The OT Magazine - January / February 2018

magazine

THE

ISSUE 20 JAN/FEB18

Improving Independence

VR IN OT

OT BEHIND BARS

Exploring a virtually new reality for occupational therapy

How OT is used to rehabilitate those living in the prison system

Life After Stroke Awards

From the

harp

WIN

£1000 Cosy Feet Award

Alice McGarvie pulls on our harpstrings with her love of music and healing +

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COLUMNS

/

PRO DU CTS

/

EVENT S

/

RECRUITMENT & T R AINING

19/12/2017 16:49

NEW TO

The 4Front™ is a quiet, more responsive front-wheel drive power chair that features automotive-grade suspension resulting in unprecedented comfort and ride quality.

Featuring 6Mph motors as standard, and speeds of up to 3.2Mph while elevated, using our optional 10” safe seat elevating system.

Featuring the new...

The 4Front features automotive-grade ‘SRS’ suspension (Smooth Ride Suspension) and CASE (Caster Angle Sensor Encoder) technology

#4Front #Quantumrehabuk

To find out more or try it for yourself use our NEW ‘Request a Demo’ feature at: www.quantumehab.co.uk

@Quantumrehabuk

Tel: 01869 324600 | Email: sales@quantumrehab.co.uk | Web: www.quantumrehab.co.uk 4front idea 2.indd 1 Adverts_OT-Iss20.indd 2

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About us

The Team

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Colette Carr, Katie Campbell and Niall Christie Designer: Stephen Flanagan Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Robin Wilson Contributors: Kate Sheehan, Adam Ferry, Paul Aitken

This month’s issue...

A

fter the excitement of Christmas has died down and the new year rolls in, we are excited to bring you the first issue of 2018.

Get in touch

Gracing our front cover this issue is occupational therapist and entrepreneur Alice McGarvie.

2A Publishing Ltd, Caledonia House, Evanton Dr, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G46 8JT

Her inspiring music therapy service From the Harp is combining her love for the beautiful instrument with her knowledge of OT to help her service users. Meet Alice on page 73.

0141 465 2960 ot-magazine.co.uk

It was brilliant to meet so many of you at The OT Show all the way back in November and hear your feedback and what’s been going on in the sector. They say birds of a feather stick together, and that’s definitely true of sisters Kayleigh and Melissa Gill who we met at the NEC. The pair may be ‘chalk and cheese’, but the one thing they have in common is a passion for OT. Kayleigh tells us of how she inspired her big sister to study the profession on page 62.

The OT Magazine @ot_magazine

Disclaimer

The OT Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited. The views expressed in The OT Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher.

Copyright 2018 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. ISSN-2056-7146

Elsewhere this issue, we explore the role of virtual reality in OT, OT’s place in the prison system and the dangers of lone working.

The January issue also brings with it the second instalment of our CPD Life supplement for our pro, student and retired members. It was great hearing your feedback on it at The OT Show and hope we can continue to help with your continued professional development throughout 2018.

We wish you all a very happy and successful new year and look forward to seeing everything that 2018 brings for occupational therapy.

Front cover image © Justin Hansen

The OT Magazine, Editor

From

14 .99 a year

£

Join our OT community Further your career and enhance your CPD by becoming part of our OT Community with the pro package

Find out more on page 82.

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What’s inside 15

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

13 New Year, New You Kate Sheehan sets a New Year challenge for personal development

15 VR in OT How can the emerging technology of VR help OTs in their treatments and interventions

19

27 Everyone is Facing a

Mental Health Crisis Paul Aitken explores society’s understanding of mental health and medicating it

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

23 OT Approved Adam Ferry discusses the benefits of key safes in this regular feature

25 Day in the Life Toni Fairclough gives us an insight into a day in her work with Lancashire County Council

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

38 OTs Behind Bars We speak to OT Jessica Norman on her work in prisons

41 Haemochromatosis We speak to David Head of The Haemochromatosis Society about how OTs can treat the condition

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What’s Inside

73

56

From the harp

56 Secret to a Good

Night’s Sleep

e re ect on Simple Stuff Works’ hit talks at The OT Show

62 Family Values Meet the sisters making occupational therapy their new family occupation

46 STOMP Campaign

for OTs

Join the OT Community Page 82

We explore the STOMP Campaign, and issue of overprescribing in the NHS

48 New OT Wing in

West Kirby School

We speak to the head OT at West Kirby School in Wales about their new OT wing

50 Therapybox Rebecca Bright of Therapybox speaks to us about their new app

53 Kids’ Products

FROM £14.99

Products to help your younger clients

65 The Risks of

Lone Working

We bring attention to the dangers of working alone for OTs

70 The OT Show

Roundup

e re ect on this year’s highly successful OT Show

73 From the Harp OT Alice McGarvey tells us how she uses music therapy to treat patients

80 Find Events

Near You

Upcoming events for a jampacked 2018

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

What’s new?

Perfect balance Stannah launch new balancing app at OT Show

S

tannah Stairlifts has launched a free app to help healthcare professionals work with patients to improve balance. The Balance app, which is the first of its kind, has been designed and developed for both professionals and private OTs and made its debut at the 2017 OT Show.

Numbers

The clinically tested app was developed in conjunction with the Royal College of Art leading OT professionals and end users to improve balance and confidence through a series of exercises and reduce the risk and fear of falling.

282k people over 65 admitted to hospital because of a fall in 2014/15

The app can be used alongside other therapy methods, with patients being able to access the app and follow the simple steps in their own homes.

Patients are taken through a variety of stages of difficulty which become more challenging as their balance improves.

They are talked through a range of simple moves, including rest periods.

The user can place their phone in their pocket whilst using the app, giving them freedom of movement to follow the exercises. stannah.com

22%

The reduction of risk of falls due to home-based exercise

Looking for...

18-25 The age of the people with cerebral palsy that Brighton University are looking for to take part in a study

Brighton Uni in cerebral palsy study A team from the University of Brighton are on the hunt for wheelchair users with cerebral palsy to find out more about living with the condition and try to develop new ways to help people get involved with more life opportunities.

The team, headed up by senior lecturer occupational therapy Paul Boyle, are looking for 18 to 25 year olds living with cerebral palsy to write about their experiences or attend an interview to better understand their experiences from adolescence through to adulthood in order to improve opportunities and quality of life in adulthood and later stages. o find out more contact p.boyle@brighton.ac.uk.

More articles on next page

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What’s

new?

New head of NHS Trust Richard Kirby to head up new combined NHS Trust Richard Kirby, chief executive of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, is gearing up to take up his new role of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust chief executive.

Therapy centre’s new innovations A n innovative new therapy centre designed to encourage exercise participation in older adults and support the rehabilitation needs of those living with long term health conditions has opened in Andover.

attending occupational therapists, other healthcare professionals, local council representatives and specialist interest groups.

Community health development manager at Valley Leisure Liz Murray commented: “We are extremely excited to be opening the new Operated by Valley Leisure, the new and innovative I ‘I Can Therapy Centre’ Can Therapy Centre boasts ten specially in Andover. Valley adapted power assisted Leisure’s sole aim is exercise machines to enable people to from Shapemaster, move more and feel as well as a full time better and through onsite physiotherapist the operation of to screen, assess our new Power and deliver exercise Assisted Exercise programmes for users “We are certain with varying conditions that we can make facility, powered by Shapemaster, we are and abilities. a real difference to certain that we can Opened by stroke help many people make a real difference survivor and child live as well as they to help many people protection campaigner live as well as they can Sara Payne MBE in late can for as long as for as long as they can.”

November, the centre gained praise from the

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they can.”

The appointment follows the departure of Tracy Taylor who leaves the post to become chief executive of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

On appointment, Kirby will lead the newly expanded and integrated trust combining BCHC with Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Dudley and Walsall Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

He said: “I am committed to the development of community services to ensure our patients receive the support they need to continue living healthily at home, where they want to be and I look forward to continuing to do so in my role.”

info@icantherapycentre.co.uk

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What’s

new?

Who’s caring for the carers?

Carers Statistics

Unpaid carers neglecting their own mental health needs

O

Embracing Carers conducted the international survey and published “Carers Report: Embracing Critical Role of Carers Around the World”, noting the impact caring for others has on health and well-being revealing three in ten unpaid carers in the UK feel they need medical help for a mental health condition due to their role but have not sought medical help.

Depression, anxiety and stress were amongst the conditions recognised by those who are living without help in the study led by science and technology company Merck and guided by Carers UK and

Image © Pressfoto

ccupational therapists amongst other healthcare professionals are being asked to encouraged unpaid carers to address their own mental health after a recent study showed a third do not seek support.

57%

of unpaid carers surveyed in the UK say they experience feelings of depression

54%

do not have time to book or attend medical appointments for themselves other leading international carer organisations.

The Embracing Carers International Survey questioned 3,516 unpaid carers across seven countries including 503 carers from the UK, finding food for thought. embracingcarers.com

55%

of unpaid carers do not feel supported at all by the government in their role

BES Rehab add accessibility to activities

B

ES Rehab has raised £100,000 to directly support families of those living with dementia and learning difficulties in the .

The funds were raised through a crowdfunding campaign through crowd2fund.com to expand BES’ newly acquired division, Activities to Share – a company which sells activity products to the NHS and care homes.

The campaign aims to directly reach families and encourage young people to engage with their elderly relatives, with 1.5 million Brits living with

learning difficulties and one million living with dementia.

Greg Amos, co-founder of BES said: “So many of these products are just as applicable to young people as they

“The campaign aims to directly reach families and encourage young people to engage with their elderly relatives...”

are to the older generation. They are ideal for youngsters to play with their elderly relatives – bringing generations together.

“A number of investors in the Crowd2Fund campaign lent us funds because they wanted to help support those affected by dementia and learning difficulties. S will use these funds to spread awareness through online and of ine marketing channels, such as social media, our websites, and direct mail.” besrehab.net

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What’s

new?

Award for Ottobock Ottobock close 2017 with top healthcare award

O

ttobock capped off 2017 by lifting the Independent Living Design Award at the glittering British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) annual dinner at the Park Plaza Hotel, London.

Recognising companies and individuals who have made valuable contribution to the industry with innovative products and services, Ottobock took home the award celebrating healthcare products that support independent living, improve quality of life and are easy-to-use,

innovative, aesthetically appealing and accessible.

Ottobock was awarded for the C-Leg 4 - the most popular and clinically studied Microprocessor Controlled Knee joint (MPK) in the world, which has helped over 70,000 amputees worldwide and for the past year has been available through NHS England funding. In addition, Ottobock was recognised for the revolutionary OneFit trial system which has redefined the fitting e perience in the NHS, making it as simple as possible

for both clinician and patient.

Head of Prosthetics at Ottobock UK, Emma Gillespie said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive this award, particularly amongst so many strong contenders in this category. 2017 has been a fantastic year for Ottobock as the C-Leg has become more accessible than ever before and we look forward to bringing our award-winning product to more and more people in 2018.” www.ottobock.co.uk

Key to a good night’s sleep

N

orthwick Park Hospital occupational therapy staff are running a sleep intervention programme to help patients better understand the relationship between sleep and mental health.

Occupational therapists Di Hurley and Tallis Murphy have been looking at ways to improve the level of support that occupational therapists offer patients in mental health services, putting a focus on highlighting the relationship between sleep and mental health.

Tallis Murphy, who is the lead occupational therapist in their Mental Unit, has developed a group-based sleep intervention programme for ward patients. These are educational and informative ‘sleep-well sessions’ that aim to educate patients on the relationship between sleep, mental,

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Image © Nensuria

physical and occupational health.

