome. We worked with the home care store of the Christian Mutuality, they provide the tools that can help in the kitchen and they sell the book. They were our biggest sponsor and it’s also available on their website and we also sell the book in our hospital. “For now, the book is only available in Dutch, but if there’s a big enough ask we want to translate it into French and English.”

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 10:31

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28/06/2018 15:14

Mental Health

M E N TA L H E A LT H

SWIRLING THOUGHTS For those with anxiety, rumination can be a powerfully destructive force. Swirl is a new zine hoping to help tackle that in a stylish and simple way. ď ľ

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-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:31

Mental Health

here’s something a little bit patronising about offering someone help through a self-help book; often they’re not even written by anyone with any background in psychological fields, it’s just about what they’ve experienced or felt. When we think “self-help,” we think weight loss, stop smoking, learn to be confident, or learn to say no. Swirl is a zine (for the uncool kids, that’s a self-published and printed magazine, often more pictographic than a traditional magazine) which is bucking that trend. Andy Walton, a community mental health nurse based in the north east of England, began the project. Andy, in an interview with the Guardian, said that he has been treated for his own anxiety for many years, and has had experience with CBT and collected a lot of self-help literature. The materials associated with anxiety tend to be dull or somewhat impenetrable: CBT guides broken down into chapter upon chapter of dull graphs and even duller text. When you’re in the midst of a bad mental health day, panic attack or severe rumination episode, it’s not exactly the kind of material you’re desperate to reach for. With this in mind, Andy created Swirl. It’s a bright, creative, artistic and colourful zine, with a kind of “coffee table book” vibe that provides straightforward advice regarding anxiety, specifically overthinking. It’s the kind of book that, in the midst of an anxious episode, you would very much want to reach for over reams and reams of loose pages with black and white graphs and clinical text. Unlike many self-help books, the language is simple to understand and comes from a place of pure science. All of Swirl’s content is evidence-based advice, led by CBT techniques. It was sent to clinical psychologists, mental health nurses, occupational therapists and mental health advocates to review and discuss its content, ensuring it gives real, meaningful advice and help for those who are reading it. The illustrations in Swirl by Nate Kitch are stunning, striking and sometimes chaotic collages, but there’s a sense of calm to the book. It’s a truly beautiful, stylish book, with Gina Yu’s creative and editorial direction being felt throughout. OTs can’t be with their patients all the time, so a resource like Swirl is invaluable for those who may have issues with anxiety, especially rumination. The zine highlights valuable mental health interventions like the worry tree and the stress vulnerability bucket, which help them to manage anxious thoughts and rationalise their situation. Everything about the zine is designed to bring calm to its reader, right down to the quality and feel of the paper it’s printed on. For those with issues with rumination, a portable, pretty and cool intervention like Swirl might be just the thing they need to bring themselves back to a positive mental place where they feel more in control of their thoughts.

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:49

Introducing the all new Lewis Reed

VW CARAVELLE EXEC WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE

For more information call us FREE* on

0800 247 1001 www.lewisreedgroup.co.uk

> Up to 6 passenger seats plus wheelchair position > Side or rear access available *Calls from UK landlines are free of charge. Calls from mobile networks may incur additional charges. Please check with your telephone provider for details.

The Stabilo Smart Cradle

lable i a v A ome h r o f o Dem

The Stabilo Smart Cradle has been developed to offer an extra level of comfort and support for users who have conditions such as a curvature of the spine. The special posture cushions can be moulded and reworked without the need for special tools or training. A perfect fit every time!

01257 425 623

Adverts_OT-Iss23.indd 34

www.ospreyhealthcare.com

sales@ospreyhealthcare.com

28/06/2018 12:57

Product

Focus 1 Relync

Every issue we bring you the latest products from across the market to help you improve the lives of your clients...

Scooter

relync.com This foldable scooter that is the size of a suitcase has garnered a lot of critical success. Before being turned into an easy to roll trolley, its frontmounted motor keeps it rolling up to 30km with power from dual batteries and a dual rear suspension system for cushioning.

2 Nitro

Rollator

30KM RANGE

manageathome.co.uk 0800 910 1864

The Nitro Rollator is an attractive walking aid that has been designed to be used both indoors and out. It boasts a lightweight aluminium frame and features large 10â&#x20AC;? front castors for ease of movement for clients looking for improved independence and mobility. Handle height is easily adjusted and it can be folded down.

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-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 14:51

Product

Focus

Orbit Transit 3 Roma Wheelchair

mobilitysolutions.co.uk | 0808 252 3234 The Roma 1330 Orbit is a lightweight aluminium transit wheelchair, packed with great features such as attendant brakes with locking handles, washable pads and detachable armrests to aid in independent mobility, comfort and ease of transportation.

13KG

4 Knork Fork

essentialaids.com | 01273 719 889 The Knork Fork can be used to cut food like a knife using only one hand. Its bevelled outer edge allows a user to cut food without the danger of a sharp edge that could cut the mouth of the user. Knork forks are suitable for both right and left-handed users.

Hall LED 5 Nightlux night light

WEIGHT

lights.co.uk | 020 3514 3658 This wall motion sensor light is discreet and battery powered. Suitable to use as a night light in various areas of the home, such as hallways, stairs, bedroom and bathroom. It features a motion and darkness sensor and will activate when both are present and deactivates after 30 seconds of no movement.

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-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:45

Product

Focus 6 Rope 6 Bed Ladder

nrshealthcare.co.uk | 0330 1000 098 This bed rope ladder improves independence allowing users to move into the seated position from lying without assistance. It is comfortable to use and fits all bed sizes, with a maximum loading of 11st/70kg. It simply attaches under the legs of the bed ensuring stability.

755 Bed 7 SB invacare.co.uk | 01656 776222

The SB755 bed offers optimum comfort and security with an ideal seating position to minimise shear and friction for clients who experience discomfort in bed. A unique technical feature allows the SB755 to be adapted for taller users with both the head and foot of the bed being extendable.

8 Buckingham Caddy relief-mobility.co.uk | 01236 767759 Users of wheeled walking frames can safely transport a variety of daily living items with this handy caddy. It has one large and one small section for items such as glasses and medication, a tray designed to safely transport a plate of food and a mug holder with an anti-spill mug cover.

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:52

OT TECHNOLOGY WebPT is ideal for tracking your business, especially if you manage a practice or need to maintain details of a number of OTs...

KILLER

APPS THE BEST APPS OUT THERE TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR WORKFLOW

t is the year of our Lord 2018, and everything is technology. We use our smartphones to watch TV, connect to the internet, monitor our spending and pay for things; we can order drinks in a bar from our phone and have them brought straight to us; online retailers can deliver our packages on the same day and via flying drones – what a time to be alive. For all we hear our grandparents going on about how we’ve forever got our noses in our phones, tablets and laptops, technology is the greatest assistant we have in our lives, allowing us access to every facet of human knowledge and programmes and apps. Software for occupational therapists is designed to do just that – in several of our previous issues, we’ve covered apps which can help you with CPD or keep track of your workday, but there’s much more out there than just what we have on our smartphones. Here are a few killer apps to make your life as an occupational therapist easier.

38-39_KillerApps.indd 38

iSalus

Describing itself as the “best isalushealthcare.com occupational therapy EHR (electronic health record) for your practice,” iSalus was designed specifically with OTs in mind. The software regulates workflow, and is highly customisable, claiming to bring positive improvement to your work-life balance through its ease of use. The software allows OTs to quickly document patient notes, including an initial evaluation, treatment notes, missed appointment, revaluation and discharge notes, documenting all encounters with patients with the thoroughness required. Documents can also be easily faxed or shared electronically through the system. It provides customisable templates, tracks cashflow, and allows data to be shared and accessed on mobile platforms, too.

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:34

KILLER

APPS

While WebPT is a physical therapy-focused software designed for patient-focused providers, it’s also ideally suited for the workflow of an occupational therapist. WebPT is ideal for tracking your business, especially if you manage a practice or need to maintain details of a number of OTs, and ensures it’s all filed in one handy place. The software contains a separate user profile for OTs, which loads all of webpt.com the OT-specific items into a client’s account. While it’s designed to be used in the United States, with all OT billing codes and medicare therapy cap-tracking built in, it’s great for tracking test results, like hand and joint tests, a detailed hand and wrist profile, or an ADL profile.

WebPT

Another web-based client programme, CentralReach aims to make data collection from patients as simple as possible, streamlining the complexities of therapy practice management in an easy-to-use app. CentralReach allows for live data collection, clinical notes, EHRs, claims, centralreach.com billing, payroll, and scheduling, all easily accessible from its single dashboard. Because it does not need installed, it can be used by anyone, anywhere, at any time, on any system. The app also has a complementary iOS and Android app, making it easy to use on mobile platforms for the OT on the go. CentralReach is frequently praised for its flexibility of use, and can even track mileage and drive time, and has great customer support should anything go wrong or be too complex. Another app designed for physical therapists, PT Practice Pro is nonetheless excellent practice management software, offering training in documentation, webinars, live online and in person to ensure you’re a pro with this simple but effective software. Rather than being a programme downloaded onto computers, this software is fully web-integrated, meaning it can be accessed both in the office and on the go by any and all members of the team. It encompases a billing, scheduling, documenting and report ptpracticepro.com system, meaning that you won’t have to switch between apps and confuse yourself while registering information or calculating costs. The highly simple and intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone to use. The ability to have multiple windows open at once in this app means it’s also ideal for those who like to multi-task at work.

