The OT Magazine – January / February 2019 by 2A Publishing

THE

MAGAZINE Issue 26 | Jan/Feb 19 | Improving Independence

The

Beauty of the

Mind Schizophrenia is a grossly misunderstood mental illness, with a terrifying public perception. Occupational therapy could be just the intervention it needs.

COLUM NS

PRO DUCTS

EVENT S

RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

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

“The Closomat is the most wonderful thing of all the living aids we have added to our home, it’s beautiful! I now don’t have to get my wife to help me.” Karl van Gool, Halesowen

Quality • Service • Heritage www.clos-o-mat.com Tel: 0800 374 076 Email: info@clos-o-mat.com

About us

The Team

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writers: Colette Carr and Katie Campbell Designer: Fionnlagh Ballantine Production: Donna Deakin Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Jacqui Smyth Contributors: Kate Sheehan, Adam Thomas, Yvonne Thomas, Alexandra Lovett, Guilem Singla Buxarrais, Firas Sarhan

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 2019 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. ISSN-2056-7146

This month’s issue...

appy New Year! We hope you have all now recovered from the fun, stress and indulgence of the festive period and are feeling fresh and ready for 2019.

If you have made any resolutions this year, good luck with them, but remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. Small changes and challenges are a more realistic way to go. Our regular contributor Yvonne Thomas takes a look at how you can make some resolutions around your CPD on page 73. The start of a new year is a great time to set out goals and aspirations, so why not make a list of what you want to learn this year and see how many things you can tick off by the end of 2019. This issue is filled with articles on wide-ranging areas of OT, from working with young offenders in prison settings to OT intervention for patients with schizophrenia. We hear from an OT who works with veteran’s charity Help for Heroes and we discover a new product that can be used to help with the rehabilitation of stroke survivors. If you were at The OT Show we hope you had a thoroughly productive visit and if you made it over to our stand we hope you managed to scoop your very own ‘I love OT’ bag – if not, keep an eye out on our social media feeds for more offers! If you turn to page 46 you can read about the highlights of the show and check out the winners of the Occupational Therapy Awards, maybe this will inspire you to enter next year.

The OT Magazine, Editor

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

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

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside 7 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New? Bringing you up to speed with all the latest news from the healthcare sector

13 Kate Sheehan Make 2019 your year of learning

15 15 Restoring the Next

Generation

We speak to an OT in a youth offenders institute about how they support restorative justice

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

22 Living the American

Dream

Find out how Stanford University student Tilly is living the dream thanks to Precision Rehab

25 Day in the Life We hear from Kay Harries about her role as a client liaison manager

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27 Designing for

Everyone

The importance of good kitchen design

31 OT in GP practices A new pilot scheme will see occupational therapy in GP practices

32 Addressing the

Needs of Clients with Dementia How the Amazon phenomenon Alexa can support people living with dementia live independently

What’s Inside

58 MediCinema

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

38 The Beauty of

the Mind

Can OT support those with schizophrenia?

40 Helping our Heroes Help for Heroes OT Alexandra Lovett discusses her role

43 Revolutionising

Stroke Rehab

Learn about Neurofenix’s new Neuroball

46 The OT Show

Excels Again

Product

Focus

Looking back on the 2018 event

48 Best in Class Running through the award winners from The OT Show

53 Naidex 2019 Gearing up for the 2019 edition of Europe’s largest disability and independent living show

56 Demanding

Interventions

Pathological demand avoidance is a thoroughly debated disorder in the psychology community, but OT can help

Meet the group providing a brilliant cinematic escape in the hospital setting

60 Paediatrics

Products

Innovative products for your younger clients

62 StorySign Opening the world of books up to Deaf children

65 The Future

of Hearing

How 3D printing and one student’s concept could help prolong hearing ability

66 Keeping Mum Exploring the lives of student mums

69 Using CPD

to Broaden your Horizons How you can pick up the points and open new doors

73 Include CPD in

Your Resolution Yvonne Thomas discusses how you can use CPD in your New Year resolutions

76 Networking Abroad Student Emma Rodrigues tells us about attending ENOTHE, an annual meeting in Portugal

78 Events Calendar Essential dates for your diary

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NO MORE PUSHING HEAVY WHEELCHAIRS

At last, a truly lightweight attendant powered wheelchair for carers Attendant can manoeuvre the chair effortlessly, alleviating any potential strains or injuries to themselves

Up to

23 stone

Independence can be given back to the user by simply moving the control unit to the armrest. The two powerful motors allow the Combi to navigate slopes and uneven surfaces with ease.

Combi           

Lightweight and easily transportable Lightweight lithium battery can be charged separately Adjustable slung backrest and 3 back angle settings Comfortable supportive seat Unique footplate and also swing away footrests supplied Adjustable armrest height 18” or 20” seat width options Up to 10 miles range Large wheel sport version for more challenging terrain Free-wheel mode for use as a standard wheelchair Flip-up armrests for side transfer

Larger sport wheels option available

Dismantles with ease and can be folded for transportation or storage

id e N a t io n w ge a Cover The heaviest component which can be easily removed is the Drive Unit weighing 15kg

The Combi is a new and highly versatile lightweight powered wheelchair, featuring an easily switchable joystick which gives the user independence but also allows a carer to take control when required. The comfort level and range of adjustments exceed that of most electric wheelchairs; even experienced users are impressed with its performance and all-round capabilities. It provides a real alternative to conventional powered wheelchairs and power packs. For further information, please call us on:

0333 414 1881 Visit: www.cavendishhealthcare.co.uk

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

What’s new? Swift Success for MIP UK MIP UK AWARDED FOR SWIFT BED POSITIONING SYSTEM MIP UK scooped the Industry Award for Promoting Excellence in Manual Handling at the National Back Exchange Conference recently.

device suitable to remain under the patient at all times without any negative impact on the performance of any specialty mattresses being used.

The MIP team were acknowledged for the Swift bed positioning system that they produce. The Swift UltraSlide system is a discreet and cost-effective bed positioning system that allows caregivers to reposition, boost or turn a patient while also providing comfort and dignity to the patient. The ultra-thin, breathable fabric makes the

The award was voted for by delegates during the conference and the MIP team commented that they were “chuffed to bits to be recognised by the very people who help to deliver care across the UK.”

MIP team commented that they were “chuffed to bits to be recognised by the very people who help to deliver care across the UK.”

The heart and soul of The OT Magazine On Tuesday 6 November 2018 we sadly received the news that our dear colleague and friend Robin Wilson had passed away. Robin had been the senior business development manager on The OT Magazine from its third issue. He lived and breathed the magazine, he attended The OT Show

and spent time building strong relationships with many clients in the healthcare industry. He helped to develop The OT Magazine to the publication it is today and his signature voice and many jokes that filled both his phone calls and our office with laughter will be sorely missed.

To find out more about Swift please contact MIP on 01525 218146 or visit mip.co.uk.

His personable nature and zest for life was clear to everyone who knew him and following the bravest of fights, he sadly lost his battle with cancer. He made his mark on our industry and we know he will not be forgotten at 2A Publishing or throughout the industry. Our thoughts are with his wife and sons at this difficult time.

More articles on next page

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What’s

new?

COCKTAILS IN CARE HOMES MAGIC ME BRING COCKTAIL PARTIES TO CARE HOMES We’ve all seen care home staff try to break the mould when it comes to providing social activities and entertainment for residents, employing workshops like arts, music sessions, and even pole dancing performances. But one enjoyable social activity could be provided by Magic Me, whose Cocktails in Care Homes parties bring merriment and laughter, as well as a fruity and boozy tipple. They aim for each party to be, “a fabulous social event that just happens to be held in a care home, which anyone, regardless of age, would like to attend,” while their parties are attended by residents, their relatives and care staff.

Each party needs a team of around ten volunteers whose role is to socialise, serve drinks and chat with residents. Parties are on a Wednesday or Thursday evening from 6pm – 7.30pm and volunteers simply choose the party dates and locations that suit them. Occupational therapists can volunteer with the service or invite the service to their work to throw one of their signature events and get the party started. One care home resident Hetty said: “what I love about the parties is they make me feel that people think about you.”

Looking for an OT job?

ot-magazine.co.uk/jobs

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Fit to work

Get drivers back on the road sooner by recommending the osteopath-designed Morfit custom-fitting lumbar support. 25% of all adults suffer from lower back pain*. With over 40 million drivers in the UK**, that means 10 million people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many of them your clients â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who might be distracted or even prevented from driving. Morfit provides long-term reduction in pain. Using air-set technology, Morfit moulds itself to fit the vehicle seat to the driver, then holds that shape to provide solid, lasting support. Support that makes driver and their vehicle fit for work. For more information visit morfit.co.uk or phone 07757 541144.

RHMHRA Class 1 Medical Device. The Prevalence of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 1996 to 1998. Walker, Bruce F. ** Statistical releases Department of Transport March 2018.

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

This issue Kate talks about the importance of learning

Never stop

LEARNING I recently attended a seating master class at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) facilitated by Fiona Collins, an expert in this area of practice, it was an excellent opportunity to learn and network with colleagues and I found the day extremely helpful and thought-provoking. It made me reflect on my practice and on how we need to never stop learning, although I use my seating skills on a weekly basis, you can never know everything. The key reflections on the day were: Ø Keep going back to the key anatomical features, posterior inferior, iliac crest, and ischial tuberosities. Ask a family member or friend if they are happy for you to palpate their key features and review their range of movement in the hips, knee, ankle and pelvis, remembering the more you practice the better you will get. Ø Have in your mind what is the perfect seating position but remember that we are all dynamic and cannot tolerate sitting in one position for long lengths of time. Ø Seating is not just about the posture; it is also about the pressure and occupation, it’s a

complex intervention to get it right. Ø Always start the assessment by asking what your client’s goals are and discuss what is possible and reasonable to achieve, we must always put the client at the forefront of our assessment. Ø Never underestimate the value of your colleagues; their experience and knowledge will assist you to develop yours. Ø Always keep your product knowledge up to date, with advances in technology, fabrics, and manufacturing techniques you need to know what is new. There were concerns I came away with at the end of the day, the rigid prescription options that many statutory services impose on occupational therapists, making individualised prescription complex and time consuming. It is essential that as therapists we keep our knowledge current and relevant and challenge processes that do not meet our client’s needs. The other major concern I came away with was how we review our clients seating provision, and I think all sectors of practice, be that statutory, private or third sector are guilty of not reviewing our clients. We are acutely aware that our client’s needs

change over time; some minor and some change dramatically, so the question is do we review at all or regularly enough? The systems we all work in sometimes make this difficult but I will be putting the following into my reports - “This is a working document. A reassessment will be required whenever there are changes in the client’s condition, their environment, and the activities they are performing or in any of the carers’ (paid or unpaid) situation.” I will also always advocate and continue to fight for a regular reassessment. The knowledge I received from Fiona was outstanding and it was a timely reminder that we are never too old to learn and it is essential that we have a plan to develop our clinical knowledge. Consider an achievable New Year’s resolution, reflect on your skills, what do you need to update, what do you want to learn that is new, make a plan, stick to it and start 2019 with vigour.

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Prices held until March 2020*

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Established since 1991

The C&S Product Range Our range of products has been designed to assist in the control of the posture when lying down, for use by people with little or no ability to change position independently.

Products designed and developed to aid basic postural management

Log Rolls

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Log rolls are available in a choice of 3 sizes and 2 different fabrics: dark blue Waterproof and Softknit available in royal blue, purple, pink, orange and lime green.

T Rolls are available in a choice of 5 sizes and 2 different fabrics: dark blue Waterproof and Softknit available in royal blue, purple, pink, orange and lime green.

Are available in 2 sizes and are supplied with pump and repair patch. A Softknit cover can be purchased if required. Available in royal blue, purple, pink, orange and lime green.

Knee & Leg Supports

Alternative Positioning Supports

Available in 2 sizes. This design provides a more gentle form of support for those who are unable to use or tolerate our existing range of positioning rolls.

Available in 2 sizes. This unique product is solely produced and distributed by C&S Seating. The APS has been designed for use where more control of the abducted lower limbs is required.