Tallis said: “We want to empower our patients with the tools they need to maintain a better sense of control over their sleep and to achieve a better understanding of how their mental health impacts the quality of their sleep, and vice versa. This includes the effect of prescribed medication and substance misuse issues. e also consider the in uence a hospital environment can have

on sleep in terms of communal living, change of normal routine, and reduced of control over sound, light and temperature.”

As part of the project, the team have created a sleep well lea et with tips on how to adjust your living space and better prepare for sleeping. For smart phone users, there is a list of free resources that you can download, including mindfulness and sleep tracking apps. They’re also looking to develop a sleep-well kit for ward patients, containing items to aid sleep.

Di Hurley is also currently planning a si eight week psycho educational course for community patients in Harrow Mental Health service aimed at improving sleep quality. cnwl.nhs.uk

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Designed to make everyday transfer tasks easier The new Sara® Flex standing and raising aid • Optimised patient support Promotes comfort and security throughout and at the completion of the sit-to-stand movement

• Easy to use with enhanced manoeuvrability Delivers enhanced manoeuvrability and requires no adjustment, ensuring ease of use

• Comprehensive patient coverage Enables one caregiver to perform sit-to-stand tasks for a wide range of patients in the Carl mobility spectrum* Flexible silicone leg support * For further information telephone 08457 342000

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www.arjohuntleigh.co.uk/saraflex

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g n i t e l i o t l u f Help solutions

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

Karl van Gool, Halesowen

Coming 2018

Quality • Service • Heritage www.clos-o-mat.com Tel: 0800 374 076 Email: info@clos-o-mat.com Adverts_OT-Iss20.indd 12

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Kate Sheehan Director, The OT Service

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

For more info email kate@theotservice.co.uk

This issue Kate talks about reflecting and planning

New year, new you T a similar clinical area, attend a free conference or read an article in a journal or the OT Magazine. Remember CPD does not have to cost money and is your responsibility under the Health and Care Professions Council standards of practice.

his time of year is always a time to re ect on the past year and look forward to planning the next. We rarely get an opportunity to take time out, sit down and re ect let alone plan yet it is essential for our own professional development, so I am setting a New Year challenge for your all!

Also look at what you can offer others; maybe you could assist someone to develop their own clinical skills, which would have an impact on your clients.

Giving back is very rewarding and we will be assisting in the development of our amazing profession.

REFLECT ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL INPUT OVER THE LAST YEAR se a re ective log to look at what went well, what you learnt and how this can be incorporated into your daily professional life. Also review what didn’t go quite as well - it is often this re ection on your career that can really in uence your practice going forward, remember we never get everything 100% correct all the time and recognising this will make you a better therapist going forward. y re ections this year have been around effective communication.

Sometimes you think you have described your input and clearly put it in writing, but when personnel change it is important to revisit your key performance indicators and outputs to make sure they are still relevant. If you don’t, it can lead to communication difficulties and frustration on both sides.

REFLECT ON HOW YOUR OWN PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES AND BELIEFS IMPACT YOUR PRACTICE

ENSURE YOU ARE WORKING WITHIN THE LAW, POLICIES AND PROCEDURE It is also very important to recognise how our own belief systems impact our professional life. By understanding and acknowledging these we can then provide better interventions for our client group. Our attitudes are never stagnant and change as we have different experiences, so always take time to review these changes and the impact on your professional life.

IDENTIFY KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND FIND SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS THEM This is the critical area. We all have areas where we can improve, be it a better understanding of medical conditions, interpersonal skills or management techniques. Use the skills of your colleagues to increase your knowledge, join a RCOT specialist section and network with people in

We all have a duty to make sure we are practicing within the boundaries of the law and our local policies. Did you know the Data Protection law has been updated? If not, check out Tracey Clarke’s article in the November issue.

January is a good time to make sure you and your colleagues are up to date and also to review your own policies to make sure they are fit for purpose and are understood. nd finally never forget our own personal development, it is just as important as our professional one and is essential to maintain occupational balance, so this year I am going to learn how to basket weave, I loved it at college and it now the time to attend that weekend course I have longed to do.

So, take time out to re ect and plan, wish you all a Happy New Year.

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Specialist Seating For Posture and Pressure Care Management

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Virtual reality

VR OT in

As long as video games have existed, the ability to physically interact with a virtual reality has existed in some capacity.

F

rom the earliest days of playing Tennis for Two on an oscilloscope and the roaring arcades of the eighties, bathed in glowing neon lights and 8-bit soundscapes, to the modern uncanny valley that video games currently reside in, with their too-

realistic texture mapping and ultra high definition graphics, video games have routinely offered an escape from the reality we inhabit, into one where anything is possible.

With the innovations in video game technology came virtual reality headsets. nspired by science fiction, using concepts taken straight from Neal Stephenson’s seminal novel Snow Crash, where transferring one’s conscious into the internet is simply a daily occurrence, virtual reality headsets allowed users to enter the virtual world and interact with their surroundings in a way that a simple controller would not allow.

While NASA trialled the technology in labs in the 80s, the 90s saw the first commercial headsets become available: in 1995, you could be the proud owner of a Forte VFX1 headset for a cool $695, or own a Sony Glasstron, the 1998 model of which would set you back ¥298,000 – or just under £2012 when adjusted for in ation. f your interest was specifically in video games, you could own Nintendo’s first and last, due to its disastrous reception and sales) foray into VR, the Virtual Boy, which displayed in jarring red monochrome, and was mounted to a tripod, preventing movement, or a true VR experience.

The release of the Oculus Rift, 

“Virtual reality headsets allowed users to enter the virtual world and interact with their surroundings in a way that a simple controller would not allow.”

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Virtual reality

funded on Kickstarter in 2012, saw a renaissance begin for VR. When the project was purchased by Facebook in 2014 for an incredible $2 billion, they opened up the device to unlimited non-gaming uses, including social applications, use as a cinema, sports and professional uses.

Already highly useful in a number of fields, virtual reality headsets are used in the medical field as a training aid, allowing doctors to perform highly complex surgery in a safe, virtual environment, providing them with hands-on experience in a controlled environment. The military use VR for ight training and battlefield simulation; athletes and trainers use VR to improve their performance using biomechanics. The system’s applications are vast and varied.

How, then, does this help occupational therapists r achel roffitt, assistant professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Missouri, who is leading the push in incorporating VR into OT treatment, said: “VR can engage both the body and the mind. VR, in some situations, can be customized just as we would traditional therapy.

“VR can be complementary to traditional therapy or it can be the focus of a therapy session. VR can be used across treatment settings in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, clinics, community centres, and in the home.

VR will never replace the need for a skilled occupational therapist. It is a tool that can be used in a myriad of ways but still requires the skilled knowledge of an OT to maximize its use.”

The Wayback Project is one such application which shows how the technology could be utilised by OTs in a way it is not currently. The project sees elderly people with dementia using VR technology to be transported back into the past, in order to bring back pleasant memories and reconnect

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The team obsessed with details: from costumes to food, everything featured in the videos was painstakingly recreated by hand, down to even the smallest detail them with their memories. The brainchild of marketing executives, it was born out of the team’s interactions with family members with dementia.

Noticing that showing photographs triggered memories, and inspired by the 2015 immersive movie Catatonic, the team were inspired to create the Wayback Project.

Dan Cole, one of the founders of the project, says “it lets you see the person as themselves for a moment,” which, if even for a second, allows their carer the joy of experiencing them as they were. The team created a series of VR videos, painstakingly recreated from memories. The team obsessed with details: from costumes to food, everything featured in the videos was painstakingly recreated by hand, down to even the smallest detail, including the shoes the children wear. Cole noted that those who viewed the videos were especially excited to see fish paste sandwiches appear, a staple of their youths.

The Wayback Project shows the potential of VR as a therapeutic device for patients with degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other conditions which affect

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Virtual reality

tion directly – at least for now – it has an application with therapeutic means, which may assist in memory recall.

Research done by the Faculty of Medicine at Aalborg University in Denmark shows that virtual reality can be used as a means of treating phantom pain. Their testing has shown that VR can trick patients into thinking that their missing limb is present and usable within a virtual reality.

Given that eight out of ten amputees experience a feeling of discomfort in their limb which no longer is there, the use of VR can create the impression that signals are coming from the limb, comforting the feelings of phantom limb. This works the same as tests which show that holding a mirror in the centre of the body to create the illusion that the body is symmetrical, which has proven to be an effective therapeutic treatment for amputees.

Occupational therapists may find that using can be an excellent way to carry out pre-discharge home visits, helping to propose changes to the home which will help patients

function more independently in the home after discharge from hospital.

A study by Brunel University showed that, through this process, the patient would feel more empowered to operate independently in their home, having explored it with the safety net of VR underneath them. It allowed them to make more confident and founded decisions regarding their care, and work more closely with the OT performing their discharge.

She said: “We’ve been looking at our students who go out into the community, but perhaps don’t fully appreciate the dangers of things like traffic and things like that, so before a trip, for example, we virtually take that trip, and we understand the dangers that may come out there, and how we can navigate a big city like Cardiff for example, where there’s lots going on – lots of people and lots of traffic and how we can navigate that safely.”

The safety net created by VR is one of its most vital uses in occupational therapy, and is one of the main reasons Kim Lawther, adaptive technology expert for Scope, uses it as part of the therapy of children and young adults in her care at Craig y Park School in Wales.

VR does have its downsides, however.

Kim said: “One being the price – I know you can get the cheaper goggles, such as Google Cardboard, but also I think that you have to be very careful. ou have to tread that fine line, and ensure the psychological wellbeing of the people you’re using it with, and how you use it, for example, if somebody was unable to achieve something in real life, I certainly wouldn’t recommend doing it within a virtual world, because I don’t think, psychologically, that’s a good thing.”

“It’s a safe way of looking at a variety of things,” said Kim. “For example, we have been looking at how it can help our students out and about, that they can navigate their local environment safely, so it does give it a bit of a safety bubble to try new things before going out and doing the real thing.

“Currently, we’re looking at setting up for the environment, so I’ve been working with two types of students, so we’re working with PMLD students, that tends to be more of a sensory based situation, so putting them into calming, river landscapes, very sort of mellow places to see whether or not that helps them. Similar to a sensory room, but within the pair of goggle.”

Kim uses VR as a way to ensure that her students have a way to safely understand how the outside world works, and allows them to fully understand the dangers of living in a large city, and allow them to engage safely in activities which may be dangerous to attempt without supervision in reality.

She also uses VR as a method of relaxation, using it to create a relaxation room of sorts which can be used for sensory activities.

What does the future hold for VR and occupational therapy? Kim believes they could be ideal partners in the treatment of patients: “I think it could be a match made in heaven, obviously the price of these things are quite high, but hopefully the majority of assistive tech and other technology that OTs use will come down over time, which will mean that more people, more OTs are able to trial things, and then that great practice between everybody all over the globe, all over the UK, that can be shared.”

Hopefully, OTs will embrace this new technology and move forward with it, integrating it into their primary care systems and using it to care for people while embracing the powerful untapped resource that is virtual reality, proving just how brilliantly it can be applied outside of the small circle of video games, and bringing the tech into the lives of ordinary people. 

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ProductFocus Do you have an innovative product you think we should feature?

If so, get in touch! Contact us at colette@2apublishing.co.uk

TSL1100 Bariatric Home Access Wheelchair Lift

1

1 1

01565 650376 terrylifts.co.uk/bariatric lifts Designed to meet the requirements of a bariatric wheelchair user, the TSL 1100 has a high load capacity of 385kg. It features an 1100mm extra wide platform for use with heavy wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

This low-rise step lift is for domestic and has a maximum travel height of one metre.

2 Tenura

Kitchen Pack

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2

2

01254 832266 | tenura.co.uk Tenura kitchen packs consist of three Tenura anti-microbial, nonslip products in a handy package ideal for use in food preparation and dining. The combination of a jar and bottle opener with anti-slip circular coaster make tasks easier and more comfortable to achieve.