CentralReach

PT Practice

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:54

40_ot_magazine_jul_aug_18.pdf

28/06/2018

15:12

FREE DOWNLOAD

Get online with the OT app... At The OT Magazine we are always looking for new ways to develop your favourite occupational therapy magazine. Out every two months, the app features all the latest products, in-depth features, industry news, personal proďŹ les and up-to-date information on events and exhibitions that you ďŹ nd in the magazine but you can download it to your mobile phone or tablet to read on the go. The app is available free of charge and can be downloaded now and read at your leisure.

The app in numbers...

27%

screen views

3,812

Users of

Return users

app downloads

* Stats taken from 1st January 2017 until 28th February 2017

app he

34,426

New users

73%

Cushion solutions

The cushion collective Repose Furniture, in conjunction with their in-house OT Kate Sheehan bring you everything you need to know when choosing the right cushions for your client.

ou and your client have decided on a suitable style of chair, job done right? No. The type of cushion you specify for the chair is one of the most important decisions about the chair you will make. So, what do you need to know?

WHY IS THE CUSHION IMPORTANT? When in a seated position the majority of your client’s bodyweight is supported through their buttocks and thighs. If your client can change their position in the chair and is deemed to be low risk of pressure injury then this amount of pressure is unlikely to cause any issues. However, if this is not the case then you will be considering a pressure redistributing cushion as part of the seating solution.

PRESSURE RISK Pressure cushions are provided with the primary purpose of assisting to manage the risk of pressure injury that comes with prolonged sitting. It is critical that you fully understand your clients risk level when it comes to pressure. Take a holistic approach to this, looking at the main factors that increase risk of pressure injury such as age (being over 70 increases risk), reduced mobility, paralysis, obesity, incontinence, poor diet, any medical condition affecting blood supply (such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, kidney failure or heart failure) or affecting movement (such as MS or Parkinson’s). 

Pressure cushions are provided with the primary purpose of assisting to manage the risk of pressure injury that comes with prolonged sitting.

THE BOSTON

-magazine.co.uk

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Cushion solutions TYPES OF CUSHIONS? Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve reviewed these various factors for your client you can finalise the type of cushion they require for their individual needs. The option you choose will depend on your clients risk level and what you are aiming to achieve with the cushion but can include: pocket sprung and reflex foam combination, reflex foam, memory foam, liquid gel with reflex foam combination and manual or air alternating air cushions.

C-AIR

MOBILITY: Can your client move themselves in the chair to redistribute their body weight? How are they going to get out of the chair? Is this by themselves or with someone assisting? Will the cushion make moving around or getting out of the chair easier or more difficult?

For more information on the full range of bespoke seating solutions available from Repose call 0844 7766001, email info@reposefurniture.co.uk or visit reposefurniture.co.uk

Airform Memory Foam 3 x manual air cushions Reflex foam Pressure Risk: High

Coolform Coolform gel Reflex foam Pressure Risk: Medium - High

Celliform Gelacell mesh gel Reflex foam Pressure Risk: Medium - High

41-42_Cushions.indd 42

considerations Other important factors that you need to consider before finalising your cushion choice are:

Also make sure that whichever material you use for the cushion that it is then covered in a fabric that is multi-stretch, breathable, incontinence proof and can be cleaned appropriately. And finally always remember that the cushion is one part of the seating system. The cushion should never be the only strategy in a pressure care plan, nor should the impact that a certain type of cushion has on posture, mobility and moving in and out of the chair be overlooked.

Other

POSTURE: Are they able to maintain a good sitting posture themselves? If not, what postural support is going to be provided? Will the cushion complement this postural support plan and be an integral part of it? INTEGRAL CUSHION: As part of your seating assessment you would have already taken specific measurements of your client to enable you to specify their seat dimensions. If you then place a cushion on top of the seat, sitting them higher up on the chair, it automatically becomes the wrong size for them. Not to mention the risk of the cushion moving whilst the person is sitting on it or whilst transferring in and out of the chair. To ensure none of this happens, always insist on an integral cushion as a part of your seating specification.

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:37

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28/06/2018 15:17

26 & 27 September 2018 SEC, Glasgow 26 & 27 September 2018 • SEC Glasgow

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Visit our OTAC Arena

Scotland’s Largest independent living and disability lifestyle event on 26th & 27th September!

The leading FREE adaptations and equipment based event for Occupational Therapists! Showcasing leading exhibitors plus topical seminars. The OTAC Arena will be a MUSTATTEND area for Independent Living Scotland’s visitors!

Bringing families, friends, carers, communities, healthcare professionals and industry experts together to see and buy the best products available and learn about the latest innovations for the care and lifestyle of people living with a disability.

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28/06/2018 12:58

Assistive Technology

The

Living Testing and developing assistive technology in a real world stituation

lab

he health technology sector is transforming the way we care for people. The advances in science and technology combined with the populationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usage of smartphones and tablets is opening up doors for people to manage their health and care needs more independently and in some cases it is allowing healthcare professionals to access real time patient data. The Barnet and Southgate College Centre of Excellence for Technology CETECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to Enhanced Care (CETEC) is an initiative enhance the assisted living that has recognised the importance sector in health and social of advancements in telehealth and care and the technology industry... telecare and is focused on providing training and education for health and social care providers to advance their knowledge of how health technology can be incorporated into care pathways. The consultancy arm of CETEC will enable and encourage collaborative working and joint bids for funding, create and implement policies to aid the implementation of assisted living and develop new technologies to

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 10:38

Assistive Technology

cater to the needs of the client. Working with both the private and public sector, CETEC will research, develop and test new technologies with the aim of increasing patient independence and relieving a pressured health service.

Barnet and Southgate College’s flagship developments, the Centre of Excellence for LLDD (learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities). Using these links, we can pair the key movers in future innovation the staff, teachers, relatives and students with disabilities - with technology companies and NHS commissioners responsible for developing and designing new ways of care delivery.”

Firsa Sarhan, director of CETEC, told The OT Magazine: “CETEC’s mission is to enhance the assisted living sector in health and social care and the technology industry by promoting close understanding The Living Lab will lend itself and partnership working between as a platform for teaching all parties involved in the and assessment, it will also be implementation of technology available for carers or individuals enhanced care to ensure that that need to understand these products are developed which LIVING LAB: The Living Lab offers a platform to see technologies to maintain their meet clinical, commercial and how assistive technologies are used independence, or for empowering patients’ needs and create a forum patients to manage their own condition. It will provide that promotes networking between participants to an insight into how assisted living technologies are allow beneficial collaboration.” used in the home, demonstrating their benefits to CETEC recently opened the Living Lab, the purpose those who work in the health and social care industry. of which is two-fold. It is firstly considered as an Firas goes on to explain: “The CETEC Living Lab innovation platform where partners (industry, endis a place where assistive technology is being users, service providers and academics) develop and exhibited, researched and developed for educational exchange ideas to solve issues related to health and and commercial purposes. This environment also social care (including nursing and elderly care). The supports the ability to assess individual’s suitability for second purpose of the Living Lab is as a test bed technology use. As the facility offers observation bays for new technologies, where the developer can test where clients could be observed conducting activities innovative products within the physical environment of daily living.” and with the appropriate cohort to carry out The Living Lab will ultimately allow CETEC to develop a evaluations of the prototype equipment in a close to network of care professionals, industry experts and end real world setting prior to launching to the market. users (patients) to provide training and consultancy to Firas recently released a blog that explained the idea meet specific clinical needs, as well as support research behind the Living Lab and here he further touches on and education into assisted living technology. its distinctive concept: “The uniqueness of CETEC lies in the physical facilities of the Living Lab, together with CETEC’s important and close links with another of 46

45-46_TheLivingLab.indd 46

For more information visit barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/cetec.

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:39

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Crelling Harnesses Ltd. Tel: 01253 852298

Email: info@crelling.com

www.crelling.com

Crelling Harnesses manufacture a full range of special needs harnesses suitable for use on all kinds of equipment including wheelchairs, buggies, scooters, shower chairs, bathing equipment, stair lifts and seats in cars, buses and aircraft etc. The vehicle harnesses are designed to be worn in conjunction with the existing safety belts to provide additional postural support and/or to offer a certain degree of restraint when used for those passengers with behavioural problems or learning difficulties.

We make simple belts and full supportive harnesses for all kinds of special needs, including challenging behaviour

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28/06/2018 12:58

R TE REE GIS R F RE FO W NO

THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SHOW...

Access over 80 hours of free CPD Learn from world-class speakers and experts in their field Network with thousands of colleagues and peers Get practical advice and share best practice Update knowledge across all therapy areas Research and source new products and services Hear industry and regulation updates Have fun. Be inspired

21st and 22nd Nov 2018 NEC Birmingham

www.theotshow.com/OTmag Welcoming

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The OT Show

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L-R: Dawn Hales, Expert Witness & Independent OT • Colin Jones, Independent & Lead OT • Ruth Gwynn-Thomas, OT Intermediate Care

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3961 - OT Show18 - A4 advert 180413.indd 1

28/06/2018 12:58 13/04/2018 12:43:32

INDUSTRY EVENT

The OT Show 2018 The OT Show welcomes the Royal College of Occupational Therapists

he Occupational Therapy Show team is delighted to announce that the professional body for occupational therapy, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), will be opening The Occupational Therapy Show 2018. Julia Scott, Chief Executive of RCOT will deliver the opening speech in the OT Keynote Theatre, on Wednesday 21 November at 9:15am, Hall 9 and 10 NEC, Birmingham. As the professional body for occupational therapy: the RCOT’s latest insights and innovations from practice, research and education will be available to delegates throughout the show from their stand K38. The Occupational Therapy Show, in its sixth year this year, is the UKs largest OT dedicated show. It is a key date in all OT professionals’ diaries and welcomes over 4,700 visitors over two days. Delegates will benefit from completely free access to over 80 hours of CPD, as well as the opportunity to view all the latest innovations from over 270 OT centred suppliers. Chief executive of RCOT, Julia Scott says: “We’re looking forward to opening the Occupational Therapy Show 2018 and meeting fellow professionals to talk about all the latest insights and developments in occupational therapy.” Matthew Butler, managing director, Healthcare Portfolio, CloserStill Media said: “This is an exciting time for us all. Having RCOT opening the ahow this year is an honour for The Occupational Therapy Show, and we look forward to welcoming them. “The team running The Occupational Therapy Show have been responsible for running some of the UK’s fastest growing events over the last two decades. Our combined experience,