Made in UK *excludes carriage charges

Young Offenders

Restoring the next

generation OT in youth offenders institutes In the months leading up to Christmas, youth offender institutions were brought back to the forefront of the media’s attention, after a couple of upsetting, worrying and potentially avoidable incidents forced questions to be asked. Scotland’s Polmont facility came under intense scrutiny after Scotland’s Sunday Mail revealed reports that showed more than a decade of shocking failure and cover-up claims surrounding teen deaths at the prison, after a high-profile case of a 21-year-old student taking her own life following bullying from

Parc Prison

fellow inmates and allegations of mistreatment by prison staff rocked the country. The BBC also reported ‘disturbing’ self-harm rates and violence at youth prisons after figures told that Parc Prison in Bridgend had the highest rate of self-harm among youth jails

Bridgend

had the

in Wales and England that house children between 15 and 17. Moving into a new and smaller world designed to be somewhere to repay your debt to society is a difficult and sensitive time regardless of age, but within youth institutes, potential problems become amplified and support is essential.

self

harm among

youths highestof yout rate

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Young Offenders OT has a presence in most prisons across the UK, but one recent graduate and OT in a youth offenders institute has lifted the lid on the pivotal role his team plays in keeping young offenders safe, retaining their sense of self, and moving forward whether that be back into the world or onto an adult facility. “I work as an occupational therapist in a young offenders institute as part of a joint service between the NHS and prison service working with young prisoners with long standing behavioural and emotional difficulties, which may have led to them offending or caused problems for themselves or others,” Kwaku Agyemang of HMYOI Aylesbury told The OT Magazine. “I completed my ten-week final practice placement in this service and I was fortunate enough to be offered a permanent role when I qualified in the summer of 2018.

‘We use creative approaches to help the young people identify patterns or situations in their life which may have led to them offending. Together, we then develop plans to aid in early recognition of these.’ Kwaku Agyemang Occupational therapist

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“A typical week will include a 1:1 key work session with the young people to build and maintain relationships in order to develop a better understanding of their life history, current difficulties and their offence. The occupational therapy team leads on the social and creative sessions, whether it be on a 1:1 basis or in groups and these run during the week. “There are also weekly team meetings, case discussions, healthcare and reflective practice meetings which require attendance. This therefore makes a typical week in a prison, a very busy week.”

All prison and institutions across the country are bound to a duty of care. Regardless of crime or punishment, prison staff are obliged and responsible for the safety, security and wellbeing of inmates – with greater pressure growing from the public and those upstairs following recent reports. But Kwaku believes this requires greater significance and attention when working with underage offenders, something he has seen in the prison he works in. “I think a lot of emphasis is placed on duty of care in young offender’s institutes. “The prison is continuously making attempts to ensure that there are enough activities for the young people to engage in daily so that they are not locked up for long periods of time. This goes towards maintaining wellbeing. The prison making efforts to attain enabling environment status and also introduce a rehabilitative culture proves to me that emphasis is placed on duty of care,” he explained.

build

their

esteem, self- es

Confidence,

help

them

And while sense of self and occupations can be lost in the transition between ‘normal’ life and a new life in an institution, the recent graduate explains the OT team are involved after incarceration, taking a role in the rehabilitation or restorative function of the facilities. “My service is not really involved in the transitioning into the establishment, but one of the main priorities for us when working with the young person until they are ready to move on is assisting as much as possible in ensuring a progressive move is made to an adult prison with a psychological informed planned environment unit, so they can continue to work with us in the interim. “In terms of the service I work in, we definitely look at rehabilitation. We use creative approaches to help the young people identify patterns or situations in their life which may have led to them offending. Together, we

and

pro-social skills

then develop plans to aid in early recognition of these. Understanding that we are occupational beings, the occupational therapists in the team also work with the young people in identifying activities of interest and meaning to them.

groups such as creative theatre,

“Through this, we can use these activities of interest and meaning if possible, to help them build their self-esteem, confidence and prosocial skills.”

work.

Like many emerging sectors in the world of occupational therapy, Kwaku works closely in conjunction with other services in order to provide a rounded and comprehensive body of interventions. He said: “In the service, we cofacilitate alongside a psychologist a range of psycho-educational groups such as mentalization based therapy, trauma, schema, anger plus and life patterns. We also oversee a number of socially creative and structured

sensory approaches, sleep hygiene/ management, creative writing, mindfulness and relaxation. “I believe that prisons are a great place for occupational therapists to “The environment alone can have a negative impact on prisoners’ health and wellbeing. Prisoners can quickly become occupationally deprived and alienated if they struggle adapting to the environment. With a great interest in improving the health and wellbeing and consequently quality of life of the people we work with, occupational therapists are in a fantastic place to work with prisoners to identify pro-social strategies and meaningful activities to help them to better cope in this environment and provide essential life skills and interventions to aid in desistence.”

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

STILTZ TRIO+ HOMELIFT

The Stiltz Trio+ Homelift is a groundbreaking, wheelchair-accessible lift which has been designed as a practical and attractive mobility solution when moving between floors at home. The Trio+ represents a positive move away from the clinical, utilitarian appearance of existing mobility aids, and offers a stylish look and feel to complement any room design. 0330 2220334 | stiltz.co.uk 2

ALPIDEX ANTI-SLIP SHOE SPIKES

Designed to fit over virtually any pair of shoes, these anti-slip grips are perfect for those who lack the mobility to confidently walk across icy surfaces. Made of weatherresistant nylon and rustproof stainless steel, these shoe spikes will last for many winters to come. Available in a variety of sizes. amazon.co.uk

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product focus 3

WHEELBLADES

These miniature skis attach to wheelchairs and strollers with a simple click, allowing mobility aid users significantly improved control on icy and snowy conditions. The Wheelblade distributes the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pressure evenly onto the ground, preventing the wheels from sinking into the snow, while tracking channels on the underside of the blades compress the snow to ensure stability.

02892677077 | thelivingcentre.co.uk 4

ORNAMIN MUG WITH INTERNAL CONE

The Ornamin mug allows the user to drink without tilting their head backwards. It comes in a wide variety of colours, and features an internal cone to keep hot drinks warm, ideal for the cold weather. Made of breakresistant plastic, this premium mug is ideal for promoting independent drinking. 01216 676 279 | ornamin.co.uk 5

MEMRABEL MEMORY PROMPT CALENDAR CLOCK

Ideal for helping to promote independent living in patients with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and dementia, the MemRabel II is a care companion designed to give audio and visual support to those who may experience forgetfulness. Reminders can be programmed in to display at set times every day, week, month or year, such as drinking or taking medication. 0300 1240900 | shop.alzheimers.org.uk

4 5 20

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6 6

ROLLITEX WINTER JEANS

These jeans are specifically designed for wheelchair users but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sacrifice form for function. The back of these lined jeans are cut 12cm higher than regular jeans, making them designed for sitting, while also perfect for winter weather. Jeans are available for both men and women in a wide assortment of cuts and styles, with alterations available.

product focus

(+49) 3077 909152 | rollitex.co.uk 7

FELLOWES PROFESSIONAL SERIES HEAT AND SOOTHE BACK SUPPORT

This backrest is easily attached to office or desk chairs and sports a heat and cool setting, providing support and comfort to those with pain or discomfort in their lower back. The backrest promotes good posture, and is ideal for both the home and office setting. 0800 009 6761 | zoro.co.uk 8

DROPLET HYDRATION SYSTEM

Droplet is a system designed to remind and encourage people with dementia to drink where they might otherwise forget. The system consists of the smart base, mug or tumbler, and flow control lid â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the mug designed for hot drinks and the tumbler for cold. The system uses lights and recorded messages to remind the user to drink. 01480 213633 | droplet-hydration.com

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Heading here

Living the American Dream 18-year-old Tilly Griffiths from Stoke has just started a four-year course at Stanford University. What makes this truly remarkable is that Tilly was born with spinal muscular atrophy type 2, a neuromuscular condition which means Tilly has very limited strength. Tilly requires a 24-hour care package and she is the first student from her part of the country and possibly the first in the UK to have the cost of this covered by the NHS while studying overseas. Choosing the right powerchair was of the utmost importance to Tilly, as she explains: “Throughout my life, the chairs I have had have been a huge part of my life and everything I have achieved – allowing me to be the person I want to be.”

Once funding had been secured from charity New Life, Tilly got in touch with Matt. However, this wasn’t a straightforward order as Tilly required a chair with very bespoke adjustments and the deadline for leaving for America was very tight.

Tilly, and her family have known Precision Rehab’s co-founder Matthew James since she was at primary school as Matthew supplied Tilly’s previous chair. “We had always kept in touch with Matt and when I received confirmation that I would be able to start university thanks to the NHS covering the cost of my care package I knew I would need a new chair as my previous one was starting to show its age,” continued Tilly.

It was agreed that the Piccolino was the perfect solution to meet all of Tilly’s requirements. The chair is fitted with a K120 seat which can accommodate paediatrics and small adults as its flexible design allows for growth and support as the seat system will adjust to accommodate postural changes. Upper body supports including thoracic supports can also be fitted and alternative seating options are also available including Jay and moulded seat systems.

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Case Study The design of the chair and its ability to go into a horizontal position means it can also convert into a changing table so Tilly and her carer do not have to worry about always being in close proximity to hoists or slings. Due to Tilly’s lack of strength her chair has to have a highly sensitive joystick and Precision Rehab addressed this by fitting a Micro Glide mini joystick, while the R-Net Omni display unit allows Tilly to monitor her speed and functions and control all parts of the chair independently including Bluetooth and infrared devices. “I love my new chair. Matt has done an amazing job to incorporate all the features I wanted – right down to a phone charger and new mouldings on the base of the chair as I wanted them to look sleeker. He is incredibly sensitive with regards to ensuring the user is happy with the chair, as he said to me, ‘it’s your chair Tilly and should reflect your personality’. I cannot thank him enough for all his hard work.” One of the most important additions to the chair was the fitting of Neater arm supports which Tilly has been using since starting middle school as Tilly’s mother Jackie explains: “When Tilly started middle school, she was determined to be as independent as possible and this included being able to feed herself and the arm supports from Neater Solutions enable her to do this and so much more. Not only do the arm supports enable Tilly to feed herself, use her laptop and play the piano they have also had a positive effect on her respiratory function.

“The arm supports support her forearms and rotate her shoulders back and Tilly’s respiratory consultant has continually been impressed with her respiratory function and believes it is probably down to her using her shoulders and therefore improving her posture as without arm supports Tilly’s arms would sit in her lap 24/7.” Tilly is a true inspiration to other teenagers living with a disability. To be accepted into Stanford, Tilly needed to gain A and A stars, which she achieved through sheer determination and hard work and

ultimately recorded results which placed her in the top 1% in the entrance exam worldwide. “We are incredibly proud of Tilly and what she has achieved and this is why we were determined to make her dream of attending Stanford a reality. With the amazing support of our local NHS and Matt at Precision Rehab, Tilly is now settled into university life at Stanford and I cannot thank everyone involved enough. I would not hesitate in recommending Precision Rehab to anyone of any age who is looking for a powered wheelchair,” continued Jackie.

 For more information on the range from Precision Rehab call 01256 300111 or visit precisionrehab.co.uk.

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n i y a d A ries as r a H Kay started her catruedeyring

fore s arries Kay H ssistant be rsity and a e an OT ventry Univ upational c r c o n at Co ked fo as a g in y e wor ore if h l S a . u 1 q ef 99 NHS b ist in 1 , therap years in the ate sector iv r y t p n n a e ie l m th c g into become a in v o s m she ha ager. where iaison man l

A day in the life

. . f o e f i l the Kay Harries

What is your current role? I am a client liaison manager with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. I have been doing this job for just over five years.

Describe a typical day… There isn’t such a thing as a typical day in my role. My area covers up to Derby in the north, down to Oxford in the south and across mid and south Wales, and I spend a lot of time visiting clients in their own homes. My role is essentially case management at the beginning of a claim, before there is any money. I deal mainly with statutory services and charities to get whatever it is our clients need. My day typically would involve basic office work like answering emails and calls, I will then probably have a visit to a client somewhere. I will be asked to see them for a variety of reasons; it could be that they are unsure about benefits, it may be about accommodation, it might be that they are not on the list when it comes to hospital appointments, or they may be in hospital and be worried about discharge. It can be a whole range of things.

think it is probably the same as therapists the world over and that is not being able to get people what they need.