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Product Focus

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Stellan Complex

3 Care System

01978820714 | kinderkey.co.uk For someone with full mobility at risk of falling or climbing out of bed, a cut out side can be a safe option and provide comfort and safety for those living with a range of care issues including Huntington’s and Dementia. Kinderkey always offer a home visit to assess the most suitable option.

Wool Slippers for

4

4 Swollen Feet

01458 447275 | cosyfeet.com Innovative, natural wool slippers for patients with swollen feet are now available from Cosyfeet. As well as providing exceptional softness, the wool also provides natural ‘climate control’, so the feet remain dry, and at a comfortable temperature. Available in men’s and women’s styles, these slippers are made with 100% pure wool uppers and lining, and have a secure touch-fastening strap.

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115 Self6 S-Ergo Propel Transit

Wheelchair

0845 630 3436 karmamobility.co.uk Weighing just 8.3kg without the wheels and footplates, this lightweight crash tested wheelchair incorporates an Aegis microbe shield seat and back ensuring the user has maximum comfort.

Additional options available include elevating leg rests, stump support, foldable headrest and travel bag. Available in three widths 16”, 18” and 20” and has a maximum user weight of 115kg.

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Single Handed Care Find the solutions right here

Transfers, positioning, support and lifting. Handicare products and solutions are designed to make everyday life easier.

T: 0800 620 0716 • E: mhbsenquiries@handicare.co.uk

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www.handicare.co.uk

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Adam Ferry UK Therapy Services

Adam Ferry is an occupational therapist in both the statutory and independent sectors. He is also co-founder of UK Therapy Services. With combined experience of over 30 years, UK Therapy Services specialises in providing high quality occupational therapy assessment, rehabilitation and consultancy packages for the private, statutory and business sectors.

You can contact Adam on adam.ferry@uktherapyservices.co.uk or visit www.uktherapyservices.co.uk for more information.

In this regular feature, Adam explores and reviews products he experiences in practice, giving insight and reflection to those who may benefit.

OT Approved

Sentrikey key safe

K

ey safes have been around for some time, they allow access to an individual’s home without the need for cutting multiple keys, hiding keys under ower pots, or worse, not locking doors at all. This has become even more important as a consequence of the ever-growing ageing population, who have can often be quite vulnerable. Key safes can have codes changed, for example if there is a change of care provider.

However such systems are not infallible, it can often take time to change codes or to pass on codes, also emergency access or one off access would require the code to be changed and everyone notified. his whole process can elevate stress levels for residents, families and professionals alike.

The Sentrikey system utilises an app on your phone which provides a carer, family member or emergency service with access. The app itself is very easy to use, you press the enter button on the lockbox, then enter your unique code on the app, which unlocks the lock box. The unit itself is level 2 security rated, so it’s tough with the industry standard being 1, so don’t confuse the new electronic basis for this product to be a compromise on its physical robustness!

The app sees the care provider with

an audit trail of who has had access to the Sentrikey box, also family members can receive SMS text messages alerting them that the carer has been.

Authorities that use Sentrikey can also keep a track of Sentrikey locations within their locality, providing them with easy asset management, enabling recycling of the product more easily.

The system also allows for one of codes to be provided to someone requiring one off access, therefore eliminating the need for every user of that particular key safe to be notified of a code change, also potentially compromising the security of the safe and the resident. The system also has a

lone worker facility, allowing the carer or professional to check in with the call centre, if there are known risks at a property.

The call centre support is £2 per week per lock box and would be part of an overall SLA, however it does come with full training for users and installers, as well as 24-hour support. This product does appear to be a good option for people who are vulnerable, service providers who need to protect lone workers or monitor call times, as well as those searching for peace of mind for family members that carers have called on their loved ones. keyneticsltd.co.uk

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 11:53

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19/12/2017 16/05/2017 12:44 15:27

A day in the life

A day in . f o e f i l the Toni h g u o l c Fair

Each month .. ..

i n o T t Abou

.we talk to occupatio a different n to see wh al therapist at a typic al day is for them a little mo and explain re about their role.

e from th rst fi uated a d a h r it g w h 2001 cloug ir ed in y a l F lo i o Ton iverpo is emp ity of L degree and ncil. Toni s r e iv u s Un onour nty Co arious roles v class h cashire Cou in S H ing n

by La ked in the N itals includ y p r s nit o o u w h m y e initiall cashir er in a Com ialist n a L s ec acros m lead d a sp g and s a tea am an roles a sponse Te ng to seatin Re lati Rapid role re e. r ment e g s a o n p tu ma

What is your current role?

I joined Lancashire County Council in June of this year as the county occupational therapy and reablement manager. This is an exciting and challenging role providing overall management of three teams: Central and West Lancashire, North Lancashire and East Lancashire. As you can appreciate, with Lancashire being such a large county ,there are a wide range of communities that we work in, this brings variation to my role but also brings plenty of challenges. I certainly never feel stagnant in my role due to so many exciting opportunities presenting themselves!

Our reablement team help people develop the confidence and skills they need to live as independently as they can in the community. Its occupational therapy led and works closely with private sector providers to support people who have lost skills and abilities through illness or injuries to reach their optimum level of independence.

Describe a typical day It takes a lot of energy and organisation to keep on top of managing three separate teams. The

It takes a lot of energy and organisation to keep on top of managing three separate teams

localities of Central, East and North have different challenges. Due to Lancashire providing the service with such a geographically large spread across the county, email is the mainstay of my day. We get together face to face as a management team once a week.

What’s the best part of the job?

LCC have a real belief in the value of occupational therapy and this is the main reason I moved here after 24 years in the NHS. As a profession, we are valued and are being invested in across all services in the county. I have been able to recruit highly experienced and dedicated staff and further investment planned will enable the service to develop an apprenticeship and graduate pathway, developing and growing our own therapy staff for the future.

I have a dedicated and forward-thinking team managers and we have three extremely experienced and hardworking teams of Social Care and Support fficers SCS s who directly oversee the reablement programmes. Knowing that as a service, by providing a few weeks of therapy led and focused reablement, we are able to achieve independent outcomes for service users who previously may have been provided with a care package is really satisfying to me as an OT. I have always held the belief that occupational therapists are the best professionals to assess and build on a person’s strengths enabling them to reach their optimum independence in their homes and wider community and therefore requiring the lowest level of formal care package.

Another positive part of the job is working with the communities in Lancashire. From my personal experience, they pull together and support each other which is fabulous.

There is a real sense of community spirit which I admire.

What is the hardest part of the job?

Everything is a priority and there are never enough hours in the day.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 11:54

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19/12/2017 16:43

Paul Aitken Words by Paul Aitken

Everyone is experiencing a

Mental Health Disorder Everyone has mental health - good or bad. This issue, columnist Paul Aitken explores both medicine and society’s understanding of mental health disorders.

O

ne of the major issues surrounding mental health disorder seems to be a distorted view of mental health across the professional and public sectors. We do not understand or necessarily agree upon a huge amount of information concerning human mentality. We misunderstand and disagree in the street, the laboratory, the lecture theatre and the hospital to name a few places.

What separates the healthy from the unhealthy? The ordered from the disordered? What are order and chaos?

What is anxiety? What is happening in the world? Who knows. Here, we will look a little closer at disorder in relation

to the psyche – the individual self. We’ll examine the culture and the concepts in the hope of showing that we’re not so different after all – at least in the ways in which we operate within the universe.

The number of cases of ADHD has skyrocketed in the USA, with the suggestion that as many as 11% of children suffer from the disorder. The rate of diagnosis increased by 43% between 2003 and 2011. Sargison et al. (2017) found that the rate of antidepressant prescriptions doubled in the age bracket of 3-17 between 2006 and 2015. These drugs are also used to treat anxiety, chronic pain and migraines (with the most commonly prescribed type of anti-depressants being SSRI’s

– which were originally developed to try and treat Parkinson’s Disease).

Conditions like ADHD, depression, anxiety disorder, OCD and autism are largely debateable and subjectively interpreted and they pave the way for both fistfuls of drugs and loosen the onus of personal responsibility over ones’ own mental state.

When we say that someone is suffering from a mental health disorder, we tend to forget that the disorder we are referring to can be viewed from different perspectives – again, professionally or publicly. Although there is a lot of overlap between different schools of thought, we should understand that there is no consensus on mental 

Mindfulness

Colour me in -magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 14:30

Paul Aitken disorders; the closest approximation we have is to be found in the DSM – V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association fifth edition , which has been dubbed ‘The Psychiatrists Bible’ and ‘Thick enough to stop a bullet’ by different psychiatrists. It was criticised when published for being too heavily in uenced by the pharmaceutical industry and for ‘medicalising’ patterns of behaviour which were not considered to be particularly extreme.

This contributes to what Laing would have called ‘Psychophobia’ - fear of our own minds as well as fear of others.

Pharmaceutical companies aren’t generally deemed good pals with the rest of the moral landscape, so we should be wary of that for a start, but also, if it over medicalises mental health then that is largely why we see it as some sort of disease. We still don’t understand the mind, how minds connect and how they are connected to the rest of the world. he cutting edge of science, psychology and physics are meeting through the shared language of information and dynamical systems theory. Whilst researchers like Friston have focussed on how perceptual changes mirror transfers of energy between distinct but related brain areas; individuals like Peterson have developed models to account for the behavioural side of things. Both have made use of the term entropy’, which effectively refers to the amount of disorder within a system science, a person, family, community, nation, continent or planet. Other words that can be equated with entropy or disorder include uncertainty and chaos.

Peterson’s entropy model of uncertainty argues that individuals are motivated to keep uncertainty at a manageable level, that uncertainty arises out of the con ict between perceptual and behavioural constraints, that belief systems

28

(which could be referred to as coping mechanisms help to reduce the spread of uncertainty throughout the system and that uncertainty is experienced by individuals as anxiety. We develop systems of understanding in order to reduce the chaos arising out of the disequilibrium between perception and action within a given situation - we do this in order to reduce anxiety: to condense chaos.

“The cutting edge of science, psychology and physics are meeting through the shared language of information and dynamical systems theory.”

You come into my poorly stocked shop to get a chocolate bar and there are five choices. ou’ve been fantasising about a Peppermint Hoohah all day and you don’t like the other four. It is highly probable that you will choose Peppermint Hoohah – but it is not certain or necessarily predetermined.

If you have no clear favourite and no particular desire, the process of choosing will be less certain, more unpredictable. The former example represents a low entropy situation, the disorder is low, the probability of one outcome is high, and your sub ective experience of anxiety is likely to be lower than in the latter scenario, which is likely to be more – if not that much more – stressful. If we replace the chocolate with more serious outcomes and constrain your perceptual and behavioural range of abilities, we can see how disorders arise. ypically, disorders arise out of an iety, the e perience of disorder, the inability to make sense out of or formulate ways out of given conscious states. As with most mental phenomena, the more often things happen and the closer they happen together, the greater the impact.

It might only take a few outbreaks of chaos in someone’s life in close succession to bring about a mental breakdown of some sort.

Our brains are more plastic than we think and like our bodies they can be trained, but you can’t ust go from being able to lift 10kg to 80kg overnight. That being said, our brains evolve much faster than our bodies and are more uidly able to do so. n a sense, our culture and our understanding are playing catch up to our brains. Our brains are evolving to be better at scanning information because we are more commonly expected to read across a distributed network of packets of information rather than one, long, continuous passage take for instance a news website, there are numerous rows and columns of different types of information,

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 11:55

Paul Aitken

Mindfulness

Colour me in

“The universe itself is in perpetual tendency towards disorder; things are constantly becoming more complex.” this is how we engage with text now.