THE OT SHOW: Last year’s attendees took advantage of a wide-range of features

This is an exciting time for us all. Having RCOT opening the Show this year is an honour for The Occupational Therapy Show, and we look forward to welcoming them.” sector knowledge and significant commercial and marketing resources will be focused on delivering for both exhibitors and the audiences for these powerful brands.” With more professionals expected to attend, there’ll be more people to speak to and more people to learn from for everyone, as well as an even bigger and more varied trade exhibition. Regarding the lecture programme, there will be a greater selection of world-class speakers to see, including some of the biggest names in their respective fields: Julia Scott (Chief Executive, Royal College of Occupational Therapists), Professor Sue Baptiste, (COPM author), Dr Ida Kahlin (Senior Lecturer, Linkoping University) plus many more. They will be presenting an array of engaging topics from moving and handling, mental health, governances,

paediatrics, housing and neurology in practice, with hours of CPD accredited education available. Ensuring there is something for everyone, they will also be tailoring their sessions to their specific OT audiences. In addition, The Occupational Therapy Show will have one of the most extensive trade exhibitions that the industry has seen for years. Already there are new exhibitors booked, meaning there will be much more for everyone to see. Delegates will be able to access on-stand learning and witness live demonstrations from product experts and digital specialists. You will have the chance to ask your own questions and seek bespoke advice in order to find the most appropriate equipment for you and truly maximise your return on investment. Plus, there will be some fantastic show-only offers available as well as exciting new product launches that ensure you remain at the very forefront of the profession. For this and more, make sure you don’t miss The Occupational Therapy Show 2018.

FREE passes VISIT: theotshow.com DATE 21 and 22 November 2018 VENUE: NEC, Birmingham

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:55

Smart Glove

TEC HNOLOGY

Game on What may look like a fancy video game controller is actually stateof-the-art therapy software that could pave the way for a new type of treatment for patients post-stroke or hand injury therapy.

ou would be forgiven for thinking the RAPAEL Smart Glove was some kind of prop from the famed Terminator series, but what resembles the Terminator’s endoskeleton is in fact a revolutionary new digital rehabilitation tool, designed to help stroke patients and those requiring digital and wrist-related therapies. Designed by Neofect, the Smart Glove is one of the latest tools to emerge from the burgeoning South Korean tech market. It’s a highly specialised piece of equipment, with a kind of similarity to video game peripherals – in fact, children of the 80s may notice its similarities to the “so bad it’s good” Nintendo Power Glove controller. Unlike the Power Glove, it actually works, for a start, and is a hyper-modern technology: it sports a nine-axis movement sensor, bending sensors, and 32-bit microcontrollers. The Smart Glove works similarly to the Power Glove, in that it “gameifies” the process of rehabilitation. It connects to an app, through which patients are encouraged to play

50_SmartGlove.indd 50

games which are designed to engage and target the area in which they require rehabilitation. One game has them throwing darts and flexing their fingers, while another has them chopping vegetables and using repetitive radial wrist movements. There are many exercises in the form of games which the user can try, and the process of using the Smart Glove emphasises the user’s personal experience; it’s all about finding the game, and therefore the exercise, which works best for them. The gameification aspect encourages fun, and uses bright, colourful environments and also pushes the patient using levels and points, which not only has them moving forward towards a goal, but allows them to track their progress and compare it.

have been implemented to examine the effectiveness of the Smart Glove, and they’ve shown that it can make a real difference in helping to speed up patient recovery, and have concluded that combining virtual reality-based rehabilitation with standard occupational therapy may be more effective than conventional methods in improving distal upper extremity function and health-related quality of life. The Smart Glove’s only real downside is its price: in the USA, it’s $99 per month for patient home use, and costs a whopping $15,000 for clinics or health centres to purchase. But how can you put a price on improved quality of life?

A number of studies and trials

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:43

Introducing the all new MemRabel 2i is a simple tool to help people stay connected and a brilliant aid for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. A short video, photo or voice memo from a family member or friend can make a world of difference. Now it’s real simple using MemRabel 2i. For people unable to use a Smartphone either from age, disability or medical condition, the idea of viewing phone messages or video calls is a non-reality. MemRabel 2i will automatically play your personalised message on the 6¾” x 4¾” video screen. ● Record and send video reminders to MemRabel 2i ● Record and send voice memos to MemRabel 2i ● Take photos, add text and send to MemRabel 2i With MemRabel 2i you can create and send reminder memory prompting alarms, send greetings, videos, photos and calendar appointments over the internet using the MemRabel 2i Smartphone APP.

Visit our website www.medpage-ltd.com Give us a call 01536 264 869

RISE 4 Disability 2018

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Identify, describe and guide the treatment of motor impairment

Movement ABC-2 Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (Movement ABC-2) provides you with the tools you need to assist in identifying children who have motor function impairment. The kit includes the full assessment battery for children ages 3-16 and a checklist for those ages 5–12. Use the Movement ABC-2 to: Identify delay or impairment in motor development Plan intervention programs

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X791a

Measure change as a result of intervention

6/12/18 9:41 AM

28/06/2018 12:58

All the latest from the world of paediatrics

n o i t c e S Getting outdoors

p55

he great outdoors is essentially on our doorstep, no matter where you live in the UK there will be access to a green space close by. Whether that be a local park, a nearby forest or open fields and meadows if you live in the countryside. Exploring the great outdoors offers opportunities for purposeful occupations and allows children to connect to nature. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world where young people can be glued to screens, outdoor intervention can be a vital reminder to them of the benefits of nature and fresh air. Turn to page 58 to read more on this.

p58

We speak to Newlife, the charity for disabled children, about the amazing work they do to provide children with life-changing equipment when they need it most, read more about this charity on page 55. We also speak with the dynamic duo behind an innovative tube feeding solution for people of all ages. The TubieeGo is the brainchild of Jenni Calcraft and Mim Oldershaw who have combined their expertise to produce a stylish range of bags and rucksacks that discreetly house a feeding bag allowing people to access tube feeding on the go. Take a look at page 62 to discover more. You will also find the usual array of handy products on page 60 and a focus on a mesmerising portable sensory room with interchangeable themes that kids will love on page 64. ď ľ

p62

p64

Read on to find out more... -magazine.co.uk

53_PaediatricsIntro.indd 53

28/06/2018 10:48

Why

have a

stairlift when you can have a real lift?

E UNIQU R LOO THRU-F M SYSTE

Designed to make your life easier when stairs start to become too much, a Stiltz domestic lift will easily fit into any home. Often chosen as an alternative to cumbersome and unattractive stairlifts, a Stiltz Lift will transport 2 people comfortably so you can transform your life without moving home. A Stiltz Lift is packed with sensors to keep everyone safe, it also plugs straight into a domestic socket, runs very quietly and uses less energy than a toaster!

• Order direct from manufacturer • Cost-effective • Installs in a day* • Fully guaranteed • Small footprint • Flexible positioning options • Advanced safety features • Battery back up • Wheelchair model available • Fast track delivery * Based on installing a Duo Homelift (as shown) in pre-prepared aperture.

Call FREE 0808 278 0960 For a no obligation survey or for a brochure. Or visit www.stiltz.co.uk

Adverts_OT-Iss23.indd 54

28/06/2018 12:59

Newlife

Section

The Charity for Disabled Children For some, getting life-saving and life-altering equipment can be a struggle, both in terms of validity and finances. The charity Newlife’s goal is to remove that struggle for everyone.

ewlife is the UK’s leading charitable provider of essential equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illnesses. The charity works in a wide range of fields, with nurses who support families and researchers who are dedicated to improving children’s health, with 100% of their money raised through campaigning or donation put towards the purchase of essential or life-saving equipment for children. With around one million disabled and terminally ill children in the UK, many rely on Newlife to get the equipment they need to ensure their children have the quality of life they deserve, which may otherwise have been refused by statutory services, or have been delayed in their provision, requiring the child to suffer unnecessarily. In the last 12 months, Newlife has spent £2.2 million on over 2500 children who were in need of disability equipment. The charity’s Emergency Equipment Loan service is the only one of its kind in the UK, and ensures that children at significant risk of injury, or those unable to wait for life-saving equipment, receive what they need when it cannot be provided by other means. The charity aims

to deliver this within 72 hours of receiving supporting information from a qualified statutory-employed professional. “Grant applications to Newlife have doubled in the last five years,” said Carrick Brown, senior care services manager for Newlife.

“Most of the applications we receive are for essential equipment, despite there being a clear statutory obligation to fund A high proportion this. We are regularly told by families that their disabled child isn’t disabled professionals enough for local support.

of supporting applications to fund equipment in the last year say they applied to charity’s, instead of the local authority...

“A high proportion of professionals supporting applications to fund equipment in the last year say they applied to charity’s, instead of the local authority, because of the bureaucracy and inevitable delays in funding which is detrimental to a child’s health and wellbeing.” For OTs, the service is an ideal way to provide children with the lifesaving equipment they need when parents or other providers may struggle to attain the equipment needed to ensure optimal quality of life.