I might meet a client’s parents or loved ones while they are still in ITU in a hospital and then it’s about supporting the family and helping them understand what’s happening to their loved one. Further down the line it is about overseeing and making sure that their transition from acute care into further rehabilitation is going ahead properly. Then according to where they are in the legal process it may be then that I help a family appoint a case manager to take them forward or I might source different forms of rehab, for example, psychological support, physio or OT. According to what their needs are it could be anything.

Each month ..

...we talk to a diffe ren occupati onal thera t pist to see wh at a typic al day is for the ma a little mo nd explain re about their role.

What is your favourite part of your role? It is the face to face work, meeting people, doing their assessments and helping them get the support they need. Solving problems for them and making life a bit easier for them, it can be very stressful for our clients because they’re not only coping with life-changing conditions but they have got a court case running as well, which puts extra stress on them.

What is the hardest thing about your role? I think it is probably the same as therapists the world over and that is not being able to get people what they need. It doesn’t matter what setting you are in, I have much more freedom in my role, there are fewer boundaries. When I worked in the NHS I always knew I could only do so much. I can do a lot more for clients in my role, but there are still times when you can’t get a client what they need or you can’t get it soon enough or it is just not available, managing those expectations and their disappointment can be hard, but I do love my job.

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Why

have a

stairlift have a real lift?

AS SEEN ON

when you can

E UNIQU R OO L -F U R TH SYSTEM

Leading OTs recognise stairlifts are not suitable for all clients or for all types of homes. Many are now considering Stiltz Homelifts as an alternative. A Stiltz Homelift is available in the wheelchair-accessible 3-person Trio+ model (shown), or the more compact 2-person Duo+ model. The Stiltz OT service level promise means our assessment, customer service and installation teams will work with OTs and healthcare professionals to provide exceptional service and support at all times.

Trusted trader

Our 12-point OT Service Charter promises: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nationwide assessment visits 24hr local support, 365 days a year Lift tailored to customer need Wheelchair accessible Requires no major structural work Can be fitted almost anywhere Peace-of-mind safety sensors Fast-track installations offered Unique through-car option 12 month parts and labour cover Extended warranty Costs comparable with other through-floor lifts!

Call FREE 0808 271 9080 Get in touch with our customer services team or visit www.stiltz.co.uk

Kitchen Design

Designing for

everyone The importance of good kitchen design

Multigenerational living and the need for more accessible kitchens is on the increase, whether due to a change in requirements or people living longer. This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that an accessible kitchen must look institutional.

With nearly 14 million disabled people in the UK, few companies understand the requirements that different impairments present in the home, and especially in the kitchen. An inclusively designed kitchen is intended to offer independence to people for whom a standard kitchen is unsafe or diďŹ&#x192;cult to use, such as wheelchair users, whilst at the same time suiting the needs of everyone using the kitchen. Occupational therapists play a hugely important role when it comes to determining the requirements for a new kitchen and it is important to consider both the available products and important design principles.

Multigenerational properties suit the changing requirements of multiple generations within a house over time and these type of households provide a large number of opportunities for those living together, such as helping with childcare, support and caring for an older relative. Plus, enabling our older generation to remain independent in the home reduces the cost on the local authority because there is less need for social care intervention, whilst it can also be beneficial to health and wellbeing issues for all generations within the household by helping to tackle problems like loneliness and isolation. -magazine.co.uk

Kitchen Design

Consulting with a

specialist kitchen designer

Builders have the ADM standard to work to for bathrooms, but when it comes to kitchens, the guidance is less than clear, which is why it is important for knowledgeable kitchen designers to offer advice to occupational therapists on how to cater to both, comply with the building regulations and ensure best practice is applied. ADM M4(3) Category 3: Wheelchair user dwellings raised the bar for accessible kitchen design whilst at the same time offered room for misinterpretation and in some instances poor design. Items such as required worktop lengths, the difference between ‘wheelchair adaptable’ and ‘wheelchair accessible’ dwellings, oven heights and the minimum length of continuous worktops, all pose challenges and are being interpreted in different ways by various parties in the building process. To highlight this point the Wheelchair Housing Design Guide 2018 goes some way to expand on ADM and in some cases advises against following the building regulations. This is where the knowledge and experience of the kitchen designer is required to bring these points together in the design. Inclusive design should reflect current trends and style, but the most important role of the kitchen designer is to know and understand the ergonomics of designing an inclusive kitchen to ensure clear and comfortable use for all. Vital details need to be considered like ensuring that enough room has been left for the turning space for a wheelchair, heights of work surfaces are comfortable and flexible, access to

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key cooking and cooling appliances, workflow, and accessories. Whilst some kitchen furniture can be adapted to suit the user, there are many specialists with a complete fit-for-purpose kitchen range. For example, Freedom by Symphony was recently launched at the Occupational Therapy Show and has been designed with complete accessibility in mind. It can be tailored to suit the requirements of each and every kitchen user. Adam Thomas, the UK’s leading designer of accessible kitchens and a founding member of the multigenerational kitchen movement, said: “Specialist kitchen designers understand how crucial

effective ergonomics are to disabled people and their kitchen. Symphony Group is introducing my design philosophy into their existing kitchen offer, rather than having it as a separate special range. People of any ability can now have the same service whenever they want to replace their kitchen. “By putting the user at the heart of the project, the kitchen designer can design an accessible and inclusive kitchen space. Making effective use of the space available and ensuring there is plenty of room, a specialist kitchen designer will make use of plenty of storage and the flexibility and adaptability of furniture that a Freedom kitchen can offer.”

Kitchen Design

The principles of

multigenerational design

Whether it’s a kitchen refit, or a complete redesign, the use of fundamental design principles is paramount to achieve the most inspiring space that encompasses safety, style and flexibility.

Safety A fundamental principle of design is ensuring safety throughout. This needs to be considered at every stage of planning and includes everything from the layout of kitchen cabinets to the height of ovens and work surfaces. Features such as waterfall edge worktops to reduce the risk of spills, location of key cooking and cleaning zones, use of induction hobs for safety, and incorporating details like the contrast in colour between frontals, worktops, floors and walls will assist users with visual impairments.

Style Style should never be compromised in a kitchen design. Using a combination of different finishes on tall and base cabinets ensure a modern style. Finish the look with statement worktops and essential accessories such as lighting and drawer organisers to provide a kitchen to be proud of.

Flexibility Features such as flexible worktops and wall cabinets that can be adjusted by the user are ideal. Innovative oven housings, pull-out tables and pull-out wirework can be included alongside standard cabinets to create a space for independence.

Designing an

inclusive kitchen . . .

means looking at how the small details can make a big difference; by assessing the needs of the individual and incorporating as many features as possible to make it functional for everyone. Some ideas to consider when thinking about accessible kitchens and your client requirements are: • how does your client use their kitchen? • who else is using it, and how is this going to change in the medium and long term? • what are the key tasks in the kitchen? Two people of similar ability will have very different ambitions in their kitchen and therefore need very different designs. • what are your client’s needs and capabilities today? How are they likely to change over the coming years? For more information on accessible kitchen design visit symphony-group. co.uk or get in touch on 01226 446 000.

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MemRabel 2i – Keeping people connected In the 35 years that Medpage has manufactured and supplied electronic care products, technology has advanced at an incredible rate. The development of the Smartphone has created a new world of communication and social interaction for people from all walks of life and has proved to be invaluable in the care sector. The terminology and industry jargon used to describe new care technologies can be confusing to some of us more mature in years. At Medpage we believe in keeping things simple, while employing the latest technologies in our product designs. Our new memory prompting aid, the MemRabel 2i is a fine example. A carer can use their Smartphone from anywhere in the world where they have an internet signal to send greetings, reminder videos or photos with text to the MemRabel auto media player. A perfect independent living aid for a person with failing memory or learning impairment. You can create reminders for medication, daily tasks or appointment reminders, all set with a selectable playback and repeat time. It’s amazing to think that Medpage was originally established 35 year’s ago by the invention of an alarm clock to wake deaf people. It was called the Shake Awake and back in the day was considered a major advancement in technology and described by some as the ninth wonder of the world! Visit our website and share some of the useful product ideas that have helped thousands of people over the years to live more independently.

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Pilot scheme sees

OT clinics in GP surgeries

Innovative Scheme

Numbers

Occupational therapy is set to have a presence in GP surgeries after the Royal College of Occupational Therapists successfully won a bid to secure funding. Supported by the Challenge Fund, RCOT was one of 19 successful bids out of 900 applications, and will now see occupational therapy led vocational clinics based in GP surgeries. Funded by the joint Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Work and Pensions, Work and Health Unit, it will be piloted in Southampton and South Wales in partnership with University of Nottingham, Solent NHS Trust and Hywel Dda University Health Board. The programmes will focus on helping people with mental health or musculoskeletal issues return to the workplace faster, employing selfmanagement, rehab and employer liaison. Each service user will get a personalised Allied Health Professions Advisory Fitness for Work Report to relay to their GP and employer. The initiative will challenge whether current GP advice on time off work can be improved after it was revealed

that 93% of GP fit notes - which offer general advice rather than targeted and patient-specific - advise that patients are unable to work and one third are issued for five weeks or longer. Taking on a vocational position, these OT clinics will support a client focused plan to return to work quicker. Following the DWP’s 2017 Improving Lives, the Future of Work, Health and Disability policy paper, which will work to legislate for extension of fit note certification powers beyond GPs and push for employers to use the AHP Advisory Fitness for Work Report for Statutory Sick Pay purposes, results from the College’s scheme will be collated at its conclusion in February 2020 to determine whether it has offered an answer. RCOT professional advisor Genevieve Smyth, who led the application process, told the College: “Winning the Challenge Fund allows the Royal College of Occupational Therapists to put staff directly into GP surgeries to give return to work advice. “This means we can show patients, GPs and employers how, with early help from occupational therapists, people can avoid falling out of work. This initiative provides early intervention in primary care for people with physical and mental health problems.

of GP fit notes advise that patients are unable to work

are issued for five weeks or longer.

“Too many people don’t get the right advice at the right time, putting their continued employment and income at risk. This not only impacts on the individual but the whole family. Early intervention also offers a quick, easy and direct solution to the growing burden of fit notes for GPs. We are looking forward to working with partners to deliver this high profile and ambitious project that will position the profession for the 21st century.”

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Addressing the needs of

dementia clients with Alexa

Maintaining own health and wellbeing To encourage those living with dementia to carry out some activities that enhance their cognitive function, such as games for both entertaining as well as physical and cognitive stimulation.

Firas Sarhan, Director of CETEC at Barnet Southgate College explores the use of the Amazon Echo, affectionately known as Alexa, with patients living with dementia. In the coming years, an increasing number of people will be living with dementia. Many of these people choose to live in their own home environment in the community, despite the increased risk of disability and the increased help needed from family and health professionals. Dementia is a major cognitive disorder which has an impact on independence in activities of daily living and is one of the main causes of disability later in life in the UK, ahead of cancer, cardiovascular disease and stroke. The Alzheimer Society in the UK states that there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, with the expectation that this number will rise to over one million by 2025.

Empowerment of individuals The purpose is to maintain quality of life for those living with dementia. Improving their self-esteem through their engagement with their own care and to continue being involved in their social activities with family, friends and the local community.

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Furthermore, they indicate that this number will increase to two million by 2051. They published alarming figures that 225,000 will develop dementia this year; this means that every three minutes someone will develop dementia. The ageing population in the UK means that one in six people over the age of 80 will develop dementia. The Society identified that 70% of people living in care homes have dementia or severe memory problems and that it is more noticeable that dementia is becoming more evident in people under 65 years old. It has been identified that there are three approaches where assistive technology (AT) can support individuals with dementia:

Maintaining a safe environment and independence To enhance the safety of individuals living alone at home through the use of social alarms installed within the home environment. These alarms could be for smoke, flood, door entry, heat, GPS tracking devices and humidity detectors that are linked to call centres or carers. These sensors activate when there is a potential danger putting the individual at risk.