Although we are better than the generation before us at reading the likes of websites, the brain has only so much space, so this is coming at the expense of our deep reading capacity.

The cultural emphasis is on scanning information now; it’s not hard to join this dot to the rise of ADHD in kids. Kids don’t need the same sort of attention that kids used to, so they lose it.

Iain McGilchrist – an eminent psychiatrist – once told me that teachers approach him after seminars and tell him that they need to teach their young pupils how to distinguish between facial expressions. This is undoubtedly a result of our decreasingly face-to-face communicative landscape.

One reaction to this would be to diagnose all the kids with autism, another would be to accept and attempt to understand the cultural underpinnings of these changes in human behaviour.

A lot of us think that mental

health disorders are genetically predetermined, but epigenetics show that chromosomes can change within genes throughout a persons life in reaction to external stimuli - and that these changes can then be passed down hereditarily. We reach a chicken or the egg scenario; are you depressed because of your genes or do your genes code for depressive traits because you are depressed? And even if you have a genetic predisposition towards depression, it is theoretically possible to change that as well as to pass down ‘healthier’ genes once you have. You can re-order your own genetic blueprint as you can your own life. Bringing your life into order with what your perception and preferred method of behaviour – mode of being – reduces disorder, psychologically and physically.

The universe itself is in perpetual tendency towards disorder; things are constantly becoming more complex. The same is true of western human life, and arguably of life at large. There is a lot

more information and perspectives than there used to be, there is less consensus on the way that things truly are.

The belief systems around which we organise our perceptions and behaviours are crumbling around about us – be they religious, political or economic. We seem freer than ever to choose what – and who – we want, but this surplus of choice leads to difficult decisions having to be made, and – as detailed above – this ambiguity of choice causes anxiety. Anxiety comes from a very deep and old part of the brain, the part that orients us and controls the functioning of the body.

Therefore, anxiety is experienced as a physical sensation, and why chronic issues in dealing with anxiety (reducing chaos and uncertainty) often leads to the emergence of more difficult psychological and physical symptoms.

Take steps to reduce even tiny pockets of chaos within your own life and that of those under your treatment. 

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 14:30

Looking for a

new job?

VISIT

If you’re in the market for a new OT job then get on to our website. We’ve got all the latest OT jobs in our Careers section.

Remember to sign up to our mail out to get up to date job alerts.

ot-magazine.co.uk/jobs

Find the staff VISIT Post a job to...

ot-magazine.co.uk/post-a-job

Adverts_OT-Iss20.indd 30

19/12/2017 16:27

Closomat Palma Vita

Improving hygiene and independence

in the home

Closomat’s Robin Tuffley praises the ‘outside the box’ thinking that can now enable people to optimise independence and hygiene in their intimate care.

T

he Closomat Palma Vita, Britain’s brand-leader in wash and dry toilets, is the first C of its kind that doesn’t necessitate major disruption to be installed within a home where there isn’t already a toilet can now be used with a macerator, eliminating the requirement to closely connect to mains drains or soil pipework.

“Research shows currently over 300,000 people have a condition or disability which means their home is unsuitable and requires adaptation...”

Looking like and operating like a conventional C, it has integrated douching and drying leaving no need for manual cleansing with toilet tissue and all its considerations in terms of manual de terity, stability, e ibility, faecal contamination and skin aggravation.

“Research shows currently over 300,000 people have a condition or disability which means their home is unsuitable and requires adaptation, a figure predicted to more than double by ,” observes obin uf ey, Closomat marketing manager. or many of them, the issue is one of accessing the toilet. There may only be one toilet in the house upstairs, which poses a problem if going upstairs becomes hard. Indeed, a ground oor toilet is deemed one of the four key features of visitability’ for someone with an impairment. ften it is possible to reconfigure an area downstairs that can become a cloakroom toilet, but gaining access to the mains drains can be a limiting

factor in terms of distance, disruption and therefore cost. sing a macerator means a toilet can be created almost anywhere; all that is additionally required is water and electricity connections, which are much easier and less disruptive to access.”

The Palma Vita already has several uni ue features. t is the only toilet of its kind developed specifically for disabled people and the only one that can be adapted as users’

needs change - at least 120,000 permutations exist – and is the only one manufactured in and supplied by a company with a nationwide network of in house engineers.

Since it was first introduced some ten years ago, more than 30,000 have been installed, making it the biggest-selling toilet of its kind.

The Palma Vita is complimented by its height adjustable counterpart the ima ift, and also provides a selection of personal care ancillaries including toilet lifters, height ad ustable washbasins, hoists, changing benches and body driers.

For more details please visit clos-o-mat.com -magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 11:54

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19/12/2017 12:45

Cosyfeet Award

Win £1000 Could you win the £1000 Cosyfeet OT Award?

E

ntries are now invited for the Cosyfeet Occupational Therapy Award 2018. This £1000 award is open to ualified s or students planning to undertake voluntary work, a work placement or research either in the UK or abroad.

The winner’s application should demonstrate how their chosen project will develop their professional knowledge and skills while benefitting others.

Hospice, with the project focusing on providing sessions on falls awareness to day hospice patients and those who assist them.

“We have made the sessions lively and interactive, encouraging group discussion and peer support,” said Gillian.

Deadline 20 April 2018

The Cosyfeet Occupational Therapy Award is designed to assist with costs associated with the applicant’s selected project which could include expenses for equipment, travel or living.

Palliative care specialist Gillian Walker won the award in 2017 to help fund a pioneering project at Northern Ireland

“A range of equipment is available for people to try, such as walking aids, chair raisers, leg lifters, long handled aids and specialist footwear.”

To apply for the Cosyfeet Occupational Therapy Award, visit cosyfeet.com/otaward for further information and to enter online before the closing date of 20 April 2018. The winner will be requested to submit a report and photographs of their experience, and to be included in Cosyfeet publicity relating to the award.

About Cosyfeet

Cosyfeet is the UK’s market leader in extra roomy footwear for swollen feet. As well as being extra wide and deep, Cosyfeet footwear is adjustable, so it fits a range of swelling from minor to very swollen. It also accommodates very wide feet, problem toes, bunions and bandaging. Lots of thought goes into Cosyfeet’s shoemaking, including carefully placed seams, cushioned support and removable insoles to accommodate orthotics.

Cosyfeet also offers a range of specialist socks and hosiery. With over years e perience of fitting swollen feet, Cosyfeet is a wellknown and respected brand that is recommended by over 11,000 health care professionals.

For more information email prof@cosyfeet.com or call 01458 449071.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 11:56

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19/12/2017 12:45

ProductFocus Do you have an innovative product you think we should feature?

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The wireless Deafgard will effectively alert the user with its high-intensity strobe light and vibrating pad to wake or alert the sleeper in the event of an alarm.

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-magazine.co.uk

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-magazine.co.uk

19/12/2017 11:57

ProductFocus 6

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01273 719 889 essentialaids.com Designed for those with physical disabilities such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, the Washington Tilt in Space Cradle makes bathing comfortable and safe, and allows the patient to be bathed with ease. Padded for comfort and featuring side wings to support the arms and shoulders, the seat can be readjusted to properly cradle the sitter.

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This television control is designed specifically for those who have limited dexterity, or those who may find technology confusing. It features large, easy to see and push buttons, with a hugely simplified design, and is simple to grip. The remote comes with a two-year guarantee, and takes three AAA batteries, included.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 11:57

Prison OT

OCCupational therapy BEHIND BARS

We talk to occupational therapist Jessic Norman about the work she does behind bars.

A

sked if her job is challenging, Jessica Norman laughs, and says “Oh my God, yeah! Everywhere I go, everyone I meet, and I tell them what I do, I get this look, and on the one hand, this look throws me because it makes me think I’m doing something really meaningful, on the other hand it makes me think, ‘are you a masochist? Why did you sign up for this?’”

Jessica is an OT within a category B prison, where she works within the offender personality disorder pathway, assisting to rehabilitate prisoners with personality disorders. Working with a multidisciplinary team of nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers, her role within the prison involves examining the prisoner’s occupational needs with their offenses

38

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in mind, examining how that links to their personality disorder and early childhood experiences, and performing an intervention within the constraints of the prison environment.

work within are rigid, clear, and difficult.

It is in no way a simple job: for one, she is at the mercy of the prison. The groupbased programmes she runs cannot feature any technology; the products used in arts and crafts groups must be approved by the prison before they can be used in interventions, and the prison is in e ible. ven intensive psychology groups are paper or discussion based.

The group sessions take place inside purpose built, functional buildings; empty, clinical prison spaces. Jessica can’t even open or cover the windows, or turn off the lights, because the security cameras need to be able to see the prisoners at all times. No fresh air; no darkness. The boundaries she has to

“I support some of the more intensive therapy groups, so for example, I do a relationships skills group with one of the psychologists, and my role is to think about the more practical elements of it, the psychologist will think more about the thinking skill elements. The prisoners learn these social skills, so what kind of contexts can we put those into practice? We do a lot of arts and crafts groups, reading groups, discussion based groups.

What she can do, Jessica does to encourage the prisoners to interact with each other, building pro-social and interpersonal skills.

“A lot of the groups are in effect to help the men to structure their time in pro-social ways, and a lot of them have not had a lot of experience of trying things. You’d be amazed how much

-magazine.co.uk

19/12/2017 11:57

Prison OT

“I suPPort some of the more intensive therapy groups, so for example, I do a relationships skiLLs group with one of the psychologists, and my role is to think about the more practical elements of it...” they love the arts and crafts group, for example, just because I think it’s a place where they can kind of play, for want of a better word. It’s almost considering what might they not have experienced in the past that we could offer to them, that’s age appropriate, allows them to be working on their interaction skills, and maybe their emotional coping skills, but also allows them to learn, ‘who am I?’ Because a lot of them have very fi ed identities of being a prisoner, unable to support their families, a criminal, a drug user.”

Prisoners spend much of their time in the prison system performing menial activities, like fi ing wheelchairs or car alarms. They become a mass-production line of sort, which does not provide them with meaningful work. Jessica finds that those who have a lack of meaning revert back to what they know to find an identity within their role, and what they know is their criminal history.

She hopes, in some way, to help create opportunities for the men in her care to find an identity outside the confines of what they perceive themselves to be – but this can prove to be difficult.

difficulties e pressing themselves but they can’t be the only people in the prison systems who have a difficulty expressing themselves. The men are very mindful of what they do. hey find something they’re good at and they follow them like roots.”

The programme in which Jessica is involved is new – around three or four years old – meaning they’re still reviewing and finding out through trial and error what works and what does not. She meets with the other OTs who also work within her highly specialised field. here are around of them, and they don’t all work in prisons. The whole affair is treading new ground.

no idea. You could wake up two days later and be like ‘I don’t know why I signed up for this.’”

Jessica’s passion for her job is unmistakable, however. She is adamant that OTs have a place in the prison system: prison guards are already OT concepts, never labelled as such, to help during times of high stress such as riots. When she speaks, her belief in the difference OTs can make, not just to the types of prisoners she deals with, is apparent. There is so much more OTs can be doing in the prison system than helping those with personality disorders, she feels, and with the right funding, OTs could make a tremendous difference in a prison system which doesn’t quite work in rehabilitating prisoners. find it very emotional,” essica says.

“You cannot take away from the victims, what they have been through, and their need for some sort of justice and some sort of process. However, I very much believe that the men I work with are both victims and perpetrators all at once, and there’s something very saddening about that.”

“You’re taking on a job having no idea whether you’ll actually like the environment,” she says. “If you get a job in a hospital, at some point in your life, you will have visited a hospital, you will know what it feels like.