CASE STUDIES ON NEXT PAGE

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 10:52

Section

Newlife

The Charity for Disabled Children

HUSNA ADNAN Two-year-old Husna Adnan from Lancashire has spent her entire life in hospital. She was born with a mitochondrial disorder and is unable to move by herself. She needs oxygen to help her breathe and has a permanent tube into her stomach that provides the food she needs. Despite having access to an extensive care package on her discharge from hospital, her local council refused to provide a specialist bed for her at home, so she was forced to stay as an in-patient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. Now, thanks to Newlife, Husna has been able to go home for the first time and spend the time that she has at home with her parents, her older sister and brother. Her mum Nargas said: “Having Husna home with her family is really important for us all, especially to her brother and sister who weren’t able to spend a lot of time with her when she was in hospital.” Carrick said: “The impact of demand for essential equipment means we have limited funds for non-essential, life enhancing equipment that would enable a child with disabilities to develop their independence, confidence and pursue their own ambitions, despite this being fundamental to our own aims. “Funds that are gained by very kind supporters are needed to help those children most in need first, meaning that all too often we have to direct families to other organisations for support. “One area, however, where Newlife is able to support holistic opportunities for children with disabilities is through its Play Therapy Pod service which is free to families, and developed to support the physical, intellectual and social development skills of children from birth up to 19 years old.” Each pod includes around £300 worth of specialist toys, selected by a play specialist and designed to support development from birth through to age 19. Families can apply direct to Newlife for a pod, which is completely free and provided on-loan to families for 12 weeks at a time. Applications for all Newlife’s Care Services can be found at newlifecharity.co.uk/apply

55-56_Newlife.indd 56

ROWAN CROCKFORD Three-year-old Rowan Crockford has cerebral palsy. He can’t walk, has poor eyesight, epilepsy and no concept of danger. He frequently throws himself over the sides of his cot and gets his arms and legs stuck in the bars. Despite Rowan’s obvious complex health issues his local council say his condition isn’t serious enough for them to provide a specialist bed. His OT got in touch with Newlife, who recognised the immediate risk Rowan was facing every night and stepped in to provide a specialist bed, robust enough to withstand the physical demands of his conditions and with high padded sides so he couldn’t get trapped. Carrick said: “Through our Emergency Equipment Loan service we’re able to provide a short-term solution for the families who are often at breaking point. The loans of equipment in the main last for six months, during which time our care services team work closely with the professionals involved in the child’s care to secure long-term provision through child-centred collaboration. “While delivering an emergency response to individual children, we are also actively providing professionals with the opportunity to gain reassurance regarding the suitability of equipment specifications that could meet long-term needs – and also help improve the quality of local services by supporting service managers to build business cases for the inclusion of similar types of specialist, and often modular, equipment for local use by desperate families. “We also receive a lot of calls to our freephone National Nurse Helpline (0800 902 0095) from health service OTs for emergency beds and buggies so children can be discharged from hospital into communities.”

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:53

Fully profiling

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Simple, Effortless, Cost Saving, Turning Solution

Turning action

Arctic Turning Bed

High / Low Individual leg movements Trendelenburg & reverse trendelenburg Hand free turning

The Arctic reduces the time and effort it takes reposition. No need to be woken as the overnight automatic turning allows both carer and patient an improved night sleep. Gently at the touch of a button, and without the need for physical movement, a patient can manoeuvre themselves into a comfortable position. In the warmth and comfort of familiar surroundings patients are given back their independence when they may otherwise have needed constant care in hospital or a home.

Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people of and to experience exciting, challenging, and enjoyable accessible activity holidays with family and friends.

At our five star, fully accessible residential centre on the edge of Exmoor National Park all activities and facilities are specifically designed and equipped to cater for everyone. Stay with us for a few days, a week, or just for the day; however long you’re here you’ll discover CAN

T: 01233 635353 E: sales@centrobed.com www.centrobed.com

THE NEW ELECTRIC HI-LO BASE •

Our new electric hi-lo base allows for tool and stress free height adjustments, increased maximum user weight and is available on three of our most popular chairs; Brookfield, Indigo and Strato.

•

It uses a powerful actuator providing a smooth lifting and descending motion using the easy to use hand held remote. The power box on the side allows for easy charging from any mains socket.

•

The new base also facilitates excellent maneuverability for use between the classrooms and now being tool free it is easy to adjust to the different desk and working heights from room to room.

Prices start from £1219 (for a chair + hi-lo base)

smirthwaite | email us info@smirthwaite.co.uk | call us 01626 835552

Adverts_OT-Iss23.indd 57

28/06/2018 12:59

Heading Section here

The

great

Outdoors

It’s becoming increasingly harder to pull the younger generations away from their screens but early outdoor intervention can help.

ith new technology coming out our ears, it is easy to get caught up in the new fads and research detailing and praising the benefits it can bring to your case load. While we are lucky to live in a great age of communication and accessibility, experts are constantly reminding us to unplug, disconnect and step away and out into the real world. The ‘devils of social media and technology’ drum has been beaten to death without really exploring what other options are on offer and how they can benefit your clients, particularly your young and impressionable ones. And with the

58-59_Outdoor-Kids.indd 58

weather finally giving us reason to smile, it is the perfect time to try out some of the best outdoor interventions for kids and help them remember early that there is life away from YouTube. While the great outdoors opens a new world of opportunities to achieve goals set and support and satisfy purposeful occupations, connecting with nature fulfils our most basic human needs. The sunshine is known to boost our moods, fresh air alone revitalises us and gives us a renewed sense of confidence and calmness, helping us let go of anxieties and boost self-esteem. American OT company Outdoor Kids Occupational Therapy operate through their “Con-TGO” model,

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 14:57

Heading Section here which has been heavily influenced by the space for personal growth that is as expansive as the wide world of the outdoors. OKOT’s practice is broken down into three core principles; connection with others, transformation through therapy and great outdoors. All three principles surround the importance of children making connections not only in important relationships but with nature. The “Con” element heads up the strategy with the company’s four OTs first looking at connection with others. Our world is determined and moulded by our personal web of relationships. Our moods, security and all depend on who we are surrounded by and who we put our trust into. OKOT state on their website: “We believe children need friends or family in therapy, not just the therapist. Children learn best with friends and family, as this helps them carry over skills into their daily lives. Our therapists always provide direct OT intervention in small groups of two to five children and our individual OT services are provided via Parent Coaching.”

to help your child and family to feel daily life is easier and more enjoyable.” “GO” stands for the great outdoors. At an elementary level, the outdoors provides the most basic yet diverse setting for occupational therapy. Children learning through play and connecting with nature is a standard part of childhood play. The California-based service say: “We believe children need more time to play in nature. “Nature provides health benefits that are truly impossible to replicate in any indoor therapy setting. Mental clarity, peacefulness, attentiveness, and cardiovascular health are just a few of the benefits research has proven are offered by nature. The natural world inspires children’s internal drive to explore, challenge their bodies, be creative, and have fun while building skills.

Nature provides “Indoor OT clinic spaces are full of health benefits therapy equipment: plastic balance swings, tactile bins, monkey that are truly beams, bars, rock climbing walls, foam impossible to mats, and more. In Con-T-GO we balance on logs, lift replicate in any groups, large sticks and rocks to build forts, indoor therapy set up and ride on tree swings, play in real mud and water, climb trees setting. and boulders, roll down hills, and

Secondly, OKOT believe in transformation through therapy, employing the core elements of nature to support progress. The rudimentals of sensory processing can be met in wooded areas with numerous textures, fragrances, noises and shapes and colours making up the landscapes. The differences between haggard and smooth surfaces and wet and sticky to dry areas could open up children struggling with a sensory disorder to the idea of discovery through touch and help settle any upsets. They say: “We believe children’s occupational therapy is transformative for families...especially when offered in the natural world.

more! “Best of all, your child can access nature at any time with you- no special clinic space needed- so carryover of skills to daily life happens more naturally.” Do you explore nature with your younger clients? Get in touch and let us know your story by emailing colette@2apublishing.co.uk. outdoorkidsot.com

“Our therapists specialize in combining OT intervention with the power of nature to accelerate your child’s progress toward goals. We listen to you to set treatment goals that truly matter to your family. Our therapy groups use the latest research in sensory integration, motor learning, and neuroscience, to be most effective in helping your child build the skills necessary for success at school, home, and life. We want

-magazine.co.uk

58-59_Outdoor-Kids.indd 59

28/06/2018 11:02

Product Focus

As part of our Paediatrics Section, we take a look at the products on the market that can help improve the lives of your younger patients.

Sensory Wall Panels 03333 443370 | costcuttersuk.com These colourful wall panels brighten up any room and encourage children to engage with the movable parts, developing and improving their fine motor and coordination skills. Easily affixed to most walls at a perfect height for children to access. Available in various designs.

New Hi-lo Base 01626 835552 | smirthwaite.co.uk Smirthwaite have launched their new stylish and simple electric hi-lo base that can be used with Brookfield, Indigo and Strato chairs. It uses a powerful actuator for a smooth lifting and descending motion to move the user to the desired working height. This powerful base also increases the max user weight on all three chairs.

60-61_KidsProducts.indd 60

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 10:48

Bearhugzzz Bed 01978 820 714 | kinderkey.co.uk The unique Bearhugzzz bed provides a soft, yet strong and safe environment for sleep, play and relaxation. Now available on a height-adjustable platform, it also has an option for four-part profiling. Suitable for vulnerable children and adults, it is designed to accommodate the needs of people with autism, Angelman syndrome, epilepsy, challenging behaviour and multiple learning difficulties.

Leapfrog Letter Band Phonics Jam smythstoys.com Children can explore letters and music with Tad and his letter band by pressing the letter buttons to hear them sing their names and letter sounds. Tactile, bright and loud, it supports children with sensory, learning and verbal development in a fun, exciting and musical way.