CETEC The potential role of Alexa in supporting clients with dementia The use of Alexa has increased remarkably in the last three years. Alexa is a voice-activated technology device. Unlike other voice-activated technologies, Alexa is screenless. It is important to note that Alexa can assist in multiple tasks and doesn’t have a high interaction cost. The stand out feature is that Alexa is handsfree and doesn’t require a level of dexterity like mobile devices do to use. On this basis, the role of Alexa is worth investigating further in supporting vulnerable individuals regardless of age or medical condition.

Alexa’s voice-activated features are great for people with dementia for the following reasons: • Instantly answers questions like “what day is it?” or “what time is it?” • Plays music and reads audiobooks based on your request and interests • Tells fun jokes and facts which might be of interest to the user • Can look up information such as what is on TV, or what activities are taking place locally • Could be programmed to offer reports on traffic and weather • Can set reminders to take medication • Calendar integration • Can set relaxation programmes

Professionals who are involved in the care of dementia patients and assessing their AT needs should consider the following questions: how the use of Alexa can help, support and empower individuals with vulnerability such as dementia, and if so, how Alexa could be integrated in their activities of daily living? What are the key functions and what can it do to support the lives of individuals with dementia, their carers and families? Also explore if there are any other issues that have not been addressed by Alexa which might have an impact on the quality of life for dementia patients, and explore new ideas that could assist in this area in terms of telecare or telehealth elements of assistive technology. So how can Alexa help dementia patients? Alexa can be used to support dementia individuals to live more independently at home, empower them to be more engaged with their activities of daily living, support them with appropriate information linked to their condition, and support their cognitive function through programme exercises linked to their memory.

• Can set memory activities • Can set alarms to support individual’s activities Below are some of the key points that need to be considered while using Alexa as an AT tool to support individuals with dementia: In-depth holistic assessment of the dementia clients’ needs and how technology can empower them, maintain health and wellbeing and ensure safety and independence in their activities of daily living Professionals should consider AT that is linked to the main symptoms of dementia, such as, communication and reduction of sensory loss, reduction of isolation and disconnection from friends and family, memory support, support of activities of daily living Developing an understanding of what products are available on the market that could be commissioned in health and social care services. These products could be linked to safety, security and independence such as fire, flood, tracking GPS location, and entry and exit of main doors.

integration and installation of equipment such as connectivity to the internet and compatibility of AT devices. Ensuring that the environment is safe and suitable for installing AT. Ethical consideration in using AT to support dementia patients, ensuring that you are adhering to the mental capacity act mainly when seeking consent and permission to install technology. The use of AT could have considerable benefits, but at the same time it could be misused. As a professional you need to ensure that it is used for the right reasons to enhance independence, safety and promote daily living. Permission and consent should be obtained from clients and next of kin so AT could be seen as a tool to support and engage with clients rather than a tool to monitor or reduce contact hours with carers. Professionals should consider evaluating the impact of Alexa considering the following criteria: access, acceptability, integration, quality (quality of care, quality of technical service, quality of outcomes) and the financial impact exploring the monetary cost of providing a service or series of services by telehealth compared to other modalities of service delivery. It is important to conclude that AT has a role in managing individuals with dementia in the home environment, this requires careful thinking and planning to ensure individuals safety. It is becoming more increasingly essential that health and social care professionals develop their knowledge and skillset in AT use and integration in the client care pathway.

Assessment of dementia client environment incorporating all factors that may influence movement,

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

IWALK 2.0 HANDS FREE CRUTCH

This crutch offers users pain-free mobility for non-weight bearing lower leg injuries, helps avoid pains or injuries to hands and wrists associated with traditional crutches and increases independence by freeing the hands up. Fully adjustable for guaranteed support and security, it also has foam padding for comfort. 03330 160 000 | completecareshop.co.uk 2

TELEPHONE RING SIGNALLER

Easily mounted to the wall or placed on a flat surface and ideal for those with limited hearing or sight, this signaller alerts a user to an incoming phone call. The loud 95dB ringer and LED flash are activated when the phone rings and is telephone powered with a three-metre connection cable. 0345 121 8111 | nrshealthcare.co.uk

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SPLASH MOBILITY SCOOTER CAPE

With the miserable weather, it is so important to ensure clients keep dry, particularly those with limited mobility and associated circulation issues. This cape is waterproof and durable, with transparent panels for lights and control panels, Velcro tabs to allow wing mirrors to protrude, reflective banding, and an easy to use zip. 02031 951278 | welcomemobility.co.uk 4

6-IN-1 MULTI-OPENER

The ultimate kitchen aid for people with limited dexterity, this durable polymer multi-use opener improves independence and reduces injury risk. Easy to grip and manoeuvre, it works on a number of kitchen and safety seals, opening metal bottle caps, can ring pulls, jar lids, bottle tops and features an enclosed blade to cleanly slice through bags. 0800 622 6001 | co-opmobility.co.uk 5

DAYLIGHT YOYO LED POCKET MAGNIFIER 3X

A foldable, pocket, LED light and magnifier is ideal for use when out of the home, allowing users to read things like labels and menus. At 100 grams, with a wrist strap it is portable and lightweight while the full spectrum daylight technology doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t strain the eyes and reduces headaches. 0303 123 9999 | shop.rnib.org.uk

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UCCELLO KETTLE

This kettle with an integrated tipper ensures safety for users at risk of spilling boiling water. With a well-designed and comfortable handle that offers stable grip and a smooth pouring action, it increases independence. It also features an easy to read water level indicator for those with visual impairments.

product focus

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IDEAWORKS SUPER GRIP SUCTION MOUNT HANDLE

A bath or shower handle is an easy and quick falls prevention intervention and this one has a suction attachment feature for easy application or movement. It can be installed without tools and mounts on tiles, walls, baths and shower doors. The colour change indicator allows safe installation and is a quick fix.

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THE HELPING HAND CO ARTHRI-GRIP PRO REACHERÂ

This 32-inch grabber is cleanly and smartly designed to allow comfort, safety and independence. With a rotating jaw, clients with limited movement or dexterity can easily reach and grab more items with less effort. It requires a slight squeeze meaning those who have limited strength can use it.

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LED TOUCH LIGHT SWITCHES

This touch activated light switch is ideal for clients with poor dexterity or strength. It has a blue back light which makes it visible in the dark, making it easier to find your switch at night. The touch control removes the issues of sticky or hard light switches or fiddly, twisting dimmers. 0208 3687970 | hartingtonheath.com

9 -magazine.co.uk

Mental Health

The

Beauty of the

Mind Schizophrenia is a grossly misunderstood mental illness, with a terrifying public perception. Occupational therapy could be just the intervention it needs. There is a strange fascination with schizophrenia in the media, especially in film and television. Horror plays the trope like a violin, exploring the darkness associated with schizophrenia and its dangers; Roman Polanski’s Repulsion, the cult classic Donnie Darko, and James McAvoy in Split depict the mental illness as something terrifying and sinister, even deadly. These portrayals aren’t exactly helped by the media’s fetishisation of criminals who live with schizophrenia: Ed Gein famously escaped the death penalty after being deemed unfit to stand trial upon his diagnosis, and David Berkowitz, the so-called Son of Sam, was thought to be suffering the effects of untreated paranoid schizophrenia when his delusions took the form of his neighbour’s dog and drove him to murder. While of course there is space in the world for these works, they don’t accurately depict schizophrenia, much in the same way Indiana Jones doesn’t accurately portray what it’s like to be an archaeologist. Despite a 2012 study showing that 38

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80% of the films featuring people with schizophrenia between 1990 and 2010 displayed violent behaviour, and almost a third engaged in homicidal behaviour, it doesn’t accurately show what it’s really like to live with the mental illness. Considering there are around 220,000 people in the UK who live with schizophrenia, you would think there would be just a few more Ed Geins kicking around if the media’s portrayal was anything like real life. Treating schizophrenia can involve a number of interventions, dependant on the symptoms experienced by the patient. Schizophrenia tends to be categorised, simply put, by the patient experiencing a combination of delusions and hallucinations, but the nature of either of these aspects can differ greatly. Delusions can range from paranoia to delusions of grandeur; a patient can live in a state of constant, overwhelming and pervasive fear of the end of the world, or believe that they are a deity and walk around blessing people. While the traditional route has seen antipsychotics as the

mainstay treatment – sometimes in combination with CBT if the patient feels that’s helpful or it’s relevant to their symptoms – but there’s evidence that occupational therapy could be key to helping those with schizophrenia. As far back as 1985, an article was included in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health which highlighted how multiple different intervention types could help within the treatment of schizophrenia: sensory integration, activity groups, social skills training, and living skills training. Specifically, the data which formed the basis of the study showed that social integration therapy was a significant motivator, and introducing schizophrenic people to structured activity programs could help contribute to a reduction in positive symptomatology. It also showed that social and living skills training showed promise as an intervention to promote community integration, but that the study needed further testing in order to establish how different patients and symptoms responded to the treatments, to see if they were a viable option for both occupational therapists and people with schizophrenia. Professor Rajani Kelkar wrote in the Indian Journal of Occupational Therapy that occupational therapy could also complement the use of medication and have significant

benefits for patients who experience hallucinations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a trademark symptom of schizophrenia. Kelkar summarises that a number of different interventions, including working with the patient to identify specific dysfunction resulting from their hallucinations, implementing simple coping strategies and assisting the patient in identifying personal meaning in these techniques, and providing support to educate family members and monitor progress can help people with schizophrenia greatly. In her two case studies where she applies her clinical model, Kelkar demonstrates how the use of occupational therapy interventions can positively affect patients. Patient A lives with paranoid-type chronic schizophrenia; he was a resident in a psychiatric hospital and had been prescribed anti-psychotics, but presented persisting symptoms of suicidal ideation and anhedonia, and the derogatory nature of his hallucinations had negatively affected his self-esteem.

interventions resulted in a reduction of his hallucinations and improved behaviour and self-care routines.

Mental Health

Introducing occupational therapy into the treatment schedule for a person with schizophrenia has been shown to greatly help improve their lives and lifestyles. Improving and expanding the treatments afforded to people with complex conditions will help them not only live improved lives, but improve the social perception of a mental illness which is significantly less dangerous than the media leads us to perceive it.

With intervention from an occupational therapist, they assessed that engagement in short-term, structured activities and therapeutic sessions where personal meaning was involved would help with his schizophrenia. The interventions taught him coping mechanisms, which he found beneficial in decreasing the hallucinations, and their effect on him greatly decreased, which resulted in his discharge from the medical facility. The IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science supports the findings of Professor Kelkar through the findings of M. Ramakrishnan, who understood a similar case study involving a 42-year-old man with schizophrenia. Similar to the other study, he was schizophrenic, and experienced hallucinations, poor selfcare and poor socio-occupational functioning. Occupational therapists identified a number of issues which could be improved through behaviour modifying intervention and the model of human occupation. While the patient was originally sceptical, saying he was not capable of the activities, he persevered, and the combination of -magazine.co.uk

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Helping Our

Heroes Alexandra Lovett has recently taken up the occupational therapist post with the charity Help for Heroes. Based at their Tedworth House Recovery Centre, Alexandra shares what her role with injured service personnel involves. For the past eight months, I have been the occupational therapist at Help for Heroes based at the charity’s Tedworth House Recovery Centre in Tidworth, Wiltshire. As I’m still relatively new to the role, I am learning all the time. From a background of working in neuro, I am now mostly working with people requiring mental health

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support. My background in neuro has been helpful, as several of the veterans have cognitive needs alongside other issues. This has allowed me to address occupational performance difficulties from several different angles, and switch between approaches which I have discovered is vital in this role. Help for Heroes has been a charity

for just 11 years. Stemming from the idea of two people who felt the need to ‘do something’ and from a humble beginning in a tin hut, in just 11 years it’s now a national charity that has supported over 21,000 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans and their families. It is for anyone whose health or wellbeing has been affected by serving in or alongside any of the armed forces and aims to support them for life. Help for Heroes offers a range of support including welfare, health and wellbeing, sport and leisure, career guidance and clinical support, including occupational therapy.

Help Our Heroes

In just 11 years it’s now a national charity that has supported over 21,000 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans and their families.

and I have learned a lot about it from the veteran’s perspectives. To many, the military has been their family, sometimes for many years. Leaving that life can create a culture shock which veterans struggle to manage, which can then compound any physical or mental health difficulties especially if a medical discharge was not their choice.