With prisons, you have

“I think there’s a whole void that’s lacking in creative outlet,” Jessica says. “A lot of the men that we work with are all in prison for violent crimes, and nearly all of them have real

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 14:32

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Celtic Curse

TOO MUCH IRON MAN

Haemochromatosis Awareness Occurring in 0.6% of the European population, this genetic disorder is a serious condition which often goes untested, we spoke to David Head of the Haemochromatosis Society about what OTs can do to help them with the condition.

WHAT IS HAEMOCHROMATOSIS? Genetic Haemochromatosis (GH) is an inherited disorder which causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. As the iron continues to be absorbed beyond what is essential to the body it can reach toxic levels and, if left untreated, the iron gradually accumulates in multiple areas around the body and can cause a host of health issues.

GH is a very common genetic disorder, with as many as one in every 200 people at risk of developing iron overload, another name for GH. Although 10,000 people are currently known to have the condition, The Haemochromatosis Society estimate that more than ten times that amount could be living with genetic haemochromatosis unknowingly.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Also known as the ‘Celtic Curse’, iron overload is more prominent of people of Irish descent. Medically there are a number of symptoms that, when seen as a combination, should lead to testing for iron levels. However, due to the common nature of many of these symptoms,

“It is true to say that if more healthcare professionals were aware of the symptoms then lives could be saved”

they can easily be overlooked and attributed to other conditions like diabetes, liver cirrhosis or even anaemia. As a result, the symptoms of haemochromatosis can be treated without the underlying problem being dealt with, leading to irreversible health complications further down the line.

According to David Head, chief executive of The Haemochromatosis Society: “It is true to say that if more healthcare professionals were aware of the symptoms then lives could be saved. We are very aware that most symptoms can be attributed elsewhere so it then becomes a question of looking for a combination of these symptoms and we would encourage people who are experiencing or 

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Celtic Curse

“Occupational therapists should be encouraging people to be tested and using their professional judgement to keep an eye out for symptoms.” witnessing three or more of these to get checked.”

WHAT CAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS DO TO HELP? Occupational therapists, we know, work with people with a wide range of health problems. They are in a very strong position to be identifying groups of symptoms which could indicate iron overload and recommending iron tests are requested from a GP. Serum Ferritin and Transferrin Saturation tests are cheap and reliable, and genetic testing is also available to back this up if needed.

We think that this, if investigated properly, could become a can of worms leading to hundreds of thousands of people with GH being uncovered. Occupational therapists should be encouraging people to be tested and using their professional judgement to keep an eye out for symptoms. In their work they may come across people who have arthritis in their joints and fatigue, and that alone should be cause for a test to be done.

WHAT ARE THE TESTS AND TREATMENT? As mentioned above, the problems with the diagnosis of genetic haemochromatosis are wide ranging and stem, largely, from the wide net of symptoms that are on

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show for those with iron overload.

Diagnosis itself is not an expensive process. Tests for iron levels in blood can be done at a very small cost and, considering the long-term expenses attributed to chronic diseases such as liver failure, diabetes and arthritis, represent very good business sense for the health service.

The Haemochromatosis Society say: “Treatment is simple – venesection is a ‘blood letting’, much like giving a blood donation. The body then uses stored iron to make replacement red blood cells.” Other than the regular side effects of blood loss, patients can then lead a normal life. However, the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chance of this working long-term.

Unfortunately, given the suspected large numbers of untreated genetic haemochromatosis patients, a number of complications could arise. Side effects attributed to diabetes apply also to many of those with GH and insulin could eventually be needed. Likewise, arthritis, particularly in joints such as the ankles, are prevalent among those with the condition and could lead to replacement being needed. Cardiomyothapy and liver problems could also be caused by iron overload and may eventually require transplants. 

SIGNS OF

Haemochromatosis Chronic fatigue Joint pains, arthritis, joint failures Diabetes Liver disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis, cancer failure Cardiomyopathy (hearth muscle damage) Mood swings, depression, anxiety (and possibly other mental health issues) Sexual dysfunction Abdominal pain Skin discolouration, hair loss Menstrual problems (various) and early menopause

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19/12/2017 16:34

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19/12/2017 12:46

All the latest from the world of paediatrics

n o i t c e S Sleeping, schools and STOMP

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he festive fun has left us, and the January blues are setting in. The sensory overload has come and passed and we’re all feeling a little tired, lethargic and catching up on the Zs we lost at the hands of silly season.

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After all the excitement and energy of December, children need to rebalance and get back into a routine, and the importance of good sleep can never be underestimated in this.

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We catch up with Simple Stuff Works, whose Night Time Matters presentations at The OT Show left the audience anything but sleepy, highlighting the importance of good sleep systems for children and inspiring the busy crowds.

Wake up to a good night’s sleep on page 56.

West Kirby School recently celebrated the opening of their state-of-the-art OT wing and gave The OT Magazine an access all areas pass to what’s going on. Turn to page 48.

We also explore the STOMP campaign (Stopping the over medication of people with learning disabilities and autism) and occupational therapy’s role in it and find out about Therapy Box’s wide variety of apps that could help your younger service-users with communication difficulties.

We love to hear your experiences and stories, so please get in touch with any paediatric stories you would like to share! Email us at ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

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Read on to find out more...

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STOMP Campaign for OTs Less than a year after a damning report into the overuse of psychotropic medicines on people with learning disabilities, autism or both, an NHS England campaign began, aimed at reducing this over prescription.

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topping over-medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both (STOMP) released a pledge in 2016 to significantly reduce the number of people given these drugs. STOMP estimate that around 35,000 people across the UK with learning disabilities or autism are prescribed psychotropic medicines when they do not have a diagnosed mental health condition in an attempt to manage and control challenging behaviour.

As well as the NHS, a number of other groups and organisations are now involved to develop best practice in their own sectors, including occupational therapists. In their opinion, collective work and action is the only way to progress and the force any real and lasting change. Jill Parker, senior policy advisor at the Voluntary Organisation’s Disability Group, said: “STOMP is an NHS England campaign, working in conjunction

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with independent stakeholders. So far we have around 130 stakeholders involved from the health and social care sector. We developed a pledge and asked groups to sign up to the practice pledge and to develop a plan for these organisations.

“Collectively, the STOMP campaign helps to support more than 35,000 people across the UK who are affected.

What we are doing is promoting alternatives to psychotropic medication, something that brings together lots of people from across the health service and the social care sector. We want to see families involved properly and early and staff well equipped to actively reduce uptake if appropriate.

Confidence about speaking up when you go to an appointment is key.

Because of STOMP and information we have provided we now have people who are prepared and are turning up to appointments with forms filled out and completed. The campaign will run until March 2019 but, inevitably, the last few months will be wrapping up. Now we are shifting towards making sure that there is a real change in future practice.”

Occupational therapists have a big part to play in this, with alternatives to medication or methods which can work in conjunction with a reduction in prescription drug use key to the future of the campaign. This has been echoed by the Royal College of Occupational

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“The work of occupational therapists will also help in the identification of issues with those who are being unnecessarily or overmedicated.”

Therapists who have signed up to the STOMP pledge.

Dave Gerrard of the STOMP programme said: “The message we are promoting is that STOMP is everyone’s business and should become part of the everyday working agenda. We are asking all Healthcare Professionals to play their part in identifying where overmedication may be a problem and the role they can play in supporting people to improve quality of life.” errard also pointed out the specific ways in which occupational therapists can contribute to furthering the programme and the wider discussion.

The hope is that occupational therapists will contribute significantly

to the identification of issues at all times throughout treatment. For those working with children with learning disabilities, it is important to keep an eye out for side effects of psychotropic medications, especially sedation or worsening movements, signs which OTs can spot in their daily work.

The work of occupational therapists will also help in the identification of issues with those who are being unnecessarily or over-medicated. Throughout therapy for many people with learning disabilities or autism there will be work towards completing everyday skills and tasks, something that can aid well in spotting losses of ability related to medication. Side effects relating to medication may not be immediately obvious to all, but the work done by OTs in tracking progress provides natural points of reference for service users.

Additionally, given the end goal of the STOMP campaign to reduce the medication used to treat those with learning disabilities, occupational therapy can play an integral part in the work done after medication is reduced. Most importantly, OTs can be the eyes and ears on progress, changes in presentation and behaviour when a reduction in medication is taking place. This can be key to the success of this programme of reduction, both in one patient and across the board, as occupational therapists are able to track the progress of their patients in their daily tasks and in their everyday roles.

This expertise can also be valuable when medication reviews are being undertaken, as the professional input of OTs can aid doctors and support workers in making the correct decisions for patients.

This also translates into preparations needed for progress made after psychotropic medication has been reduced. Occupational therapists should be aware of the expected changes in behaviour post-medication and plan for these, working with service users at this time when they are expected and are likely to work towards goals at a much faster rate than before.

SUPPORT STOMP IDENTIFY Identification of the most obvious side effects – sedation or worsening movements

CHANGE Changes in presentation including loss of ability related to everyday skills and tasks

SUPPORT Support the STOMP medication review offering practical advice to enable more skills to be performed

WATCH Be the eyes and ears to report changes in presentation when a client is undergoing medication reduction

BE AWARE Be aware to offer support as people may become less sedated and more driven to acquire skills and take part in more activity.

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New OT suite at West Kirby School West Kirby School and College have recently opened a new occupational therapy suite, located within their residential school.

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he school supports children and young people with a range of learning needs and social communication difficulties. uilt using money generously donated to the school, the occupational therapy suite exists to aid in the pupils’ learning through developing sensory and motor skills.

The occupational therapy suite will provide a huge variety of therapies, including Ayres Sensory Integration therapy, the Zones of egulation programme, gross and fine motor skill development, life skills, and more. Plans to develop mindfulness in movement and relaxation technique programmes are also being considered in the future of the suite.

Fully equipped, the suite has been kitted out with an assortment of tactile play opportunities, a ball pit, monkey bars and more, which allows occupational therapists to deliver the best possible care through play and exercise.

Carol Atkinson, occupational therapist at the school, believes that this is a great step forward for the school in terms of how it delivers specialist care to young people. She said: “Having the opportunity to be integrated as part of the school team enables us to contribute to the wider understanding of the

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Having the opportunity to be integrated as part of the school team enables us to contribute to the wider understanding of the components that contribute to the building blocks of learning, health and wellbeing for each of our students.

components that contribute to the building blocks of learning, health and wellbeing for each of our students.

“The OT can assess the early foundations for learning which include sensory processing skills, motor co-ordination, visual perception and visual motor integration skills. Working as part of a team the OT can translate these assessment findings into how this may impact on a student’s selfregulation, learning and occupational performance skills. This information is used by the school team to support the delivery of the curriculum tailor made to best meet the needs of individual students and maximise learning.

“Direct OT intervention can be provided to support the development of occupational performance skills

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Section

sense of sensory information, which in turn has a significant positive impact on sensory motor skills and motor planning.

“The range of interventions available are designed to positively impact on a young person’s ability to participate in education, activities of daily living, social and leisure roles.

with students individually or working in small groups. Training is also provided to staff within the education setting, who also implement strategies to support the student’s development on a day to day basis, for example, the implementation of sensory diets.

“In addition, it is equally as important to focus on a student’s talents, strengths and abilities as this can be channelled into meaningful leisure or future employment roles.”

Looking to the future, the occupational therapy suite assists the pupils in their transition into adulthood. They aid the development of the young person in a societal context, assisting them in attaining helpful life skills and wellbeing advice to ensure they are able to progress into adulthood with the best foundation possible.

It is equally as important to focus on a student’s talents, strengths and abilities as this can be channelled into meaningful leisure or future employment roles

“The school takes a well-rounded approach in supporting our students to skills to equip them for adulthood.