This 58-card deck encourages children to move around and get used to their body

Move Your Body! Fun Deck taskmasteronline.co.uk | 01869 366159 This 58-card deck encourages children to move around and get used to their body, encouraging movement and flexibility while reinforcing strength, balance, coordination and motor planning. The pack contains a number of game ideas, which brings lots of variety to the pack, and the deck comes inside a strong storage tin to protect it.

Magic Rainbow Ball Puzzle Cube Fidget amazon.co.uk The rainbow ball is a ball with 12 holes and 11 little balls. The smaller colourful balls can be moved around using the empty hole, to jumble and solve the puzzle. It helps improve childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logical ability to judge and patience but is also an effective decompression tool.

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 10:49

Heading Section here

TUBIEEGO

FEEDING on the go Jenni Calcraft and Mim Oldershaw are the brains behind a new innovative feeding solution for children and adults who are tube fed.

enni’s son was born with additional health needs and it became apparent when he was two that he had an uncoordinated swallow. He was admitted to hospital and became tube fed. When his pump bag arrived it was so bulky that he fell over backwards as soon as he put it on. Jenni quickly realised that he was more disabled by the bag itself than by the tube feeding. She adapted a bag for him which was much more compact and toddler friendly, and TubieeGo was born. Jenni realised that the TubieeGo

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was a great solution for tube feeding and knew that many people would benefit from it, but she didn’t have the capacity to build a business on her own. Enter Mim. Mim was one of Jenni’s friends and was a nurse with professional experience of tube feeding, and she also had a passion for textiles. A perfect business partner. Mim was equally excited about the venture and the TubieeGo team now has a unique mix of both professional and personal tube feeding experience, which both Jenni and Mim recognise has been invaluable as

Jenni realised that the TubieeGo was a great solution for tube feeding and knew that many people would benefit from it, but she didn’t have the capacity to build a business on her own.

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Section the products and business have developed.

Although it has been a difficult process the duo have put in hard work and passion and the journey has been worth it.

The Alternative Nutrition companies provide bags to carry the pump and feed, and while these bags are functional, they do look like medical kit bags and can be rather bulky. The TubieeGo gives the user a choice to match their individual style and combines it with functionality. Each toddler, teenager and adult will require very different bags for their tube feeding needs, that individuality and choice is now available to people through TubieeGo.

guide us in the right direction. Our perseverance has paid off as we are now seeing our TubieeGo bags literally change the lives of children and adults who are tube-fed, and that is great motivation to get us through any future challenges.”

Jenni admits the process of creating the TubieeGo insert and bag was a learning curve and took a lot of trial and error: “We tried many different methods of holding the feed containers in the bags but realising that we could elasticate the feed onto a removable perspex insert was a bit of a ‘eureka’ moment! Our TubieeGo insert is now extremely versatile as it can hold any feed container used by the three nutrition companies in the UK, plus it is easy to use and is simply poppered into a bag with a few simple adaptations to the bag itself.” They have produced a versatile range for all ages and to complement individual styles: “We have chosen to use high quality branded bags for our Readymade Range as we feel that inclusive fashion is really important. If you need to wear a rucksack all day, everyday you want to have some choice over what it looks like. The chances are that you’ll want a highstreet option rather than a medical bag. We adapt the bags to hold our TubieeGo insert and then sell them for our customers to enjoy.” They also offer a bespoke service where they can adapt a person’s favourite bag to accommodate the TubieeGo insert and feeding tube hole – they have even adapted a Stella McCartney bag.

Although it has been a difficult process the duo have put in hard work and passion and the journey has been worth it as they can now see their product transforming people’s lives: “It has been overwhelming at times and there have been many challenges along the way but we have thoroughly enjoyed it! As a nurse and a physiotherapist our backgrounds are in clinical practice and yet we have independently created, developed, tested, manufactured, marketed and now started selling a product. It has been a fascinating and exciting learning experience for us both. “Thankfully, we have met a lot of people along the way who have given us their time and expertise to

The TubieeGo seems to be filling a gap in the market and Jenni and Mim can already see the positive reception the product is getting from users: “The reactions have been amazingly positive because our bags are not only attractive, they are also vastly changing the quality of life for individuals and families. We’ve had numerous reports of toddlers who were previously unable to move around during feeds now having the freedom to play and get on with being a toddler which is so essential to their development and also family life. And one young adult on continuous feeds recently sent us a photo of herself looking great at a music gig wearing her bespoke bag. It’s been wonderful to see the positive impact our products are having.” Jenni and Mim hope that their bags will ease some of the burden of being tube fed through better functionality than the standard issue bags. They recognise how important the appearance and stylistic choice are to an individual’s sense of wellbeing and hope that TubieeGo will bring individuality to people who are tube fed, plus a little bit of fun along the way.

MORE INFO For more information visit tubieego.com.

-magazine.co.uk

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Section

SENSORY PODS

Sensory

Adventures

We discover more about the portable, inflatable sensory rooms with interchangeable themes that are capturing childrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; imaginations. ď ľ

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Section

deal for children with sensory impairments, autism, learning difficulties and those who require a calming space, these PODS can be inflated in just 40 seconds to offer an instant safe and calming space for a child. The sensory lighting creates a unique space and the user can change the colour, brightness, light changing speed and can switch them off completely by the use of a remote control. The fun themes include a magical princess palace, a galactic space adventure, an underwater theme and more are currently being considered for the range. The great thing about these PODS is that depending on what mood the child is in you can change the theme easily. This also makes it very appealing for use in a hospital setting and in nurseries or schools where it would be utilised by many different children with different likes and requirements. Simple and quick to set up and to deflate, it fits in its own backpack and can be transported, taken on holiday or moved from room to room with ease. The PODS only require a 2m x 2m space to inflate in and the front opening has been designed to allow a wheelchair access and the space inside allows plenty of space for turning.

LEARNING PODS These magical tents are also designed to stimulate learning and offer a space that is conducive to creative thinking, role play and reading. Having their own personal space can be very important to a child and having one that provides them with the opportunity to become creative and innovative and the freedom to safely express themselves can help with development and life skills. These spaces can encourage children to tackle homework, to read their favourite books, to take time out when they feel stressed or angry or to simply play with their toys and feed their imagination. Visit: podsplay.com

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 14:59

NHS Wheelchair Services

The long delay

Clive Gilbert examines the failures of the NHS’s wheelchair service

Words by Clive Gilbert

n July 2015 Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson spearheaded the launch of a new charter to improve NHS Wheelchair Services: “For too long wheelchair services have been inadequate and it is time that wheelchair users are listened to and provided a proper service, rather than being marginalised. The huge variation in quality of services across the UK is astounding and means a huge proportion of wheelchair users are left immobilised, frustrated and ignored.” Around 1.2 million people – 2% of the UK population – are thought to use a wheelchair, half of whom rely on the NHS Wheelchair Service to meet their mobility needs. “NHS Wheelchair Services are hideously underfunded,” says Alex Rankin, Director of Services at spinal injuries charity Aspire. “The lack of funding causes long delays in accepting referrals and carrying out assessments, which means that wheelchair users are waiting unacceptably long periods before getting their chairs.”

within 18 weeks but NHS figures show that 30% are waiting more than six months and many struggle on for even longer. The NHS has pledged to halve the number of children waiting more than 18 weeks by April this year and eliminate overly long waits for everyone in 2019. However, a spate of reports suggest that the service is making little progress on these

Around 1.2 million people - 2% of the UK population - are thought to use a wheelchair, half of whom rely on the NHS Wheelchair Service to meet their mobility needs.”

goals and may be deteriorating. An analysis published in the Health Service Journal last year found that 7,200 people between October and December 2016 had to wait 19 or more weeks. The delays were lengthening, with those with the greatest needs experiencing the most protracted waits. When the wheelchair is finally delivered, many find that it does not meet their needs. According to a survey of first time wheelchair users commissioned by the Back Up Trust, 24% of wheelchair service clients bought a second wheelchair because their first one was uncomfortable. A further 50% said they had purchased a replacement after their needs had changed. The Trust notes that

Wheelchair services in England are overseen by local clinical commissioning groups, GP-led bodies that shape and allocate funding to health services in their areas. The NHS Constitution guarantees access to a wheelchair

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NHS Wheelchair Services services sometimes waste time and money by overlooking assessments conducted by specialist clinicians and often supply wheelchairs that only meet people’s basic mobility needs, ignoring how the equipment they are providing influences other aspects of the person’s identity. Poor wheelchair provision can have profound consequences for the lives of disabled people. It is estimated that up to half of all wheelchair users will develop a pressure ulcer at some point during their life caused by an unsuitable chair. For those with mobility impairments, a wheelchair can be a passport to social inclusion, enabling them to participate in family life, pursue an education, socialise with friends and forge a career. Shoddy services risk leaving people stranded, both physically and figuratively as they become stuck in their own homes with few places to turn to for alternative support. Some people are forced to resort to purchasing a wheelchair with their own money. However, with the cost of many models ranging from between £2,000 to £25,000 – plus any maintenance fees that might need to be paid during the lifetime of the chair – this is not always a realistic option. A growing number of people are turning to crowdfunding websites to raise the necessary cash. An investigation by The Guardian newspaper revealed that JustGiving saw a fourfold increase from £365,000 to £1.8 million between 2015 and 2016 for amounts raised for wheelchairs. This phenomenon was highlighted at the British Medical Association’s annual meeting last year when Junior Doctor Hannah Barham-Brown spoke about her struggles with the Wheelchair Service as a medical student. Doctor Barham-Brown, who has a rare genetic condition, was forced to wait six months for the NHS to provide her with a wheelchair that was unsuitable before raising funds online. These inadequacies are not new. A paper trail of the Wheelchair