I chose Kielhofner’s Model of Human Occupation to support military veterans with their functional difficulties as I felt it was clientcentred and would allow me to focus on common areas of difficulty such as motivation and the shifting roles that come with being medically discharged from the military. My role is to both enable access to other services provided by Help for Heroes and to improve the quality of life of those people who are referred to me for input. There is no ‘average’ veteran and it is an exciting, challenging and unique role which I hugely enjoy.

after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, it was more common to see individuals returning from conflict with physical injuries, however, this has now shifted. Mental health conditions in veterans are becoming more prevalent and the effect this is having on the veteran’s ability to live the life they want to lead is significant. As an occupational therapist, I can look at the person holistically and consider all of their strengths, difficulties and the environment in which these occur and bring this to the rest of the team.

Back when Help for Heroes started,

The military culture is unique,

Occupational therapy at Help for Heroes will look at any need that arises through assessment including help with dressing, adaptive technology to support memory loss and leisure activities, however, the largest volume of referrals is for sleep needs. Although sleep is a necessary daily function, it is not commonly addressed in traditional occupational therapy settings. Tedworth House Recovery Centre has the advantage of a well-resourced sensory room which is used alongside sensory assessments, sleep hygiene advice and education on the impact of health conditions on sleep to try to create a healthier sleep pattern and give veterans tools to manage their unique sleep difficulties. It requires a lot of creative problem solving. Help for Heroes is still relatively early in the establishment of the OT service which only began in 2014 and the time is now right to consider how to develop the OT service for the future. I am always looking to develop links with other services who provide support for veterans, as I believe that joint working is the most effective way to help our veterans.  If you would like any further information or would like to contact me, please do so on alexandra.lovett@helpforheroes.org.uk

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Revolutionising

Stroke Rehab

Stroke Rehab Guilem Singla Buxarrais is the co-founder of Neurofenix, the company that recently won the £50,000 Nesta Inventor Prize. They invented a device called the Neuroball that is designed to make rehabilitation for stroke survivors fun, competitive, effective and affordable. Here Guilem shares their journey so far and his hopes for the Neuroball.

There are currently 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK alone. Stroke is the biggest cause of adult disability in the UK.

Numbers 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK

The good news is that survival rates are predicted to increase drastically over the next 20 years. But this means more and more people will go through the trauma of stroke and then the arduous and expensive process of rehabilitation. The physical impact of stroke is very hard to deal with, and many people lose the use of a hand or arm. This makes daily living, such as washing, cooking and dressing, incredibly difficult. 39% of stroke survivors say that the physical impact is the most difficult aspect of stroke to deal with. Rehabilitation is possible, but it can be difficult. In clinical settings, it can be expensive. Practised at home, repeating the same movements everyday to restore strength and flexibility to muscles and promote neuroplasticity can be painfully

39% of stroke survivors say that the physical impact is the hardest to deal with

boring, prompting many to simply give up on the daily exercises necessary to restore function to their limbs. Added to this, more than 70% of stroke survivors experience low moods and depression. A survey by the Stroke Association found 45% of stroke survivors feel abandoned after they leave hospital.

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Numbers

Rehab Incentive Volunteering with stroke survivors every weekend, I discovered that what many needed was something that would give them an incentive to continue with their rehabilitation.

Every minutes users will eventually be able to compare scores and encourage each other using the gaming platform.

Gamification seemed the obvious route. Though none of the team were hardcore gamers, we realised the potential of video games to create an attractive, entertaining way to improve movement and resilience in fingers, hands and arms.

We set out to create the NeuroBall because we believe stroke survivors deserved better. We are transforming physical and cognitive rehabilitation from a lonely, expensive experience into something more fun and social. We want to make rehabilitation affordable and enjoyable.

And so the Neuroball was born. The Neuroball gamifies rehabilitation with a smart hand training device, connected to a tablet, with a variety of games that take the drudgery out of essential exercises. Sensors track the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement and NeuroBall

Stroke is personal for us - our interest in stroke rehabilitation comes from experience with family members. But that is by no means unusual. One in six people will have a stroke at some point in their lives - most families across the world will be affected.

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someone has a stroke in the UK

Almost stroke survivors leave hospital with a disability

Stroke Rehab

A Winning Boost Last month our team won the £50,000 Inventor Prize – set up by the government as part of its Industrial Strategy to encourage the creation of innovative new devices for social good, and delivered by the innovation foundation, Nesta. But there was a lot more to the challenge prize than the money itself. Over the past nine months, since we were selected for the final ten in the Inventor Prize, our project has progressed massively. The NeuroBall is now very different - better - than the prototype we entered in the Inventor Prize. We implemented a user-centric approach, working closely with stroke survivors and therapists to progress from prototype to launch. As part of the Inventor Prize, we created a film demonstrating the Neuroball and the effect on survivor’s lives. This inspired us to move fast, work hard and work smartly. The

finished film shares the story of stroke survivor Shona. She describes how rehabilitation with the Neuroball has enabled her to brush her hair again. An everyday action we all take for granted.

Numbers

It was great working with the other inventors shortlisted for the prize. They were all inspirational people, with great problem-solving minds, and a huge range of skills and talents. It really benefited everyone to discuss and reflect on our individual journeys in inventing. Hearing the testimonies of stroke survivors like Shona, talking about how using the Neuroball is not only simple and fun but that the exercises have helped with the rehabilitation and allow them to perform everyday tasks again has spurred us on to make the Neuroball widely available as soon as possible. We hope to be able to help many more people with their rehabilitation journeys very soon.

have a stroke every year in the UK

 For more information please visit neurofenix.com.

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The

Occupational Therapy Show excels The Occupational Therapy Show excelled once again with 4,877 occupational therapy professionals gathering at the show on 21-22 November 2018 at the NEC in Birmingham. Cementing it as the UK’s largest free to attend, education and trade event for the OT profession.

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Free for delegates to attend, the atmosphere at the Birmingham NEC came alive once again as the doors opened to the show’s sixth anniversary event. Visitors gave the two-day exhibition and conference a resounding thumbs up, as did the hundreds of exhibitors who showcased thousands of the latest products and services on the exhibition floor. Packed full of on-stand training, cutting edge innovations, as well as first class education from world-renowned speakers, The Occupational Therapy Show met the needs of all occupational therapists and exhibitors from across the UK. Delegates had the perfect opportunity to discover new products, materials and technologies to reach the UK market that would help their clients. There were also plenty of live demonstrations of products for delegates to learn from and make the most of.

What

people had to

To complement the major exhibition, The Occupational Therapy Show hosted an education programme with streams for all OTs including mental health, moving and handling, neurology in practice, paediatrics, housing, equipment services and governance.

The Poster Zone, sponsored by Seating Matters, also proved, once again, to be a popular area of the show where individuals and teams within the OT profession shared best practice and networked with colleagues from across the UK.

Among the highlights of the educational programme was the Keynote Theatre, where outstanding sessions were delivered by the likes Professor Sue Baptiste, Keir Harding, Dr Ida Kahlin, Anand Pandyan and Michael Mandlestram, among many others. There were also another six theatres packed full of informative lectures which all proved highly popular over the course of the two days.

The Occupational Therapy Show Awards The Awards returned once again, in partnership with the OTCoach. Adding to the networking and social opportunities, the Occupational Therapy Show Awards provided an afternoon of celebrating achievements for the welldeserved winners and highly recommended individuals.

New for 2018! The Housing Adaptations Trail, sponsored by Otolift, designed to help OTs source products and information to help independent living for their clients. This was a huge success with over 30 exhibitors taking part to support the launch and hundreds of OTs taking part. The Exhibitor Product Launches webpage was also launched and went down a storm with both delegates and exhibitors alike! This will no doubt be enhanced for 2019.

New for 2018 were the Occupational Therapy Exhibitor Awards. These awards celebrated and acknowledged successful exhibiting companies and the products and services they supply to the OT audience. Judged by a panel of respected OTs put together by Jen Gash, the OTCoach, the winners and highly commended companies revelled in their success at the presentation on the evening of the first day of the show.

A firm favourite amongst our delegates and exhibitors and back for another year was the Paediatric Trail, sponsored by JCM Sunrise, highlighting exhibitors and seminars that OTs could visit in order to give them greater exposure to all the latest learning, products, services and technologies on the paediatric market, enabling an enhanced service to clients.

27th and 28th Nov 2019 NEC Birmingham theotshow.com Don’t miss The Occupational

say

“As a clinical commissioning lead, I commission all of the equipment and wheelchairs for the city and so I need an awareness for what is going on and I also am interested in attending the sessions as we are just about to implement something called moving with dignity and I am really interested in hearing the singlehanded care talk.” Patience Young, Clinical Commissioning Lead, Hull CCG

“It is a great showcase for us to demonstrate our new innovative products and to launch our new chair. It is a great space for us to get some customer feedback and show them what we are innovating and bringing to market.” Cason Karn, Clinical Sales Manager, Direct Healthcare

“I’m taking the opportunity to get some CPD, see what’s new in terms of equipment that we can access. Training is limited so we were sent here as it’s free! I used to go to another show but this one was more focused on OTs and better for me.” Ruth Conerly, Occupational Therapist, Derbyshire community health services

Therapy Show 2019! Dates: 27-28 November 2019 Venue: NEC, Birmingham Website: theotshow.com

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OT Show awards

Bestin Class This year the Occupational Therapy Show Awards in partnership with the OTCoach, celebrated the remarkable work of OTs across the country working in a diverse range of settings. New to this year was the introduction of the Exhibitor Awards which saw products and services from the show recognised for aiding independent living and assisting occupational therapists in their work. We bring you a rundown of the successful OTs and companies that scooped the accolades on offer at this year’s show.

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Outstanding Highly Commended Occupational Therapist Kirstie Hughes Award, sponsored by Occupational The OT Magazine Therapist, Lincoln

Winner

Pam Wooding Recovery Practice Lead, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust Pam’s recent work has been with the Recovery and Wellbeing College where she has delivered workshops and supported developments despite limited resources. She has worked closely with all involved to ensure the true ethos of a Recovery College. Her core OT skills have been key in recognising that mental illness is not just about learning techniques but how you can function practically on a day-to-day basis. Colleague Ruth Holiday collecting Pam’s award on her behalf

Kirstie works with assistance dog charities, championing the OT profession and the value it can offer in this area. She is very passionate about her work and helps the patient to focus on the care of the assistance dog which in turn actually improves that person’s social life, confidence and transforms that person from ‘cared for’ to ‘carer’. Kirstie also works as part of the #OTalk team.

OT Show awards

Outstanding Occupational Therapy Leadership and Innovation Award

Winner

Kerrie Phipps Service Lead for Specialist Acute and Community Outstanding OTTI/ Service in Hywel Dda OTA/Service University Health Board Contribution Award Kerrie’s OT development work is situated in primary care and responded to the need to explore an alternative model of OT in general practice. She has informed GP thinking, embedding OT philosophy in primary care, resulting in reduced hospital admissions, reduced falls and increase in patient confidence and safety. Kerrie was nominated by several people for this award, which is a true testament to her work as an OT.

Highly Commended Jackie Cooper Occupational Therapist, The Good Care Group The Good Care Group specialises in providing live-in care for people with dementia. Jackie was recruited to improve the service, the wellbeing initiatives and collaborative working. She has designed and delivered modules for dementia training for carers, created the motivational falls interview, created an ‘on the spot’ assessment for carers, implemented various safety and governance procedures, falls prevention webinars, plus many more.

Winner

Tracey Holt OTTI, Trevor Gibbens Unit, Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust Tracey was nominated by her colleague Ruth Holliday for her commitment to patient-centred care and her enthusiasm for her role. Tracey runs a gardening project encouraging patients to engage in horticulture, animal care and garden maintenance. She also manages the referrals to this service, works closely with the OTs to ensure service users can engage and runs several activity groups.

Highly Commended Bob St Clair-Baker OTTI, Lakeside Lounge, Kent Forensic Psychiatry Services Also nominated by Ruth Holliday, Bob runs the Lounge Café which provides work experience for service users working alongside regular staff. He provides individual support and encouragement to service users in their desired activities and people often comment how much they enjoy working alongside him. He is very supportive of the wider team and ensures the welfare and happiness of the staff.