The OT staff work as an integral part of the school team to support the young people that we work with to develop a wide range of skills to enhance occupational performance and wellbeing to give them core foundation skills as they progress into adult life.”

The suite is currently only available for use during school hours, due to the availability of occupational therapy resources, but plans are currently in place to train residential care staff, which will allow them to complete certain levels of intervention outside school hours in the residential unit of the school – this may include the use of pieces of equipment to aid in motor skill development, or aid in the support of specialist diets. Carol hopes that this will allow the school to create evening group programmes, and allow the suite to use community based resources in order to develop leisure and play opportunities to support young people’s individual needs.

Carol hopes: “To develop an understanding of their self-regulation needs and learn practical strategies to support them to manage sensory issues, stress or anxiety to function in both a school environment and day to day life.

“Activities are pitched at the ‘just right challenge’ level to promote success, develop self esteem and confidence.

Through the use of an OT-SI approach we support a young person to actively develop the ability to organise and make

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Section Interview Rebecca Bright Why did you and your husband establish the company and what inspired it?

I was working with young adults and people who needed support communicating, and at that time around 2009 or 2010, the aids available were quite often oldfashioned, quite heavy and boxy and the person would need to carry them around or have them mounted to their wheelchair.

App in a box

Rebecca Bright of Therapy Box talks to us about their ground-breaking new app.

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ear on year, technology seems to keep outdoing itself. With social media, gadgets and gizmos constantly producing weirder and wackier new trends and fads it can be easy to think that it’s all getting just a little bit out of hand. But as with anything, there are two sides to the proverbial digital coin, and despite media furore and fearmongering over the

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social issues brought with it, advances in technology can be used as force for good. One woman who has been along for the digital revolution ride since the turn of the decade is speech and language therapist Rebecca Bright who, with her husband, has developed a variety of apps to support those with communication issues in their business Therapy Box. 

One of the young ladies who couldn’t speak was using her mobile to type out what she was saying and showing the screen and she really didn’t want to use any other device available. It really got me thinking about how technology was really advanced and that apps were starting to come through for lots of things.

But at that stage they weren’t being used for communication aids, so I worked with my husband to develop our first app.

What was your first real milestone with the company? eleasing our first app redictable in was our first milestone and that was great. To be honest, we both were thinking, ‘hopefully this will work’ and thought it could be a nice project on the side that we liked working on, so we were really pleased that it was successful and people found it useful so then we continued to develop it further over the years. redictable is an app for people who perhaps have motor neurone disease but also for children with cerebral palsy or people who have trouble with their speech but can still type either physically or using a switch.

How has the company developed over the course of

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Section those seven years?

We’ve gone from working in our spare time at the kitchen table to having a team of 16 people in London and around 20-30 apps to help people with different communication and physical disabilities, so we have a real range of products. We also work closely with universities to help commercialise their research. The business has really grown.

So it was bit of a struggle at the time but the use of tablets and phones now is so commonplace that it has become very standard for the NHS to recommend apps...

Technology has obviously evolved massively over that time too, has that really helped the business?

I think that one of the big changes since we started is that apps were a nice idea at the time but the people using the apps had to convince their therapists and the NHS that they were a good idea and that they should be using software on their phones and iPads.

So it was bit of a struggle at the time but the use of tablets and phones now is so commonplace that it has become very standard for the NHS to recommend apps, whereas in the beginning it was such a change in how things are done.

But with phones and tablets everything is faster. You also have the benefit of multimedia features so people can use them to communicate in a different way.

Communication is much more visual nowadays than even back in 2011. The use of emojis, GIFs, memes and things like that are such different ways of communicating than just typing, so as a business all we think about is what does communication mean in 2018 - ‘how can we use

emojis?’ for example.

People with disabilities can use those features and it could well be that somebody with a disability may be better using those so that technology can really support them.

Can you give us an overview of just how varied your apps are?

We have apps that help pre-schoolers learn about sound and help them with their reading skills, apps that help children with autism communicate using photos and their environment to apps for helping people use their home appliances through the app if they can’t physically.

Your apps are used in healthcare, education and so many other sectors.

Was it always part of the plan to make them as transferable as possible? e definitely felt like we tried to design for as many people as possible and for people to use them in different environments so that was definitely our goal.

You have obviously come from a speech and

language background, but how can occupational therapists benefit from the apps or employ them?

We have such a broad range of apps that, OTs for example, can look at how people can access their communication aids, how to best set up their iPad on their wheelchair or whether they are going to use a switch or which way they can best use the aid on the app so think s can definitely benefit from understanding and being able to work with speech therapists and their teams to find the best product or app for the child that they are working with.  therapy-box.co.uk

About Therapy Box Rebecca Bright is co-founder of Therapy Box and is a speech and language therapist with a Bachelor of Speech Pathology from La Trobe University in Melbourne. She founded the company in 2010 with her husband Swapnil Gadgil and have since been combining their speech and language therapy experience with technology expertise to meet the needs of those who have communication difficulties through the development of innovative apps.

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Product Focus

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

Sensory Acoustic Tactile Wall UKS Mobility | uksmobility.co.uk 0161 452 7578 Specially made to order, this wall panel sports a variety of tactile and visual areas which can be interacted with for a fun and therapeutic experience. The panel features wooden chimes which can be beaten to produce sound and music, a mirror disc to make funny faces in, and much more.

Net Swing Special Needs Toys specialneedstoys.com 01299 827820

Ideal for relaxation or sensory play, the swinging motion created helps children develop balance and trunk control, while allowing children to connect with their environment. The strong materials are designed to withstand the harshest of British weather, and also allow it to swing in circles as well as from side to side.

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OXO Tot Flippy Snack Cup Complete Care Shop completecareshop.co.uk 0330 160 000 The OXO Flippy Cup is an ideal eating aid for children, whether travelling or at home. he lid is sectioned into aps, which allows children to reach in and take food, but prevents snacks from falling or being tipped out. It features a lid for ease of holding, and comes in an assortment of colours.

Hourglass Sand and Water Tray Living Made Easy livingmadeeasy.org.uk 0300 999 0004 Specially designed to allow wheelchair users access to play, this hourglassshaped sand and water tray is made of moulded plastic, and features two deep troughs that can be ďŹ lled with sand and water for an excellent tactile play experience. Its height is adjustable, and features two castors and a drainage tap for easy movement and draining.

Do you have an innovative product you think we should feature?

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If so, get in touch!

Contact us at

ros@2apublishing.co.uk

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19/12/2017 12:01

P-Pod Positioning Support NRS Healthcare | nrshealthcare.co.uk 0345 121 8111

This chair has been developed as an aid to posture support, to be used by children and young adults. Comprised of a bean bag with a seat which ďŹ ts into the top, it provides a high level of postural support, while still allowing the sitter to easily change position without forfeiting support.

Spilly Spoon Parents & Co | parentsandco.co.uk 07762 038269 The Spilly Spoon is a godsend for those who struggle to get their children to take their medicine. Designed to hold 10ml of liquid, it is spill-proof, and its caterpillar design brings a sense of fun. Less scary than a syringe, it’s a clever way to get kids to take their medicine.

One-Way Drinking Straw Aids 4 Mobility | aids4mobility.co.uk 01257 46 4164 Designed for those with weak oral musculature or those who have difďŹ culty swallowing, this straw features a valve which stays full of liquid, even when the straw has been taken away from the lips, which reduces the amount of air ingested by the person drinking, and reduces the chance of choking.

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Good night’s sleep The secret to a

A hit at The OT Show 2017, Simple Stuff Works CEO Sarah Clayton’s two Night Time Matters seminars drew crowds so large interested visitors had to make do with standing room only.

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ased on Sarah’s experience supporting families for the last 20 years and her own experience as a mum of four with a child who became disabled following a brain tumour and subsequent stroke, the four-part thought-provoking presentation gave plenty food for thought.

including; reduced memory, reduced learning, reduced reaction times, increased risk of dementia, poor decision making, increased risk of obesity, increased blood pressure, 4.5 times increased risk of stroke, increased risk of diabetes, increased risk of depression and increased risk of premature death.

SLEEP MATTERS

TEMPERATURE MATTERS

Sarah highlighted some of the known effects of chronic sleep deprivation

Everyone sweats at night. Our temperature drops by a degree to a

degree and a half when we sleep and sweat allows us to facilitate that drop in temperature.

PRESSURE MATTERS Often there is a faceoff between pressure and postural care. The benefits of using innovative products such as the Treat Eezi topper allows for both pressure and postural care needs.

SAFETY MATTERS No position is a good position if it causes a person to be in danger. Robust safety planning is required along with partnership working with those involved in the care programme.

One prime example of the success of Simple Stuff Works’ Positioning System is 7-year-old Charlie Hall.

Born at 32 weeks with twin brother Evan, Charlie was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at seven months, likely down to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Charlie has quadriplegic cerebral palsy affecting all his limbs leaving him unable to stand, walk or sit unsupported. Charlie needs help with

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all daily tasks from eating and drinking to being changed and dressed.

“Since he was born, Charlie has been a poor sleeper and it is not uncommon for myself or his father to be up every hour to move him and make him comfortable. While it was adequate, Charlie’s original sleep system was not easy to transport and was far from discreet”, explained his mother Olivia.

The Simple Stuff Works Positioning System has been “The Positioning System from designed to offer a Simple Stuff Works is just fantastic. Not only is it more comfortable, hygienic discreet, but we can take parts of it with us when we go away and safe to use and as any parent of a child solution with disabilities will know, It was at Kidz Up North that the family discovered Simple Stuff Works and found a solution that would truly help Charlie sleep.

the amount of equipment you have to travel with can be enormous”, continued Olivia.

From Charlie’s perspective, the system is far more comfortable than his previous system and allows his bed to look normal, something which Charlie’s parents feel is vital as he has so much other equipment in his room.

The Simple Stuff Works Positioning System has been designed to offer a comfortable, hygienic and safe to use solution whilst helping people of all ages maintain a position that reduces the risk of body shape distortion. For someone like Charlie, this system is essential due to his strong extensions and spasms, helping maintain his body shape as he grows and will help prevent numerous additional surgical procedures and further discomfort. For Charlie, the Positioning System is part of a 24-hour postural management plan.

“It is so rewarding to see how children such as Charlie are benefitting from our equipment. For Charlie, our positioning system will help him to remain comfortable and supported for long periods of time as his body grows. By using the equipment at night, he can hope to protect his body from otherwise predictable secondary complications, such a scoliosis and hip

dislocations, and allows him to get a more rested night. Hopefully, this in turn will help his family to get a better night’s sleep too! It’s wonderful to see Charlie so comfortable and relaxed” commented Sarah.

The base of the system comprises two layers of nonslip mesh between which supports are placed around the individual. The supports can be lateral, wedges, pillows or teddy bears, ensuring that this Positioning System is the most versatile solution available.

With no noise, there is a greatly reduced chance of the user being disturbed during the night.

Hygiene is of paramount importance when using a sleeping system and the Positioning System from Simple Stuff Works contains silver which has been proven to actively combat communicable diseases such as MRSA, Salmonella and E-Coli through the application of SteriTouch, made up of a range of antimicrobial additives which reduce the growth of harmful organisms including bacteria, mould and fungi.

About Simple Stuff Works Simple Stuff Works is an awardwinning organisation. The Positioning System won the BHTA Independent Living Design Award in 2011 for its simplicity and ease of use. The company has also picked up a BHTA Best Established Product Award in 2015 and the Tamworth Business Awards 2015 for Manufacturer of the Year.

For more information on the full range of postural positioning solutions and training available from Simple Stuff Works call 01827 307 870, email admin@simplestuffworks.co.uk or visit simplestuffworks.co.uk.