Calls for national standards which might level out some of the uneven provision across the country continues to go unheeded. “ Service’s problems stretches back at least two decades when in 2000 the government’s Audit Commission reported on ‘unexplained variations in all aspects of service provision’ which bore little relation to the needs of local people. Since then, a stream of reports commissioned by public bodies and charities has called on government to reduce waiting times, improve assessments by making sure that they engage with people’s social as well as clinical needs and offer people more choice. There are signs that policymakers are starting to afford Wheelchair Service the attention they desperately need. Baroness Grey-Thompson’s involvement in recent years has lent a high-profile voice to a cause that has often been sidelined. In 2015/16 the NHS belatedly started to collect and publish data on the performance of Wheelchair Services in a bid to promote greater transparency and better results for wheelchair users. Personal wheelchair budgets have been introduced to give people more control over the purse strings, allowing them to select the wheelchair that will most help them to lead an independent life. However, there have also been further setbacks. A decision to transfer responsibility for funding specialist wheelchair services for people with the most complex needs from the national to local

level has resulted in fragmentation and placed the service in direct competition with other health care spending priorities. This has worsened the postcode lottery as local clinical commissioning groups spend varying amounts on the provision of wheelchairs. Calls for national standards which might level out some of the uneven provision across the country continues to go unheeded. The underfunding of wheelchair services has been shown to be counterproductive. For every 182 wheelchair users out of work, the government benefits bill can inflate to up to £1 million, whereas their economic contribution when in work can be up to £4.7 million. Expect little to change until the NHS learns to do its sums right.

About Clive Clive is a freelance writer and researcher with a particular interest in social policy, disability and technology. An expert on a range of policy areas that affect the lives of disabled people, Clive works with government and charities to improve services while chronicling the latest developments through his writing. He is the editor of dispATches assistive technology newsletter, you can read this at designability.org.uk/readassistive-technology-news

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28/06/2018 15:01

STUDENT L I F E

A joint

effort The project During the second year of our three-year course at the University of Southampton, one of our modules involved the incorporating of design principles with regards to occupational therapy. This includes aspects such as the design of the environment, architecture, sports and exercise, bespoke products and animal therapy. We were tasked with forming a group, which encompassed the three of us and we worked closely with a service user who provided feedback throughout the project. We were given the opportunity to work with the hand therapy department at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Hampshire to design an aid, tool or information packet that would enable service users with inflammatory arthritis to formulate better coping strategies and encourage self-management and education.

Design process Occupational therapy students at the University of Southampton, Bridget Crowley, Hannah Gibbs and Aiesha Ramsey embarked on a project to produce a self-management guide for young people diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. Here they share their experience and the success of the project. 

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The design of the leaflet was initially inspired by Rosie Norman, an OT at the Queen Alexandra Hospital who expressed that patients would benefit from self-management education before seeing a therapist, due to the long waiting lists. Additionally, when they are given an appointment; they are usually presented with a box of “dated” joint protection tools, which consists of mainly jam jar openers and information literature aimed at older people, with the front covers using people of a more advanced age - our design mentor did mention that she didn’t have access to sources directed at younger people.

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Student Life

Much of the self-management literature provided is often directed towards older generations and is weighted with statistics and medical jargon. When designing the layout of the leaflet we used feedback from those with arthritis and from young people to influence the outcome of the leaflet.

Aim of project The aim of the project was to design a selfmanagement guide for younger people (18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;35 years) diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis who were on a waiting list to see an occupational therapist at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. This was to introduce the concept of self-management and the importance of this when living with a long-term chronic condition before meeting a therapist. It was designed to assist in the dynamic process of making lifestyle changes and incorporating coping strategies to the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life in light of their diagnosis. We wanted to provide a holistic approach, involving occupational, medical and mental health perspectives, to inform the reader about how their life may change with their new diagnosis and make suggestions about how to adapt and manage their long-term condition.

Reflections When designing the self-management guide, we found that although there is a plethora of research and information on arthritis, it was still a variable and diverse disorder that affects people in many different ways. This highlighted the importance of incorporating service user

experiences and feedback, particularly as none of us have personal experiences with this disease. As training occupational therapists, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of our mantra and education to involve the service users continually and collaboratively throughout the process of treatment, as they are the experts on themselves. The world is becoming more technological and gone are the days of searching through catalogues for equipment. We want to highlight that a diagnosis of a long-term condition does not mean life is now over, it just now needs some modification with a little trial-and-error to each individual. Self-management techniques can now include more technological perspectives and should take advantage of programmes like free apps that can be downloaded on smart phones and tablets.

Future considerations We are currently in talks with Arthritis Research UK who have expressed interest in our guide and potentially using our work as a future publication and resource for the general public and in hospitals, as they are at a stage of amalgamating their patient education leaflets. We would like to work with this organisation to further highlight arthritis as a disease among younger populations and reach more people to expand awareness. We would like to acknowledge the supervision and guidance of Ros ie Norman (OT) at Queen Alexandra Hospita l and Maggie Bracher (OT/ lecturer at The University of Southampton).

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 11:16

u o y a r c e g o n f i k a T

Here, Katie Margetts from Roots Therapies talks about the importance of finding time for yourself

Fuel up

Eat more veggies, eat more fruit and drink more water and herbal teas. Try keeping a food diary for a week and then reflecting on it in order to plan changes you wish to make. Full disclosure: when I kept a food diary I was shocked by my sugar intake, and now make a conscience effort to monitor it. Get to know where your food has derived from and if you eat meat get to know about the welfare of that animal who is soon to enter your digestive system. Try new foods, such as lentils, pulses, spices, grains, nuts and herbs. Look for inspiration from food bloggers such as Deliciously Ella. Bring it back to basics and get cooking, use the freezer for batches of soups, meals and straight to blend shakes. You will be surprised how much money you can save and the health benefits of having a packed lunch and healthy snacks at the ready. Give vegan Mondays and veggie Thursdays a try, vegan is the new black for a very good reason, the diet is proven to enhance health and longevity.

You can’t pour from an empty cup...

t the core fundamental roots of occupational therapy is enabling function to promote optimum wellbeing. Yet so many occupational therapists themselves are functioning for longer hours, meeting higher demands and tipping into the burnout zone, resulting in detrimental effects on their own wellbeing. How, can we continue to pour from an empty cup? Now is the time for OTs to lead by example and give

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true value to self care for ourselves as individuals and as a profession in order to be resilient and to support others. Finding optimum wellness is all about adapting and let’s face it, we are excellent at that! Small adaptions to simple lifestyle changes can make hugely positive impacts on wellbeing. So, here’s how to get started, begin by gradually introducing new healthy habits into your daily life ensuring it becomes routine. 

Be mindful Mindfulness is about reconnecting to our bodies and mind by living in the present moment. Practising mindfulness develops good mental and physical health by lowering anxiety, reducing depression and reducing fatigue. To get started there are apps that you can download such as Calm and Headspace. For those wanting less screen time try Mindfulness Moments ‘MiMo’ cards for practical mindfulness.

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28/06/2018 11:21

Get outside

Reconnecting with nature emerges the senses in goodness. Clean fresh air, sunlight, natural aroma’s and calming colours are just some of the benefits of being outside. In Japan a practise backed up with huge academic research called shinrin-yoku which translates to ‘forest bathing’ is considered a vital part of wellness. Forest bathing includes spending time in a natural forest or woodland,

Relax

Invest in yourself, set aside some time and a little budget to book in for some complementary therapy, my preference isreflexology. No matter how little time, or how low the budget is, make a swap: instead of that new top or those coffees to go try saving £1 a day. By the end of the month you will have enough in your pot to pay for a treatment. You will soon notice aches and pains easing, your mood lifting and your wellness improving.

Sleeptight

Lack of sleep can affect cognition, heart, muscle and bone health as well as emotional wellness. Poor sleep has a knock-on effect on appetite and eating habits. Go back to basics, ensure your room is dark, a good temperature for you, don’t look at screens for at least an hour before bed and reduce caffeine after lunchtime, watch out for those hidden caffeinated drinks. For extra help with sleep try a progressive body scan relaxation (there are lots of free ones out there to download), listen to relaxing music and drink herbal teas, Pukka Herbs ‘Night Time’ is my tried and tested favourite. As with most things, routine is key.

calmly walking or meditating in order to reap the benefits of strengthened immunity, lowered blood pressure and vast healing properties, improved sleep, better cognition, inner calmness and overall feelings of happiness. Keep some wellies and a raincoat in the car boot to take opportunities to walk or sit amongst nature during midmorning or lunch breaks.

You will soon notice aches and pains easing, your mood lifting and your wellness improving.

Keep

moving

Make regular exercise your goal by planning it into your day, set the alarm ten minutes earlier or while the kids are at their clubs do a class at the same time. OTs are susceptible to repetitive stress injury, back problems, muscle fatigue, weight gain orequalled by low BMI. The physical problems are equaled by emotional stress and low mood. Exercise is essential for good natural wellness. The trick is to find something that works for you: swimming, yoga, tai chi and dog walking are low impact relaxing ways to exercise.

Finally... Whether you need to switch off your cortisol stress hormone or protect that achy lumbar spine now is the time to adopt self care, not as an indulgence but for basic respect for our bodies, mind and soul. Self care is not just about two weeks away laying horizontal around a pool, but instead about developing healthy habits and routines in order to maintain personal wellness and resilience. The relationship we hold within ourselves is mirrored with relationships we have with others, just as the energy we put into ourselves is the energy that we radiate out. Follow Katie @rootstherapies

-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 11:21

INTEREST FREE HIRE/BUY PLAN AVAILABLE

Call now for a FREE demonstration.