Colleague Ruth Holiday collecting Bob’s award on his behalf

. . . people often comment how much they enjoy working alongside him. He is very supportive of the wider team and ensures the welfare and happiness of the staff.

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OT Show awards

The OT Show Exhibitor Awards Best Personal Independence Product

Best Therapeutic Product or Service

Excellence in Caring Award

Winner

Wizzybug Loan Scheme, Designability Wizzybug is an innovative powered wheelchair designed specifically for children under five. There is often no NHS funding available for powered mobility for this age group, so Designability fundraise to loan the Wizzybug out to children for as long as they need it, offering vital independence for under-fives to get up to the same mischief as their peers.

Highly Commended 6000 Home Lift, Gartec Home Lifts This passenger platform lift offers a functional, wheelchair-friendly lift, suitable for up to five people. It fits a wheelchair easily with higher weight limits to use as a bariatric chair lift or motorised wheelchair lift. It also provides a range of style and aesthetic options to make the lift a stunning feature, or blend in with your client’s home design. 50

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Handi Calendar, Abilia Ltd The Handi Calendar is an app designed to support daily planning and activities. It is completely programmable for all sorts of support by individuals and carers. You receive clear alarms when the activities begin and end. To each activity you can link additional information, such as a checklist or a phone number.

Highly Commended Home Check, Living Well At Home In Later Life The Home Check service offers a full assessment of your client’s home to identify barriers and challenges to future independent living. The results of the assessment allow homeowners to plan for their future creating a more accessible home, avoiding the need for any major adaptations in the future.

Rotoflex 235 Plus Rotation Bed, Theraposture Ltd The recently launched Rotoflex 235 Plus is designed to improve a patient’s independence and care. The bed can move and rotate a user from a recumbent to fully upright seated position with the touch of one button. It has been regarded as a solution ‘that will revolutionise the care environment for both service-users and carers alike’.

Highly Commended Invacare Soft Tilt, Invacare Recently launched, this unique and innovative new system has been designed to automatically reposition patients in bed, reducing the number of night visits carers need to do and allowing for a more peaceful night’s sleep for the patient. Ideal for both single carer environments and pressure care management.

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Sleep problems are a common experience for around 1 in 4 people, but they are much more of an issue for people who have enduring physical or mental health problems, to the point where it is almost impossible to find anyone in these groups who sleeps well. Managing poor sleep in at-risk groups greatly improves quality of life, engagement with other health professionals, other interventions, and significantly reduces comorbid symptoms (e.g. pain). Despite a wealth of evidence for the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for managing sleep problems in both healthy and more at-risk groups, a lack of training in this important area means that many people are left with an ongoing prescription of toxic and addictive sleeping medications that often cause them to feel tired and groggy the next day. This places them in a position of reduced quality of life and at heightened risk for making mistakes and having accidents. Our training courses offer

Occupational Therapists (who see sleep problems all the time, but who have often had no training in how to assess and treat these problems) a solution to this ubiquitous issue. After attending our foundation and advanced training days, OTs will be empowered to assess and treat their clients’ sleep problems using nontoxic, non-addictive psychological and behavioural interventions which have very well evidenced scientific and clinical efficacy, using the only NIHCE recommended treatment intervention for insomnia: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i). An excellent addition to the OT’s repertoire that has been shown to improve their clients’ compliance with other interventions, well-being, energy levels, quality of life and functioning.

Learn Sleep Assessment and Treatment Strategies with Dr David Lee ‘The most important training you can receive in your career in mental health’ – BPS delegate ‘Hands down, this has been the most interesting and informative course I have ever done’ – RGN/Case Manager Day One: Foundation in Sleep Assessment and Management Day Two: Advanced Assessment and Treatment Strategies

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Naidex is celebrating its 45th anniversary With last year’s edition still sending ripples throughout the health and care sectors, Naidex will look to inspire, educate and motivate over 15,000 visitors for its 45th edition. Returning to Birmingham’s NEC on 26-27 March 2019, the show will bring together the very latest solutions in healthcare, allowing professionals in the industry and carers to stay up to date and

The Moving and Handling Lab Last year, the Moving and Handling Lab was one of the most successful features at the show, overflowing with occupational therapists, healthcare professionals and carers. This year, it will be making its much anticipated return, providing interactive training over the course of the two full days. The Lab will showcase the most innovative handling equipment and technology available in the

A Deeper Look at Mental Health In 2018, mental health has been a massive talking point. With 14% of disabled people stating they have a mental health condition, it is key for healthcare professionals and carers to be informed about these. This year’s Naidex will look to help you find the best solutions and tools to improve the mood and mental health of disabled people with conditions such as anxiety, autism, depression, and more. You can find companies such as Rompa,

improve the lives of disabled people living with disabilities. And in order to do that to the best of our abilities, Naidex will feature interactive features and cover some of the industry’s key topics.

CPD Accredited Sessions world, and experts will offer training sessions in the fields of hoisting, manual handling, toileting slings, single handed care, plus size handling, rehabilitation, postural management, professional integrity and more. You will have the chance to learn how to effectively move and handle patients with the least amount of exerted effort, in a way that provides them with the utmost comfort and dignity.

SafeSpaces and Sensakids whose prime focus are sensory tools to promote regulation of emotions and enhance focus for your patients, while facilitating your job as a healthcare professional or carer. The show will also be running alongside two industry leading events - the Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo will return as the hub inspiring business growth and a sustainable social care model and the European Neuro Convention will gather brain and spine experts from all over the world over two days.

Looking for CPD points? Naidex is a fully CPD accredited event. This means that all 250 seminars and interactive sessions at the show, including the ones at the Moving and Handling Lab, are CPD accredited. All the knowledge you’ll gather at Naidex will be formalised into a structured and recognisable approach, and is focused towards helping healthcare professionals improve their skills, development and proficiency.

 Events like Naidex contribute to bringing the world of disability and healthcare forward, and we’d love for you to join us on 26-27 March 2019 at Birmingham’s NEC.

Get your free tickets at naidex.co.uk Follow Naidex on Twitter and Facebook: @NaidexShow

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All the latest from the world of paediatrics

Paediatrics

SECTION T

he Christmas period is over, but many are still thinking about the festivities just passed.

One huge part of the most wonderful time of the year is the Christmas adverts that give us a chuckle, make us peckish, and often tear up. But our favourite this year didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feature Kevin the Carrot or the iconic Coca-Cola van, instead Santa and a familiar face in The Silent Child star Maisie Sly. Chinese mobile giants Huaweiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas offering launched their new app, StorySign, which is looking to tackle illiteracy in Deaf children. Find out more on page 62. We also meet MediCinema, the fantastic initiative which brings the big screen to hospital, offering and other-worldly and cinematic

escape from mundane ward life and providing a sense of normality and comfort. Learn about their silver screens on page 58.

OTs are well placed to support people of all ages with autism, but particularly with children. One often debated condition amongst psychologists is pathological demand avoidance, but occupational therapy could be an answer. Turn over for more. Also, as usual we bring you an array of products to help support your younger clients and as always, feel free to get in touch with your stories from the world of paediatrics! Email ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

Read on to find out more...

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PDA and OT

Demanding Interventions Pathological demand avoidance is a thoroughly debated disorder in the psychology community, but while they debate, occupational therapists still need to provide help.

What is PDA? Proposed by child psychologist Elizabeth Newson in 1980, pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is considered by an increasing number of professionals to be a sub-type of autism spectrum disorder. At the moment, the condition isn’t recognised within the two diagnostic manuals used by medical professionals, the DSM-5 or ICD-10, but some suggest the disorder should be merged under the umbrella of the pre-existing condition oppositional defiant disorder, which does exist in both manuals.

Per the National Autistic Society, individuals with PDA, much like those diagnosed with other disorders on the autism spectrum, may have issues with social communication, social interaction, and exhibit restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests. Differing from other autism spectrum disorders, those with PDA will actively avoid demands and expectations to an extreme extent; the need to do so is rooted in a need to be in control, which itself is born of anxiety.

Features of PDA

The PDA Society deﬁnes the main features of pathological demand avoidance as:

• Rejecting or resisting the demands associated with every day life, which can include getting out of bed, engaging in activities, or responding to suggestions – even if they might want to take part in what has been suggested. • Using social strategies to avoid suggested activities, such as excuses or distraction techniques. • Lacking a deep understanding in social situations while still maintaining a functional understanding. • Mood swings and impulsivity.

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d eman gical d lo o h t pa nce avoida

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• Being comfortable in role playing situations to the point of extremity, sometimes acting very controlling within these situations. • Obsessive behaviour which focuses on other people.

TreatingPDA The Elizabeth Newson Centre, which specialises in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and the support of those diagnosed, says that those whose symptoms subscribe to the behaviour profile of someone with PDA will often display a passive early history: as infants they did not reach, they dropped toys, they “just watched,” and were delayed in reaching developmental milestones. During their developmental period, infants who may later go on to be diagnosed with PDA will reach milestones on their own terms, and will often display resistance when things are expected of them. This can often lead to parents requiring additional support with demand avoidant children, where they feel like their children’s developmental pattern and behaviour profile results in them being labelled as “poor” or “bad” parents.

Treating pathological demand avoidance can be complicated as, with every other disorder, a different strategy is needed for each individual. The ASD Clinic gives an excellent overview of the total treatment which is used; with intervention from occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists, individuals with PDA will benefit significantly in all areas of their life, both socially and at home. The ASD Clinic points out that wording of demands is incredibly important when working with patients who are living with PDA –

PDA and OT

demands must be indirect so as not to conflict with their innate need to reject them, and are more effective if concise and clear. This will prevent the triggering of the obsessive need to avoid demands directed at them. A multi-disciplinary approach is the most successful, and will work on the following areas of the patient’s life: communication skills, social skills, sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills, and learning ability. Additionally, educational needs will require addressing to ensure that: the child is kept on task throughout the school day; that they are retaining information taught to them; and that there is minimal disruption to other children within the learning environment. The use of speech therapy is to improve the child’s understanding and use of language, helping them with facial expressions and social timing, while also improving meaningful conversation and reducing echolalia and mimicry. Parallel to this, the physiotherapist will help to improve balance and coordination of motor movements. From the occupational therapist’s perspective, treatment will concentrate on ensuring that children are able to learn a variety of skills that will enhance their ability to learn and function, including sensory processing, gross and fine motor skills, social interaction, and coping and self-management. Using a number of different approaches, OTs will often use games and fun as part of skill development, which will involve play, developmental and learning theories, behavioural interventions, sensory integration and models of occupational performance. The interventions chosen by the occupational therapist will reflect the areas in which the child needs to work. ASD Clinic also notes that children with PDA may respond especially well to play treatment as they may not recognise it as placing demands upon them.

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Heading here

The Great

Escape

Cinema can transport us to all sorts of incredible and unimaginable places, which is why it’s so needed in hospitals. If you’re lucky enough to have found time in your busy schedules to catch a movie at a Vue cinema recently, you may have seen an advert for charity MediCinema. The charity have installed six state-of-the-art cinemas in hospitals across the country, and with the support of the UK film industry – including patron Simon Pegg – they bring the latest blockbusters to patients who may otherwise not have been able to enjoy something as simple as a trip to the cinema. Each screen is designed for a healthcare setting as much as it is for a cinema: there’s comfy leather cinema chairs, snacks and drinks, space for wheelchairs, attachments

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for drips, and even space for moviegoers who are unable to leave their bed at that stage in their treatment. At every screening are two specially hired NHS nurses cushioning the feelings of fun and excitement with one of safety and security. MediCinema run 21 screenings per week across their six installed cinemas – three of which are in London, one in Newcastle, Newport and Glasgow – and in 2017 they brought the joys of the silver screen to 23,700 patients and families up and down the UK. The charity plans to double the number of MediCinemas in operation and triple the number of people they reach annually by 2025.

Tara’s hospital experience changed when she was asked one day if she’d like to go to the cinema. She felt freed from the ward, like she was actually doing something normal that she’d do outside of hospital.