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19/12/2017 16:39

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19/12/2017 12:46

Dementia & Care Show

Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo:

Creating a sustainable

social care model

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he NHS budget cannot facilitate the provision of OTs to all patients.

Moreover, funding for OT is completely dependent on what is made available from local commissioning groups, meaning patients who cannot afford private care can slip through the gaps.

Care homes, like the NHS, do not have the facilities to accommodate people who require such services, and to meet the growing demand for care home beds the industry needs to generate another 50,000 beds within five years, but a new care home can take up to seven years to plan and build. Put simply, the care sector will not be able

to meet the growing need of the country’s aging population and conse uently finds itself teetering towards a crisis.

The Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo aims to combat this. heir first aim is to help generate industry growth so the demand for beds expected over the next few years can be met and in meeting these demands, the care industry can relieve the budgetary pressure on the NHS. Filling more beds ultimately means that the NHS will have the funding to develop additional care facilities such as OT, in turn improving the level of care and facilities care providers can offer.

25-26 April 2018

3,000 senior NEC Birmingham decision makers in the care industry are due to attend on the 25 and 26 April 2018 at the NEC, Birmingham to identify ways they can achieve care industry growth and a sustainable social care model.

The show caters for all care occupations that are responsible for the care of the elderly and people with dementia, with speakers such as; Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum and Sharon Allen, CEO of Skills for Care in attendance for the event.

Running alongside Naidex, register for your ticket at carehomeexpo.co.uk or call 0117 929 6097.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 12:03

www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor

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

At our five star, fully accessible residential centre on the edge of Exmoor National Park all activities and facilities are specifically designed and equipped to cater for everyone.

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The vehicle harnesses are designed to be worn in conjunction with the existing safety belts to provide additional postural support and/or to offer a certain degree of restraint when used for those passengers with behavioural problems or learning difficulties.

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

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19/12/2017 12:46

Stroke Awards

Life After Stroke Awards

Clinical Lead for Stroke Medicine at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, Dr David Hargroves’ services to research, sufferers of stroke and their carers was recognised and rewarded at the glittering Stroke Association Life After Stroke Awards.

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ifting the Professional Excellence award presented to him by Sophie Thompson and Baroness Benjamin at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 1 November 2017, he said he was truly honoured and humbled by the gong.

me to stroke was that it really is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team and there aren’t many other medical specialties that have such a collaborative work force, so it really is a multi-disciplined approach to caring for patients,” he said.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, but my job really is its own reward,” began David.

With stroke proving the most common cause of disability in the western world and the fourth most common cause of death, the Stroke Awards prove to be both inspiring and rewarding for those

“Every day we see how devastating a stroke can be and it spurs me and the team on, to provide the very best possible treatment and care we can.

There is nothing more worthwhile than seeing people recover to enjoy their life after a stroke.

“I think they are really important,” David said of the ceremony’s awards.

“It raises awareness nationally, regionally and within healthcare settings and it shows the significant impact stroke has on patients and the potential benefits of treatment for them, so the awards are really important.”

Heading up a stroke wing, avid sees first hand the role every discipline plays in stroke care and recovery, including occupational therapy.

“The individuals who have suffered a stroke and shown such courage that won awards were so humbling to see their courage in their human spirit.”

like David who are involved.

“The majority of people that attend the awards are survivors and their families, but also recipients of some of the Stroke Association research grants.

“It’s the most common cause of disability in the Western world and it’s the fourth most common cause of death,” he explained.

And following his accolade, he is set to take up a new position that can further develop his role in stroke recovery with the inspiration of the award winners spurring him on even further.

“I have accepted a seconded post with the NHS Improvement to be the senior clinical advisor for the Getting It Right First Time programme.

“It’s a new NHS initiative to improve care across the NHS in all its’ specialties and there are over 30 that will have a clinical improvement programme funded so I’ve taken on that role.

“The individuals who have suffered a stroke and shown such courage that won awards were so humbling to see their courage in their human spirit.

“It’s really inspiring to see how society care for each other when faced with significant adversity,” he added.

“One of the things that attracted

For more information please visit stroke.org.uk -magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 12:04

Family values

Birds of a feather Growing up, preppy Kayleigh Gill and older, vintage-loving sister Melissa couldn’t be more different. But the one thing that does connect them outside of their sisterly bond is a love of occupational therapy. ď ľ

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19/12/2017 12:05

Family values

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fter inspiring Melissa, 26, to take up an OTA job while she was studying occupational therapy at Coventry University, year old ayleigh finally encouraged her sister to enrol at Derby University and also take up the new family occupation.

“My mum should’ve been an OT because she’s very arty and creative and is actually a teacher but has worked with adults with learning disabilities for a while so in terms of the creativity side of OT I think we get that from her,” Kayleigh explained.

Kayleigh, who graduated last June and works in acute hospital rotation within Worcestershire currently on a stroke ward, said Melissa’s talents didn’t go unnoticed by herself and her bosses.

“Before I did my degree, I was doing care work and elissa had finished her first degree at Coventry in music and then she looked at music therapy, so I said, “why don’t think you of doing a bit of care work?”

“She did that for a bit on the side when I was studying to be an OT and we then spoke about getting her a more permanent job because she went for a community care job in Leicester and then with her experience she got an OTA job within elderly medicine at Derby Royal.

“While she was there all of her managers and myself were pushing her to go and study and see what happens, so she went through clearing at Derby and started in the September,” she explained.

The younger of the Gill sisters says she definitely had a part to play in in uencing elissa to move into and advance from an OTA role.

“While I was studying Melissa was living with me and it was in my final year that she moved up to Leicester, so she probably had quite a lot of interaction with me through my placements and seen the promotion of OT,” began Kayleigh.

“She’d come to events where I’d be promoting the profession at career events in schools etc, and came to the 2014 OT Show with me to see what it was all about.

Because we’ve always been so different, this is probably one of the things we have in common, so there’s no sibling rivalry.

“So, I would say I had a really big in uence in pushing for her to move into it. I think, just even the philosophy of OT is really quite big in the way we’ve brought up, to be brought up to be as independent as we can and retain who we are.

“My sister and I are so different, but our values are the same. OT is so broad, but the key, core values are the same, so I think we really enjoy that.”

After encouraging her to take it forward, Kayleigh admitted that even though she will be supportive of first year elissa, she definitely will not be picking up any of her sister’s slack.

“She calls and asks my opinion – I’m a critical friend.

“I’ll give a bit of feedback, but I’ll push her to do it for herself, I won’t do it for

her! She’s really good at initiating what she needs to do and she really wants it and is so passionate.

“She reminds me of what I was like while studying,” she admitted.

But unlike some sporting siblings that often engage in sibling rivalry, Kayleigh insisted that there was no professional rivalry between the two, no matter what people may expect of two sisters.

“Because we’ve always been so different, this is probably one of the things we have in common, so there’s no sibling rivalry.

“We dress really different and even our houses are very different and music, so OT is what we have in common and there’s absolutely no rivalry. e are definitely chalk and cheese,” Kayleigh laughed.

“I’m very interested to see what are of practice she goes into. I’m very pro Neuro and ’ll say that it’s definitely the way to go, but because we are very different, she may well go in the opposite direction.

“I can see her going into mental health to be honest, I’ve mentioned to her because she loved her OTA role in elderly medicine which was very physical, but she was watching something about eating disorders and said she could see herself there,” Kayleigh said.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 17:16

Lone working

The risks of

lone working Almost every occupational therapist in the UK will have undertaken some form of lone working in their career, but will they have realised it? Here is a guide to the dangers of the practice.

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n 5 December 2014, Hayley Simmons, a senior occupational therapist at Heath Road Hospital in Ipswich, was attacked whilst alone with a patient in a room at the hospital. She was strangled from behind until she was unconscious.

This comes more than twenty years after the brutal killing of occupational therapist Georgina Robinson in 1993.

Incidents such as this, infrequent as they are, pose a serious problem for OTs who put themselves at risk daily to improve the lives of their service-users.

Given the past issues of aggression felt by others in the health service, lone working and the dangers that come with it should at least be a lingering thought for occupational therapists who spend much of their time making a difference to the lives of others.

In the year 2015-16, more than 70,000 NHS staff were assaulted by patients, service-users or their relatives. This is an increase of 4% on the previous year and a rise of almost 10,000 in the past half decade. These statistics show that violence against those in healthcare professions continues to rise.

Outlined in ‘You are not alone’, UNISON’s guide to the dangers of lone working, a lone worker is someone “whose activities involve a large percentage of their working time operating in situations without the benefit of interaction with other

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workers or without supervision”. The nature of occupational therapy means that many of the daily duties of an OT fall within this broad definition, which can be extended to workers who even spend a small amount of their time in “isolated situations”. As a result, employers have a legal responsibility

A lone worker is someone ‘whose activities involve a large percentage of their working time operating in situations without the benefit of interaction with other workers or without supervision.

to assess and manage any risks which may result from lone working.

As discussed in a study by Alison Whitehead in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy (2003), the after effects of a violent workplace incident on an occupational therapist and the complex working relationships which are involved can have a significant impact on someone’s career. Of those participating, all of those involved reported “sense of fear, which ranged in intensity from being a little scared to being really frightened and lasted for up to six months after the attack”.

That being said, it is worth noting that of the four interviewees, only one reported a feeling of anger towards a service-user, while the other three felt that their annoyance and frustration at the incidents should be directed at the workplace situation or towards colleagues. This is indicative of the attitude that OTs have towards their job and their resilience, with all the participants going on to return to working with their attackers in this case.

Despite this resilience, there are a number of things that need to be considered by OTs when carrying out lone work. Now covered in training at universities across the country, these dangers may not be as fresh in the mind of experienced OTs who have established relationships with clients. As discussed in Whitehead’s 2003 study, “A common reaction 

Lone working

Lone Working Statistics are a few key behaviours that workers among the participants was feeling should be mindful of and react to. unprepared and not knowing what to do. They suggested that they felt afraid Firstly, any workplace hazards should because they had not been trained be identified. hese may be the clients in how to deal with such situations. you are working with on any particular However, while the participants felt day, the environment that you are that they should be trained, they in and any previous incidents which were unable to say exactly what this may have occurred with this client. An training or preparation should include”. evaluation of what threat, if any, these Efforts have been made in the years pose should also succeeding this be considered article to move and then any forward in the precautions way of educating It is important which should be OTs and preparing taken can now throughout this them. be identified. process to record As mentioned, It is important your findings and the universities throughout this implement them, currently training process to record OTs across the as well as regularly your findings UK have now and implement reviewing this integrated this them, as well assessment. key knowledge as regularly into their courses. reviewing this Walking students assessment. through specific This is not to policy areas say that you should now see danger and situational best practice before at every turn, but there is no harm in they have even been out on work being prepared. Discussed above does placements ensures that no ualified not include generic dangers facing occupational therapists fall through all lone workers, which can include the net. Further on in their careers, sudden illness or accident, and keeping where this experience and knowledge may not have been needed for years at on top of these can be important. For occupational therapists it is important a time, guides produced by the Royal that their belief in themselves and College of Occupational Therapists, their service-users is not eroded by as well as trade union UNISON’s ‘You fear, but bearing in mind that violent are not alone’, according to which, incidents, however isolated, have there is one main area which applies occurred in the past, being aware of to occupational therapists: ‘Violence precautions is a worthwhile exercise.  and Assault’. According to these, there

6 million people every day take part in lone working across the UK.

150 lone workers are attacked every day.

40% of NHS staff have been abused or attacked in the past year.