NEW

I N N OVAT I O N

01559 384097

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28/06/2018 22:38 15:14 16/12/2015

Wheelchair Vehicles MOBILITY

WAVs A Weekend of

Wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturer Brotherwood hosted a weekend to showcase their range of accessible vehicles

ver the May bank holiday, hundreds of wheelchair users, their families, carers and occupational therapists were in attendance at the exclusive Brotherwood WAV weekend event, held at the amazing Haynes International Motor Museum in Sparkford, Somerset, to witness the reveal of their latest development: the new Brotherwood Klastar Long, Brotherwood’s newest wheelchair-accessible iteration of the luxurious MercedesBenz V-Class.

comfortable, spacious, user-friendly and well-equipped wheelchair accessible vehicle available today.

VIP guests were also able to explore Brotherwood’s whole wheelchair accessible vehicle range, chat with expert advisers, and test drive the vehicles of their choosing - all whilst enjoying the complimentary hospitality and wonderful exhibits of one of Europe’s leading automotive museums. The Haynes International Motor Museum is the UK’s largest collection of the greatest cars from “Brotherwood around the world, with Brotherwood have developed the Klastar WAV Weekend is over 400 amazing cars Long in response to becoming a must- and bikes from the dawn of motoring in client feedback asking for a vehicle with a little see event for anyone the late 1800s, through in the Wheelchair nostalgic classics of extra usable space, without sacrificing Accessible Vehicle the 1950s and 1960s, glorious Bentleys and the manoeuvrability market.” Rolls Royces to world and easy handling of renowned super cars the compact V-Class. like the Jaguar XJ220. A hugely luxurious vehicle, the V-Class packs a high specification 2018 marks the third instance of as standard including satellite the unique Brotherwood WAV navigation, leather interior, powered Weekend, with each year bringing a tailgate and doors - the luxury of bigger and better event – a unique the V-Class complemented by the opportunity to see, explore and discrete Brotherwood Klastar Long try out Brotherwood’s outstanding conversion; a full length, flat level range of accessible vehicle lowered floor conversion with 57” solutions under one roof. Whether internal headroom and up to six you currently own a wheelchair seats; remote-controlled electric accessible vehicle, or are considering powered access ramp with STORQ an adapted vehicle for the first time, self-tensioning rear restraints; a the Brotherwood WAV Weekend power-assisted, combined winch is becoming a must-see event for and restraint system, and subtle anyone in the wheelchair accessible mood lighting making it the most vehicle market. -magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 11:24

Industry Event

Independent Living Scotland brings CPD Programme to Glasgow Scotland’s largest disability, lifestyle and independent living event will make its return to Glasgow’s SEC in September - and health professionals are urged to sign up now to secure their place on the two-day CPD accredited seminar programme.

ow in its fourth year, Independent Living Scotland, which has established itself as a must-attend event for all Scottish healthcare professionals, will focus on ‘Innovations in Health and Social Care in Scotland: Across the Generations’. Over 120 companies will showcase the latest products and services to aid independent living, and visitors will have access to a raft of experts and industry leaders. Current exhibitors include AAT, Allied Mobility, Albion Mobility, Fast Aid Products, Mobility solutions and Vertu Motors. With keynote speakers including Susan Kelso, AHP National Lead, Early Intervention and Dr Lesley Holdsworth, NMAHP Clinical Lead for Health, visitors will gain insight into helping people stay active and maintain good health as well as learning about the developments in digital health to support self-care. New for 2018, the show, which runs from 26-27 September, introduces the revolutionary OTAC Arena, the only free adaptation and equipment-based conference for occupational therapists, suppliers and physiotherapists in the UK. Stuart Barrow, MD of OTAC, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Independent Living Scotland and to have the opportunity to share our knowledge in Scotland. “We offer members of the public and healthcare professionals a place to see the best range of equipment and adaptations available, as well

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as access to experts who can help them facilitate their own, or their loved one’s, independence. Other additions to the show this year include Ability Fest which aims to promote social inclusion by raising awareness about disability issues relating to lifelong learning, education, training and employment. The 2018 show will also see the return of the popular mobile virtual dementia tour allowing visitors to put themselves in the shoes of those living with the condition. Tsitsi Lynn Makuni at QD Events, organisers of Independent Living Scotland, said: “We are excited to be bringing this show back to the SEC again this September, with some wonderful new features. It is great to see the interest in Independent

Living in Scotland growing year on year, and we hope that the knowledge and experiences shared here help continue this. “We would urge healthcare professionals, students and alumni to sign up as soon as possible to secure a place at the seminar.” The show’s programme of accredited educational content is specifically tailored for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and professional carers. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to sign up for the CPD programme in advance to ensure a space. Entry is free and visitors can register in advance at independentlivingscotland.org or at the door on arrival. Parking, located to the west of the SEC is free of charge for visitors to this event.

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28/06/2018 11:26

Yourevents If you have, or know of, an event please email it into enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk

11 July, 12 & 26 September

17 July and 19 September

19 September

OTAC

Jacqueline Webb Training Event

Adapting for Children with Challenging Behaviour (Introduction)

Llanelli: Stradey Park Hotel (11th July) / Belfast: La Mon Hotel (12th September) / Torquay: Imperial Hotel (26th September)

London: Royal College of Physcians / Manchester (Venue TBC)

Hamilton House (National Union of Teachers), London

Led by Promoting Independence, Learn about expert work to decide the conference focuses on bringing whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right for you at a suppliers and OTs together in one Jacqueline Webb Trainingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inside place. The free events provide the Expert Witness World advice, support and seminar. The seminars resources to over 4000 last 75 minutes and EVERY OTs, plus networking are followed by ISSUE opportunities. refreshments. To book a we bring you the otac.org.uk/events latest events taking place, visit

12 July, 16 August and 18 September

place in the OT calendar.

jwebb.co.uk/booking or call 01722 342 513

RISE 4 Disability

23-25 July

East Midlands: East of England Showground / North: New Dock Hall-Royal Armouries / South East: Kent Event Centre

Posture and Mobility Group Conference

100+ exhibitors showcasing a wide range of innovative disability products, services, activities and advice with the RISE Ability Theatre delivering key topics from leading speakers. rise4disability.com

Educational programme, industry exhibition and networking events for professionals providing posture and wheeled mobility solutions to wheelchair users. Visit pmguk.co.uk/conference

This Viva Access event will look at a number of issues including, recent research into the housing circumstances of children with challenging behaviours (and their families) and legislative and policy context within which adaptations are provided. viva-access.arlo.co.

20 September

Housing and Equipment Issues for Plus Size (Bariatric) Users Hamilton House (National Union of Teachers), London

Manchester Central

This course aims to provide professionals and others working in the field of accessible housing an insight into equipment, design and adaptation issues for the plus-size (bariatric) user group, so they can work more effectively and confidently in this area. Visit viva-access.arlo.co

26-27 September

Independent Living Scotland SEC, Glasgow This free event offers the perfect opportunity to discover products and services available to the Scottish market. Over 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their most innovative products to aid independence; daily living aids, mobility and adapted vehicles or access and adaption. Visit independentlivingscotland.org

OT-magazine.co.uk

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28/06/2018 15:04

THE

ULTIMATE

FIRST JOB

HUNT

E D I U G L A V I SURV

f you have just graduated and are about to enter into the occupational therapy job market for the first time, firstly congratulations! All those years of studying, attending lectures and taking on placements have finally been rewarded with that nice, shiny degree and hopefully a lot of bubbles. You’ve earned it, and in turn earned the right to put it to good use. Whether you went into your studies with a clear idea of where you want to go in the world of OT and still have that clear goal set or if you have changed your mind, the best way to approach the daunting task of the job hunt is to keep an open mind. Once you accept that and realise that sometimes you have to take the long route to where you want to be and know that it’s better to have a foot in the metaphorical employment door, then the job market will be both a far less intimidating place to be, and a more exciting one.

BE N’T DO 01 SNOBBY Firstly, don’t limit yourself to jobs you think you are overqualified for. Once you think you are too good for something (a lot of the time wrongly so) you have immediately shrunk your scope massively and put unnecessary limits on the task at hand. We aren’t saying undersell yourself, but if a job posting arises that you think may be just under what you were hoping for, have a serious think over whether or not it would be as big a drop as you think it is. Often wards or practices employ from within or offer internal staff first refusal or opportunity to apply to new positions. Doors open doors and to secure employment anywhere is impressive as you look for positions higher up the ladder. And you never know, if you prove yourself an invaluable asset in that role you may be fast tracked to a more serious position.

02 BE REALISTIC On the same note though, don’t go too far in the opposite direction and apply for unrealistic posts. While optimism never hurt anyone and putting yourself out there and showing confi dence in your own abilities is often an extre mely attractive quality, know how far you can push yourself. It isn’t unheard of for employers to take a chance on someone who is just a little too inex perienced for a post, but if you constantly appl y for jobs that are honestly too high up the chain for you, chances are you will just become too disap pointed and disenchanted with your whole sear ch and set yourself way back. If you can’t com e across jobs at your paygrade yet keep seeing higher band positions, know that jobs at your level will appear eventually. Aiming high can be excit ing, but make sure you do so within reason and you will bolster your chances of getting that good news.

HERE’S OUR GUIDE TO EMOTIONALLY SURVIVING THE JOB HUNT... 76

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YOU WOULD NEVER CATCH ME DOING THAT JOB...

I’VE FINALLY GOT MY FIRST EVER JOB

03 AADSVKICFOR E It’s likely that you will have met a lot of good people along the way to this point. If you still have a good relationship with them, whether they are a lecturer or placement advisor, get in touch with them and ask questions. Ask them if they know of anything going anywhere or if they can help you with your interview techniques. Ask them what they would look for in a candidate and mould that into your own profile. Ask them if they know of any open days or conferences they know of that would be helpful. Attend these conferences and speak to people, make contacts and learn more. As you are aware, you don’t leave learning at the door when you graduate – the life of an OT revolv es around learning. Even if you’re not in emplo yment, you should still try and pick up new pieces of knowledge that will enhance your chances of being taken on.