Tara is just one of the people whose lives have been vastly improved by MediCinema’s existence. She lives with chronic conditions that frequently flare up, making her a familiar face in her local hospital. “What people don’t realise is that the day here for us is the same every day - breakfast at seven, then you have a wash, then you see the doctors, then afternoon nap, then you’ve got your dinner, they you’ve got medication, then you’ve got bedtime. And it’s the same thing every day. And you think ‘I’m stuck in a circle and I can’t do anything’. And you feel too sick, you can’t go outside in case you catch a cold,” she said. Tara’s hospital experience changed when she was asked one day if she’d like to go to the cinema. She felt freed from the ward, like she was actually doing something normal that she’d do outside of hospital.

through on the ward. Whatever you’re going through on that day you always know that come Tuesday or Thursday you can go to the cinema and have a really good time.”

 For more information or to support the charity, visit medicinema.org.uk

She even gets the opportunity to cuddle up with her husband, Rick, at MediCinema, just like she would at home. “It was nice to make a date night of it,” Tara said. “We’re in a cinema, enjoying it like a normal couple.” Cinema is something that connects her to life outside the hospital, and in her words, if she didn’t have MediCinema, Tara says “my cheese would have slipped off my cracker.” It’s a place she can relax and stop thinking about the ward, the medication, and the monotony of her day. It’s a place she can feel a sense of normality not otherwise afforded to her by hospital life.

“Afterwards, it was so nice to talk to everyone about the film,” she said, “and it’s such a friendly atmosphere that it takes you away from what you’re going

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

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New App

StorySign Opening the world of books up to Deaf children Learning to read as a child is something that most people take for granted. We turn five, attend school, start learning words and before we know it we are reading books all on our own. For a child who is born Deaf this will be a very different journey. When learning to read, hearing people use the language that they have already learned to make associations with the words on the page to link up what they hear and say to what they see. Deaf children do not have the ability to do that, so it can pose a challenge when learning to read. Deaf children can struggle to make the associations between the written word and the language that they use - sign language. The spoken

language is the first barrier they come to when learning to read, which can be very frustrating for a young child trying to make sense of letters and words on a page. Dr Katherine Rowley, Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre, University College London says: “Many Deaf children have delayed language or very little language. Because they don’t have concepts and world knowledge, when they start learning to read in school they can’t link up words that they have read with the concepts of life experience because they don’t have them.” However, a new app called StorySign has become available to help Deaf children to learn to read.

“

They are working with Penguin Random House to ensure many classic children’s books are included on the app

“

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Created by Huawei, the Chinese magnate that has produced a great alternative smartphone to the usual iPhone or Samsung Galaxy options, this app is transforming the lives and early experiences of young Deaf children. Huawei is a multinational telecommunications equipment company with a particular interest in using artificial intelligence (AI) as an effective solution to challenges and barriers that we face in the world. They have recognised the need for this particular technology as there is nothing else like it currently in existence. Chief Marketing Officer, Huawei Western Europe, Andrew Garrihy commented: “At Huawei we’re committed to using technology and mobile AI to try and extend what is currently humanly possible. And we have a real belief in Huawei that technology can address some of humanity’s biggest challenges. And so it’s for those reasons that we decided to create and bring to the world StorySign. “We also partnered with the British Deaf Association and with the European Union of the Deaf and we consulted with them every step of the way to make sure we were really focusing on the right problems and that the solution would make a real difference.”

New App

How does it work? The app is free to download from Google Play and Huawei’s AppGallery and work is currently going on to release it on other platforms too. It is also available in 10 different sign languages. Once downloaded to your device you are introduced to Star, the character created to translate the words in books into sign language for the reader. Star is a friendly, fun character that has been designed to give the feeling of an older sibling teaching the young reader how to read. She was created by Aardman Animations – the geniuses behind lovable characters Wallace and Gromit.

They are working with Penguin Random House to ensure many classic children’s books are included on the app, to offer something for every young child to engage with. You have to have a hard copy of one of the books on the app to engage with Star to sign the words as they are pre-programmed into the app. It can’t just be used over text on any book.

Joe Marriott, Commissioning Editor, Penguin Random House commented on their involvement: “We’re really excited about being a partner for StorySign. We feel that Deaf children should have access to stories in the same way that hearing children do and so we’re going to make sure that in every territory StorySign launches, there’s a classic book available on the app.” When you hold your device over the words on the page, Star starts using sign language and the words are highlighted on the screen to show which word she is signing, allowing the child to recognise the words and associate them with the correct sign for them. With nothing like this currently available, this app is set to transform the lives of Deaf children across the globe by helping them to more easily access books, help them learn to read, allow them to enjoy reading with their families, to more fully experience bedtime stories and to ultimately fall in love with books and reading. A great grounding for young minds.

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THE FUTURE of hearing aids

A Manchester Metropolitan Industrial Digitalisation masters student was commended at the Design Council’s ‘New Designers 2018’ event after impressing with her 3D printed wireless earbud concept.

Elen Parry, has created HeX earbuds – wireless audio earphones that are also an advanced hearing device, suitable for everyone. The buds offer a number of functions, allowing users to increase or decrease the volume of their surroundings, protect the longevity of their sense of hearing, enhance their hearing ability and providing greater control over what they hear. Following Elen’s research, the HeX earbuds utilise a chip which receives

and processes sound signals before differentiating between background sound and what a user wants to hone in on. The design would also feature Bluetooth, infrared and motion technology to connect with other devices and receive phone calls or music, while the hexagonal shape allows a multi-directional hearing experience. The top pick at the Design Council event, the student’s concept could be produced on a large scale

using the university’s Print City, with the silicone earphones easily personalised to fit any ear. “My mission is to encourage social inclusion through my designs, to create improved situations for everyone. The driving principle behind creating HeX earbuds was to create a hearing device that is for everyone – whether you live with hearing loss or perfect hearing,” Elen explained. “People with disabilities often feel excluded and conspicuous because of their medical devices, so I want to transform hearing aids into a desirable wearable tech product that gives people enhanced hearing, style and confidence – something that anyone might want to wear. “3D printing enables us to manufacture them quickly and relatively simply, so HeX earbuds could be easily produced for a mass audience.” It was at the university’s state-ofthe-art 3D printing facility Print City that a prototype came to life, with academic lead Professor Craig Banks saying: “This is one of many examples of how additive manufacturing and out-of-the box thinking by Elen disrupts the current design of medical devices.” Images: Elen Parry, Manchester Metropolitan University

-magazine.co.uk

Student advice

Keeping Mum Juggling uni, placement and kids

Is there one thing that you wish your lecturer knew? Something you wish the decision makers would consider when pulling together your timetable? University courses in all subject areas at some point come under fire for the number for hours, assessments and requirements they put on students. Courses must comply with certain hours and points to meet the requirements of the degree, but is there too much pressure put onto independent or extracurricular learning? Student cohorts often rank highly in studies looking into those recognising mental health issues, with that group often focusing on age brackets of 18-25. University

-magazine.co.uk

life can signal the beginning of adulthood for some, but other students are already well acquainted with the realities of life. Returning or mature students may have a whole host of different commitments and responsibilities to deal with on top of studying.

of not always t l i u g The

Student advice

h e t r e g n i e ban be

i n t g t e s p u

When we asked our student followers on social media how they balanced their responsibilities with their own self-care, it was mostly women with children who popped up. On top of their duties away from the lecture theatre or placement, they were keen to emphasise the time strain and delicate balancing act of keeping a family or house in order. Younger parents also have their children to think of, ensuring they are on top of university requirements, family life and the important life and social experiences that student life brings. But with all these responsibilities, can universities do more to support or recognise this minority group in the classroom? A lot of students believe, and rightly so, that they have their whole lives ahead of them, with their early adult years being a time to make mistakes, explore their options or gain valuable life experience, but others’ intentions carry much more weight. Parents may be studying to fulfil a personal aim, or it may be to help provide a more secure future for their family. If it is the latter, carrying the weight of that expectation they have put on themselves can be crippling. Lecturers can be aware of this and be available to help or offer perspective. A fear of failure or letting their family down is unnecessary and upsetting looking at the impact it may have on their studies. OTs are well placed to help understand person-focused sense of self and worth, so if you are a lecturer, helping a student parent maintain a sense of self-belief and helping them find ways to not become

overwhelmed by everything, can help them keep their heads above water and reduce stress. The importance of self-care and ensuring our mental health is taken care of has taken unparalleled precedence in recent years, with the pressures of modern life taking a toll. While many of us feel ourselves occasionally under pressure to meet a certain expectation, some students are battling with social media and their children. It is becoming more and more difficult to police what young children are seeing and being influenced by online and ensuring they are growing up at a safe pace and not becoming negatively affected by the likes of Instagram. Every student will be fighting their own personal battle alongside their studies, but parents are also looking after and protecting someone else’s mental health. Universities often offer confidential support for academic or personal stress, but when organising these opportunities, university staff can look into how students can incorporate OT into their parenting, to ensure they feel safe in the knowledge their children are becoming resilient and being careful online, in turn allowing them to have more time to concern themselves with their studies. Parent guilt is something most parents experience, but for parents juggling part time work, classes and a placement, the guilt of not always being there can be upsetting. While they are doing it for their children’s wellbeing, future or security, it can

be hard to shake the feeling that they aren’t at home enough, unable to make football matches or can’t find the time for as much fun as they’d like. The important thing to remember here is that this situation is temporary. While they do grow up fast, you are only a student for three or four years before you have done what you set out to do and can move into the world of OT employment. Understanding that things can and will be better after the finish line, will serve as motivation to drive forward and reach that personal achievement and better life. Nothing I can write here will make it easier though. Parent life is difficult enough without having studies and placement factored in, but by remembering with good time management, understanding that it is a big undertaking, using support available, and taking care of you, you will reach the final straight, and you’ll be better for it. Students, speak to your lecturers, and lecturers, always have an open door. -magazine.co.uk

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OTAC Events 2019

Event dates have been released!

• Chester

Wednesday 6th February

Occupational Therapist? Say hello to the UK’s only FREE occupational therapy adaptations conference and exhibition. Each year we help thousands of occupational therapists all over the UK access advice, to network, receive guidance and best practice for FREE! With all our locations around the UK, you’ll ﬁnd an event that’s right for you, and when you attend an OTAC event, you’ll discover advice and help to:

• Leeds

• Southampton

• Torquay

• Newcastle

• Cambridge

• Kent

• Reading

• Cardiff

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To book your FREE ticket for your local event or to find out more details head over to otac.org.uk Alternatively, call 02921 900402 or contact Sally at sally@promoting-independence.co.uk

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CPD tips

Using CPD to broaden your

horizons New year, new you? While most occupational therapists have varied areas of interest in the field, some OTs have a very focused specific target or calling in mind.

While there is no right or wrong way to outline or navigate your career, some ﬂexibility is never a bad thing. Whether your heart is set on working in something like acquired brain injury, knowing about the practice in non-clinical settings which may seem a world away such as OT in a nursery environment could be the key to unlocking a new interest or outlook on your own working attitude. But broadening your knowledge base of other areas of practice, regardless if you have no experience or massive interest in it, can be invaluable in developing yourself professionally and could potentially even open new doors or ways of thinking you never expected.

priority, why not ﬁnd a way to push yourself out of your comfort zone? Decide how wide you want to cast your net. It may be that you decide to attend local events or seminars when you can that have nothing to do with your area. If free events are offering discussions or training in your local area, why not pop along and question your current thinking on the subject? The networking opportunities in these situations may surprise you – it could present you with new opportunities in your own ﬁeld or may lead you to other CPD prospects.

Debates rage on over the benefits of New Year’s resolutions. While most are a flash in the pan and last little over the first few months of the year, the ‘continuous’ element of CPD could be your saving grace in keeping a personal pledge. The trend of CPD resolutions often surround keeping on top of the admin side better or engaging in more forms of learning. But for 2018, why not make the resolution to expand and enhance your learning. Everyone needs a work-life balance, and while it goes without saying that your current practice area takes

-magazine.co.uk

CPD tips

“

By speaking to those outwith your usual circles, you broaden not only your knowledge, but your working possibilities.