BE PA TIE NT & 4 0 DON’T GIVE UP While you are raring to go and buzzing with excitement to dive into practice and put all your hard work to use, be aware that not everything happens overnight. The healthcare job market isn’t the most saturated one and the fact of the matter is, just like applying for uni, you are back competing with a number of people for one spot again. The one thing you have on your side this time though compared to applying for uni is time. Job applications will have deadlines attached but unlike university, you won’t miss the boat for the year if you get disappointing news. It is hard to feel like you are moving nowhere but use time wisely to try and understand where you may be going wrong or explore other avenues to get you into employment and be confident in the fact that you are qualified and you can do the job.

-magazine.co.uk

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INDEPENDENT OT

Going it

alone

lthough it can seem a daunting task, there’s a sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from working for yourself that you can’t get anywhere else. For OTs, that can mean anything from beginning your own practice to simply working as a private practitioner or consultant. If you’re looking to re-ignite your passion for occupational therapy or take full control of your work-life balance, then perhaps you’ll flourish as an independent OT. We’ve put together a list of tips to ensure you’ve got the knowledge to go it alone. 

4tips FOR INDEPENDENT OTS

PLAN EVERYTHING OUT

Before you even consider stepping out alone, consider what it is you have to offer. What is your area of specialism, and do you have a decent enough market within your area to sustain you in your new, independent practice? If you’re a person who likes to make lists, it might be helpful to make one which details your goals, aims and objectives for your business. With that laid out, it gives you a visual representation of your goals; something to look at when you forget the path that you need to be on. It’s also a good idea to take a lot of time for financial planning. You’re going to need to pay for things like lawyers and insurance, and there’s always going to be hidden costs, so it’s best to have some kind of “just in case” fund. If it helps you, talk it through. If you know OTs who have become independent, or even people who have set up their own businesses in the past, regardless of whether or not they’re OTs, it’s a good idea to talk to them about your plans. If this is your first time going it alone, you’ll want all the help and support you can get. Have people look at your business plan, let them poke holes in it or play devil’s advocate, because you’ll need a fool-proof plan. With the help of others and your plan, you’ll be ready for anything.

If you’re a person who likes to make lists, it might be helpful to make one which details your goals, aims and objectives for your business.”

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Independent OT

UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A CHALLENGE

You’re not in for an easy ride when going independent, but it’s a challenge, and if something is easy, is it really worth doing? It’ll be a worthwhile challenge, full of variety. You’ll meet lots of interesting people with interesting problems which your skillset will be ideally suited to helping rectify.

The key to surviving on your own is a strong basis in practice, sound assessment, and goal setting.” You also get to work with your clients outwith the constrictive framework which may be imposed on you while working in statutory services, allowing you to expand the wealth of interventions which you are able to help people with. The key to surviving on your own is a strong basis in practice, sound assessment, and goal setting. You’re working for yourself, and you only have yourself to blame if you fail to keep yourself organised enough to succeed.

START SMALL, WORK UP

You are, as it stands, a little fish in a very large pond. You might be tempted to start up your business and pay ridiculous amounts for expensive advertising. You’re going to rack up some serious costs that you may find land you in the red. That’s not to say you shouldn’t pursue advertising for your venture, however, but there may be more cost effective ways to go around it. Starting a website might sound like a lot for even intermediate tech

users, but it’s not difficult at all. For a very small amount, you can create a custom website for your business using a site like Wix, Squarespace or Wordpress to give people information about your business. If you want to, you can go down the route of hiring a graphic designer or web designer to create you a website from scratch, but if you want it to look good, you’re going to have to pay a significant amount. Social media is the absolute best method of outreach. You can use Twitter, YouTube and Facebook to engage with potential clients, build awareness of your brand, and cultivate a sense of trust towards your brand. Get involved with the weekly @OTalk_ chatroom and get your brand out there, ask questions, and answer others’ queries. Start a LinkedIn profile and network with other OTs, building professional relations as you go. Blog about your specialist area. There are so many ways to get your name out there online. If you want to reach a specialist market, you might want to get

Starting a website might sound like a lot for even intermediate tech users, but it’s not difficult at all.

into a specialist publication to reach your audience – like The OT Magazine. If you can’t afford to buy advertising, you can reach out to the editor and pitch an article. Not only will this get your name out there, but it will prove your specialist knowledge through your work.

STAND UP FOR YOURSELF

Once you get started, do not be afraid to take things further when things go wrong. Get your terms and conditions sorted as soon as you possibly can and know what the process is when you need to start chasing things up – for example, when chasing up clients for monetary debt. If you have to take someone to small claims court? So be it. This is an extension of the old parlance: you can’t pay bills with exposure. If you’re too afraid to chase up money that you are owed by clients, independent working may not be for you. Get your head around the legal aspects of business ownership, especially aspects like data protection and GDPR. You need to make sure that, as well as ensuring you get what you’re owed, that you know the law and how to work correctly inside it. Don’t get caught out in the financial or marketing aspects of your business.

-magazine.co.uk

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Training & Recruitment Derby Teaching Hospitals

NHS Foundation Trust

Maximise Your

Jacqueline Webb

Potential

Professional Training

Occupational Therapists have what it takes!

for Healthcare Professionals

£330 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD) DATE: 8-10 October VENUE: Royal Derby Hospital, Derby LECTURER: Dr Sidney Chu

£330 ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF FINE MOTOR DIFFICULTIES IN CHILDREN WITH DIFFERENT DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEMS DATE: 23-25 October VENUE: London Road Community Hospital, Derby LECTURER: Dr Sidney Chu

Are you looking for a new career challenge? Do you…

£420 SENSORY INTELLIGENCE® TRAINING FOR PRACTITIONERS CPD-accredited and comprehensive course about adult sensory processing DATE: 24-26 October, LECTURER: Dr. Annemarie Lombard VENUE: Hallmark Hotel, Mickleover Court, Derby

Book your place For further info or to book a place please visit ncore.org.uk

£130

OUTCOME FRAMEWORK AND GOAL ATTAINMENT SCALING (GAS) DATE: 26 November VENUE: London Rd Community Hospital, Derby, LECTURER: Dr Sidney Chu

• Work in an NHS community or social services team? • Review or recommend personal care support packages? • Want to learn new skills, but continue to develop your Occupational Therapy expertise concurrently? • Have 6 or more years post graduate experience?

£350 THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF CLIENTS WITH PERCEPTUAL AND COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION Delivered by Harrison Training DATE: 15-16 January VENUE: London Road Community Hospital, Derby

For more information about our self-employed, ﬂexible Care Expert opportunities and to register your interest visit www.jwebb.co.uk/apply

Britain’s No.1 Rehab Cost Consultancy

Jacqueline Webb

Case Managers

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ILS – a leading case management and rehabilitation company – seeks case managers from across the UK to complete our team.

Key requirements: Occupational therapist with extensive experience of working with clients who have sustained catastrophic injuries. Experience of working with clients in the community and professional abilities within the field of complex, long-term health care assessment, care planning and outcomes for clients. Current professional registration and an up-to-date CPD portfolio. We have a variety of contracts available, including employed roles on a salaried or hourly basis, or on a self-employed basis. Roles are home based with travel and client visits within your geographical area.

For an informal chat about the role please contact Phil Perry and Sarah Ransome, Operations Managers on 01722 742442. Alternatively you can view all of our vacancies at: www.indliv.co.uk/about-us/careers

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Does Your Manual Handling Training Provider Tick All The Boxes?

✔ Healthcare Professionals All EDGE Services Trainers are nurses, occupational therapists or physiotherapists with at least ten years clinical experience and at least ten years training experience in this field.

✔ Fully Accredited All our People and Children Handling Key Trainer’s Courses are accredited to Level 4 or above, with clinical endorsement and recognised for providing continuing professional development.

✔ On-Line Resources Library Our training is supported by a useful and informative on-line resources library.

✔ Professional Course Materials Comprehensive and professionally produced fully-illustrated 234-page text book.

✔ Invaluable Training Resources Proposed course agendas, hand-outs, Power-Point slides, filmed practical techniques and tips for staff training and assessing. Successful completion of EDGE People or Children Handling Key Trainer Courses will provide delegates with the up-to-date skills, knowledge and confidence to train others in safer People or Children Handling.

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edgeservices.co.uk

28/06/2018 09/04/2018 14:25 11:25

Heading here

Your Voice Counts We want your help to shape The OT Magazine. We are constantly striving to ensure we get the content right to provide you with an enjoyable and informative magazine. We would really appreciate if you could take the time to share your thoughts and ideas with us.

Your details Name: ................................................................................................. Address: .............................................................................................. ............................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................................

Your voice What would you like to see more of in the magazine:  Products  Emerging roles  Columns from OTs  Creative methods implemented by OTs  Services available for patients/clients  Information on accessible holidays or respite

Postcode: ...........................................................................................

 Information on CPD and events

Tel: ........................................................................................................

Other (please specify)........................................................ ..................................................................................................

Email: ...................................................................................................

Your comments...

You are:

.................................................................................................. An occupational therapist ......................................................... An independent occupational therapist ............................... A student of occupational therapy ......................................... What band of OT are you?

.................................................................................................. .................................................................................................. .................................................................................................. .................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................

............................................................................................................... What area of OT do you work in?

...............................................................................................................

SUBMIT 82

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Please post your form back to The OT Magazine, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind Est, Glasgow, G46 8JT

-magazine.co.uk

28/06/2018 12:14

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