“

By speaking to those outwith your usual circles, you broaden not only your knowledge, but your working possibilities. Twitter is your friend. Everyone knows the power the micro-social media network has in providing free, in-depth and exciting CPD. Begin to engage or follow new threads that you don’t know too much about and enjoy learning how your OT colleagues work and make decisions. 2019 is sure to bring many more discussions and Twitter updates that OTs can take advantage of – exploit and use free training where you can! Another way to rack up the CPD points and use it to broaden your awareness is to choose one specific subject you have never considered or worked in and just throw yourself at it. OTs know that an open mind is an important weapon in your arsenal, so by picking something left 70

-magazine.co.uk

of field and diving in you may shatter your preconceptions of it. Was there ever a time or placement at university that you refer to as, ‘the one that got away’? Do you have any academic regret that keeps you awake at night? Why not put your mind at ease and start reading up on what you think you may have missed? It’s never too late to change your path so if that niggling feeling has never left you, act on it. Lifelong learning isn’t limited.

How many of you ended 2018 how you began it? How many of you have watched your plan or hopes for 2018 change or drift into something completely different?”

Opportunities and new technologies arise constantly offering new ways to improve yourself. Nobody knows what is in front of you. How many of you ended 2018 how you began it? How many of you have watched your plan or hopes for 2018 change or drift into something completely different? While we aren’t discouraging chasing your dreams or denying that unrivalled and unshakeable focus isn’t admirable, 2019 could be the year you actively look to challenge what you really want. If it leads you down a new, exciting and different path that makes you happy, the job’s a good one. If it only serves to strengthen your resolve on your dream job, then no harm done. Taking the time to grasp a larger understanding of the wider world of occupational therapy is never a bad thing, plus your CPD file will thank you for it, whether it has an apparent immediate benefit or not.

, E X PO • 2019 26 & 27 MARCH | NEC, BIRMINGHAM

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The CorCom Shower Commode Chair The CorCom assists the end user in carrying out essential actions with greater independence, in a more dignified manner and, due to the fully customised nature of the products, in a way which ensures the body is moving correctly by engaging the right muscles. It also allows the Care providers to reduce the physical impact of moving and handling and provides an excellent option for single-handed care. • Encourages & assists with single handed care • Complete with hi-lo, sit to stand and tilt in space function • Easily customisable to meet the specific needs of the user • Wireless use for increased dignity and privacy • Modern sleek design • Fully Geberit compatible • 2 Year warranty

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Include CPD In Your

NEW YEAR’S Resolution Words by Yvonne Thomas

As I write this column on CPD I am aware that the end of another year approaches.

In between the excitement and festivities of Christmas (for some of us) December and January is often a time to look back over the year that is ending and begin to make plans for the year ahead. Reflecting on what you have learned or how your practice has developed over the last year is the first step to making plans for next year and creating a New Year’s CPD resolution. As you reflect on the year that has passed, take time to consider what has been the most significant learning for you this year. For some of you the answer to this will be clear, you may have gained a qualification, changed jobs or taken on new responsibilities at work. You may have volunteered for a new professional role or become a board member for a charity or developed a

Dates for your diary

Most years when I look back at the year just gone, I recognise that above all, I become more resilient and more skilled in dealing with difficulties than I would have in the past. After all, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

I wonder how many of you attended The OT Show in November at the NEC? The numbers of delegates grow each year as does the range and quality of the presentations and posters. I know if, like me, you attended this free professional conference you will have benefitted from the opportunity to visit the many exhibitors and attend the conference programme of speakers. I would encourage you to think about submitting a poster for next year and also to think about nominating yourself or someone you know for the awards that are presented each year. The next OT Show will be on 27 and 28 November 2019 – make a note in your diary or calendar now.

The OT Show 27-28 November, NEC, Birmingham

OTalk forums Every Tuesday

RCOT Conference 17-18 June, ICC, Birmingham

Kidz to Adultz Events 2019, various dates, various venues

new programme in your service. For some of us, reflecting on the year and on our professional development may bring to mind specific challenges that we have been confronted with, difficult problems that we have dealt with and the unplanned and demanding events that have led to learning. If it has been a difficult year for you, I am sure that you have learned something about yourself or your ability to manage either your own stress or others’. Every cloud, and all that.

-magazine.co.uk

New Year’s CPD

Your 2019 Toolkit With more people than ever using social media and online forums CPD doesn’t have to be expensive or even involve travel.

You can access opportunities for learning from your armchair. The innovative #OTalk (otalk.co.uk) provides opportunities to learn using a Twitter account. If you are new to Twitter all you need to know is on the website resources page. For those of you who have an interest in specific topics you could even host

#OTalk

Dates for your diary 74

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an OTalk forum. A number of opportunities for CPD are available for all RCOT members. The RCOT Conference is being held in Birmingham this year and there will also be regional roadshows that will focus on career development and life-long learning. To find out more get in touch with your regional

Twitter

groups and find out the dates of local roadshows, or sign up for the Regional RCOT Newsletters. Make your CPD New Year’s Resolution for 2019 and make it a year that counts. Consider what you would like to be reflecting on this time next year, or what you have learned in 12 months.

RCOT Conference

Naidex 26-27 March, NEC, Birmingham

Care Show 9-10 October, NEC, Birmingham

PMG Conference 15-17 July, The International Centre, Telford

OTAC 2019, various dates, various UK venues

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Student focus

Networking Abroad Emma Rodrigues is an occupational therapy student at the University of Derby. She recently attended the ENOTHE Annual Meeting in Portugal and described it as the highlight of her OT journey so far. I jumped at the chance to attend my first OT conference this year, ENOTHE (European Network of Occupational Therapy in Higher Education) Annual Meeting in Portugal, I thought it would be a great experience but I never anticipated how educational, inspirational and fun it would be.

Going to such a big conference abroad is really scary to think about at first, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sleep for two days before we went because I was so nervous. There was no need for this as the second I was there I felt so comfortable and enjoyed every second of it from beginning to end!

The SPOT Europe group did a really good job of connecting us students via Facebook prior to the conference. This way, we could connect and arrange to meet up before the conference started. It was so lovely to create friendships with students across Europe who all have the same passion for occupational therapy. I will always treasure the friendships that I made, we supported each other ensuring no one was alone

I will always treasure the friendships that I made, we supported each other ensuring no one was alone

-magazine.co.uk

and made sure we supported each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s posters and presentations. I was so proud of everyone who presented but particularly proud of my international friends. To present is nerve racking enough, they achieved this and more by presenting in their second language.

Student focus The conference was full of inspiring lectures, workshops, presentations and poster presentations run by lecturers, occupational therapists and students– the best thing is that you get to choose which workshops you attend so you can personalise your experience to suit you! There were lectures and workshops on topics such as

intercultural challenges, refugee and asylum, social transformation, mental toughness, palliative care, making the most of every opportunity, inclusivity, virtual reality workshops, learning disability, wellbeing, human rights and so many more. There are so many things to mention but here are a few of my favourite workshops.

Minjou Lemette (Rotterdam)

Mental Toughness The main message from this workshop was that positive psychology can improve mental toughness. We learnt what mental toughness really is, identified our own and each other’s mental toughness,

how to improve it, how to encourage others and made badges to represent each other’s strengths. I felt that this workshop was very thought-provoking and made me have more of an awareness of myself and others.

Hannah Barker (University of Cardiff)

Making the most of every opportunity

I felt that this workshop was very thought – provoking and made me have more of an awareness of myself and others.

The people organising the conference looked after us so well. They ensured we could get to and from the conference safely, they provided an amazing lunch and entertainment and also arranged evening social events located in amazing venues for more networking. The evenings were really enjoyable and a great way to do some further networking in a more relaxed environment.

A palliative care approach

I had the best time learning, networking, making friends and overall had a great time. I felt safe the whole time I was there and it is definitely the best thing I have done on my OT journey so far. I will never forget the things that I learned, I was inspired by so many people. The experience totally changed me as a person, it has given me a great building block for life and career both personally and professionally. I made friends for life and it is an experience I will never forget. I definitely have the ‘conference bug’ to go to more. If anyone feels like they haven’t got the confidence to do this, try and take the chance, I am sure you will not regret it!

This workshop focused on the importance of not seeing the word ‘palliative’ as the end, but as living. Vanda also focused on different sorts of pain, emphasising the fact that pain isn’t always physical but can

A big thanks to ENOTHEPT18 for making the conference such an amazing experience and also a big thank you to Derby OT for allowing us to have so many great opportunities like this.

Hannah spoke about her experiences since she learnt to break down her barriers and make the most of her opportunities. We learnt that saying “yes” to just one opportunity could open up so many doors for the future, which could then open

more doors which will create a future for you that would never have been if you didn’t say “yes” to the original opportunity. Everyone really connected with this workshop and I know I will take her story with me for the rest of my career.

Vanda Pedrosa (Occupational therapy at home)

also be emotional and social. The workshop also focused on how a patient’s pain can also be projected onto others. It was great to share different countries ways of working with palliative patients to inspire others.

-magazine.co.uk

Yourevents

IN THIS ISSUE we bring you this year’s round-up of events taking place in the OT calendar.

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

21 MARCH

26-27 MARCH

Kidz to Adultz Middle

The Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo

Ricoh Arena, Coventry Free exhibition dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and all the professionals who support them. 100+ exhibitors and ten free CPD seminars. kidzexhibitions.co.uk/kidz-middle 26-27 MARCH

Naidex NEC, Birmingham Naidex is Europe’s most exciting event dedicated to the disability, independent living and healthcare professional sectors. The free event brings together disabled people, healthcare professionals and industry standard manufacturers and suppliers. naidex.co.uk 15-17 MARCH

BAPO 2019 Harrogate International Centre The annual conference is back with an array of national and international speakers in the clinical programme and a dynamic exhibition, offering delegates the opportunity to hear and see the latest in research and innovation. bapo.com

-magazine.co.uk

NEC, Birmingham The free Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo is the only dedicated trade show for care home owners. CPD seminars, led by exclusively selected speakers, will provide unparalleled advice on how to obtain an outstanding rating from CQC, whilst keeping person-centred care at the heart of the service. carehomeexpo.co.uk 8-9 MAY

COPA Series ExCel, London Europe’s leading event for rehabilitation professionals to grow your practice and expand your professional knowledge. The free event is for OTs, physios, chiros, osteos, podiatrists and physical therapists. copashow.co.uk 14-15 JUNE

RISE 4 Disability Kent Event Centre RISE events combine more than 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

2019 Calendar 9-10 OCTOBER

Care Show NEC, Birmingham The Care Show provides expertled CPD accredited conference sessions, hands-on training, the latest solutions, and networking opportunities to support those connected to and responsible for providing excellent care for others. careshow.co.uk 27-28 NOVEMBER

The OT Show NEC, Birmingham Join the UK’s largest, free-toattend, dedicated event with a total of 80 hours of professional development and access over 100 OT-focused and interactive lectures, seminars and practical workshops. theotshow.com

18 JUNE

15-17 JULY

National Healthcare Show

Posture & Mobility Group Conference

City Hall, Cardiff The National Health and Social Care Show is the biggest annual all-day conference and exhibition on health care in Wales, with a packed day of innovative seminars, demonstrations and a products and supplies exhibition. eventbrite.co.uk/e/ the-national-healthcare-show

The International Centre, Telford Posture & Mobility Group’s annual conference provides an educational programme, industry exhibition and networking events for a multidisciplinary group of professionals working in the field of posture and mobility for wheelchair seated clients. pmguk.co.uk

OTAC Events various UK venues The only free occupational therapy adaptation conferences on offer in the UK. OTAC events offer expert seminars and a range of exhibitors showcasing home adaptations and equipment for disabled people. As well as networking opportunities with peers. otac.org.uk

-magazine.co.uk

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A great career with ILS! ILS is one of the UK’s leading case management and rehabilitation companies, with 25 years’ experience in the industry. We offer high quality case management to children and adults with catastrophic brain or spinal injury, and we pride ourselves on our client centred approach. We are looking to expand our case management team across the UK and are particularly

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interested in hearing from OT’s with experience of working with children Eliot Lamb, or existing Case Managers looking for a Case Manager new challenge. and Neurological Occupational Therapist Roles are home based with travel and with ILS since 2006 client visits within your geographical area. Our case managers have access to a fantastic mentoring programme, excellent in-service training opportunities and company conferences.

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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.

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