Legally Responsible Employers have a legal responsibility to assess and manage risks of lone workers.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 17:05

Advertising Feature

Accessible Hotels in two Great Locations: Blackpool and Llandudno

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afehands Holiday portfolio started in 2011 with the purchase of the New Mayfair Hotel on Blackpool’s New South Promenade. In February 2015, Safehands expanded its holiday portfolio with the opening of The Esplanade Hotel in Llandudno, North Wales. Both hotels are registered to provide a unique holiday experience with a specialist in-house care team capable of offering a complete package of care, from personal care to social and leisure support.

Both hotels occupy enviable positions with panoramic sea views of the great British coastline and both have undergone a complete renovation and refurbishment program costing over £7m, to accommodate various groups of people with accessible accommodation you can rely on.

Accessible Bedrooms All bedrooms are appointed to a very high standard, most have sea views and are beautifully decorated. All bedrooms are equipped with large specially designed shower rooms complete with grab rails and shower chairs, most of which have an electric profile bed with built in sides. e have a selection of rooms with overhead tracking facilities, all rooms have accessible wardrobes, digital television and a hospitality tray. For e tra reassurance all hotel rooms are fitted with an emergency call system linking rooms to reception and care staff.

Quality Dining We have our own in-house chefs with over 20 years’ experience in cooking traditional and authentic cuisine. Using local suppliers to provide us with fresh produce, you can be assured of good quality home cooked meals throughout your stay. We still offer waitress service so guests and carers can relax and enjoy a hearty English breakfast, traditional Sunday roast, not to mention our famous freshly battered fish and chips, along with a selection of our homemade vegetarian options. Wheat-free, dairy free and other dietary requirement options are available, including a variety of delicious children’s meals.

Fantastic Entertainment We put a lot of time and energy into our fabulous live entertainment packages that feature every night from 8.15pm, along with bingo and raf es to keep everyone entertained. Throughout the year, the hotels will host a range of top stars from the nation’s favourite soaps, including Coronation Street and Emmerdale, along with our fantastic star tribute acts, so look out for our specially themed weekends, you won’t be disappointed.

Accessible Care Packages For guests travelling without their usual carers who want a holiday care package or those travelling with their own carers who may want to give their carers a break whilst away on holiday, Safehands is able to offer a variety of care solutions. Choose from a range of services from half When you mention hourly through to 24-hour packages.

OT magazine when booking All carers are fully trained to CQC and CSSIW standards, care is provided by our in-house team of carers. We are able to provide personal care along with social and leisure outings. Our care staff have a wealth of experience working with people with varying disabilities, underlining our commitment to valuing people as individuals. Ensuring our approach to care is delivered in a dignified way.

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Fully Accessible Travel Solutions Pick-up and return transport is available from £25 per person. Call our sales team for a competitive quote. Travel in style on our fully accessible minibuses, which can pick you up from your door at the start of your holiday and return you at the end. With Safehands’ fully accessible transport service you can be sure of a relaxing start to your holiday experience.

For more info visit www.safehandsholidays.co.uk or call our reservations team on 0333 999 8888 -magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 15:59

For over four decades, Wessex Lift Co. Ltd. has been leading the way in mobility and accessibility solutions and creating innovative designs.

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19/12/2017 17:05

Stiltz Lifts

Lift in the larder

Jane transforms home to help her get upstairs

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Suffolk woman who has lived in the same house for more than 50 years is staying put after installing a Stiltz homelift in the kitchen larder to help her get upstairs.

Jane Seppings, 80, has arthritis in both knees and had a pacemaker fitted earlier this year making using the stairs more and more challenging.

But moving from her 17th century four-bedroom farmhouse in Weston near Beecles wasn’t an option, having lived in ‘the perfect house’ since 1965.

So the decision to adapt her home with a Stiltz Homelift, a unique domestic lift requiring no hydraulics or supporting walls powered by a self-contained motor that plugs straight into a standard 13amp wall socket with the lift travelling on self-supporting dual rails was an easy one.

“I’ve lived in this house for 52 years and I cannot imagine living anywhere else,” said Jane.

“It’s the perfect house - I love it. The house has had lots of building work done to it over

the years and every room is a good size.

“The stairs were becoming more difficult because of my arthritis but I certainly had no intention of moving or downsizing to a bungalow, so I thought it would be a good idea to get something in place which would make life easier. wasn’t confident about getting on and off a stairlift which sits on the stairwell, so I thought why not go for one of these futuristic Stiltz homelifts instead? It’s a very clever idea and incredibly simple as it plugs straight into the wall. I didn’t want it on display though so decided to conceal it in the larder!

“It meant I had to move all the food out, but it is three-foot wide and it could be hidden from view behind the door. You wouldn’t even know it was there. Stiltz installed it in the larder as requested and it has made it much easier for me to move around my home. The lift travels up to a spare room which I use as a utility room for clothes, so it is also extremely useful for carrying up baskets of washing!”

For information about Stiltz Lifts visit stiltz.co.uk, email info@stiltz.co.uk or phone 0808 278 8684.

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 12:06

The Occupational Therapy Show excels again The 2017 Occupational Therapy Show excelled again with thousands of occupational therapy professionals gathering at the NEC in Birmingham, making it the UK’s largest free to attend, education and trade event for the occupational therapy profession.

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ore than 4700 visitors gave the free-to-attend, two-day education conference and exhibition a resounding thumbs up with more than 270 exhibitors including the trade’s biggest brand names such as AKW, Invacare, Seating Matters, Joerns and Etac showcasing hundreds of the latest products and services on the oor. he aisles and theatres were packed with delegates enjoying the lectures available for every member of the team plus hands on education at exhibitor stands.

With on-stand training, cutting edge innovation, first class education, renowned speakers and more than 80 hours of accredited CPD and regulatory updates, the needs of all occupational therapists across the UK were met as the doors opened to the show’s fifth anniversary event. o complement the ma or e hibition, he ccupational herapy Show hosted an education programme with streams

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for all s including mental health and learning difficulties, physical, neurology in practice, children and families, innovation, research and housing and adaptions.

Among the highlights of the educational programme was the eynote heatre, where outstanding sessions were delivered by the likes of Professor Michael Iwama, Dr Joanne Fillingham, Stephanie Saenger and Michael Mandlestram with another six theatres packed full of informative lectures.

Keynote speaker and Chair of ccupational herapy at ugusta niversity wama, commented wo years ago the show was so much smaller than what it is today. When I see

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The Poster Zone The Poster Zone also proved a popular area where individuals and teams shared best practice and networked with colleagues from across the UK. Another popular networking opportunity, OTea Time enabled delegates to enjoy a slice of cake and hot drink whilst networking with the exhibitors and peers alike.

all the people it just tells me that it has grown so much in popularity. There are more vendors now too, it’s huge!

“The essence of occupational therapy is in the hands of the clinician – they are the centre of our concerns and we can learn through them. That’s what I associate with The OT Show. That’s why I want to be a part of it and I come back every time I can.”

One impressed OT, Holly Neaton of Dovedale Day Hospital said, “There’s something different every year and it covers a lot of topical interests. I enjoy the variety of the lectures and exploring the stands too. You can pick up bits and pieces to show your patients to give them more options,” while Richard Pino, OT, Harrow Council Social Services commented, “this is my second time at the show – it is great to come here and be enlightened by the presentations and all the new innovations and products available.”

New for 2017, the Posture and Wheelchair Essentials Theatre, supported by PMG & NWMF, drew a huge crowd of delegates with a focus on wheelchair and seating assessments,

“The essence of occupational therapy is in the hands of the clinician – they are the centre of our concerns and we can learn through them.” particularly looking at pressure management, specialist seating and manual wheelchairs.

A highly popular paediatric trail, sponsored by JCM, allowed those involved in the paediatric sector to learn about the latest innovative products and services available on the market and take advantage of the CPD opportunities.

Adding to the networking and social opportunities, The Occupational Therapy Show Awards backed by OTCoach’s Jen Gash saw an afternoon of celebrating achievements for three well-deserved Award Winners and three Highly Commended Nominees. Chaired

by Jen, she said: “There is so much great work happening out there and many OTs work without due recognition or reward. These new awards are a chance to celebrate the work of OTs.”

THE OT SHOW AWARD WINNERS

Outstanding Occupational Therapy Leadership and Innovation Award: Lyndsey Barrett Highly commended: Moira Fitzsimmons-Holling

Outstanding Occupational Therapy Award: Jilly Newsom Highly commended: Mayuri Tokekar

The winners were awarded a £250 cash prize, plus a place on OTCoach’s Coaching Skills for OTs online course, worth £120, while all nominees won the OTCoach best-selling e-book Selling OT: From OT Idea To Value Proposition.

To be part of the most exciting show in the profession, which returns to the NEC on 21 and 22 November contact Panayiota Sofokli on p.sofokli@closerstillmedia.com or 020 7348 4909.

Outstanding OTTI/ OTA/Service User Contribution Award: Martin Ellacott Highly commended: Jane Cleaver

-magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 12:07

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19/12/2017 17:06

Harp therapy

Alice McGarvie Image © Justin Hansen

From the harp Bringing together two of her loves, occupational therapist Alice McGarvie combines healing and sound to the benefit of her clients. The founder of music therapy company From the Harp spoke to us about the difference that this ancient stringed instrument can make to people’s lives.

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motionally evocative, music has long been known to transform feelings and improve the lives of many.

The ancient civilisations of Greece may be the first civilisation who recognised this link, with Apollo, the Greek god of medicine and music, rooted in the earliest mythologies. Head further south throughout the Iron Age and you would find the earliest incarnations of music therapy being practiced in the pyramids of Egypt.

No longer only a thing of Greek gods, a new generation of occupational therapy heroes have emerged to carry this musical torch, with one channelling the healing properties of the harp in her therapeutic work. lice c arvie is a ualified dual trained in both physical and mental health. After completing a course in Harp Therapy she began From the Harp in Portsmouth, Hampshire, which

combines her love of music and her expertise in occupational therapy.

“I’d played the harp for a few years and I thought I could use harps as the medium for therapeutic activity with people with a variety of health conditions – this is well established in the USA,” she said. “I wanted to be more creative in my occupational therapy practice and I also wanted to work with a variety of client groups.”

New to the world of business, Alice took the plunge and trusted her hard work and passion for healing and music to make the business work.

After some teething problems, she is now thriving. “It’s been a very steep learning curve, 

“I wanted to be more creative in my occupational therapy practice and I also wanted to work with a variety of client groups.”

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Harp therapy

Image © Justin Hansen

“From the Harp is a unique service in the UK, so it can be difficult to introduce the idea of harp therapy and its therapeutic benefits to potential clients...” and I’ve had to learn about legalities of business, finance, marketing, social media, and more. It can be liberating making all the decision but it can become isolating too.

“From the Harp is a unique service in the , so it can be difficult to introduce the idea of harp therapy and its therapeutic benefits to potential clients, even though this therapy is well accepted in other parts of the world. I offer services for groups or individuals, the majority of my work is in care homes, health groups or with private clients.

“As an occupational therapist I have a broad training and am able to adapt my approach to work with all client groups including people living with dementia, brain injury, mental health difficulties, learning disability, visual impairment or physical health difficulties. roup work involves improvisation, games, familiar pieces and composition. I also provide one -to-one work at the bedside for people who are unable to get out of bed.”

Alice’s patient’s work with harps is informed by something called ow, a state where you become so immersed in an activity that you lose track of both time and everything around

you. Inspired by the work of Professor aynor Sadlo at the niversity of righton, the ow state has been shown to bring about optimal human functioning. Alice said: “Flow allows us to divert ourselves from our concerns and forget ourselves, bringing relief from the worries of our everyday lives, giving us time to enhance our mental and physical experiences. During Flow we can feel more deeply connected to others and have feelings of expansion to the wider environment and universe. low is beneficial to health and well being, and we feel the rewards through the ‘happy hormones’ dopamine endorphins and serotonin.”

“Research suggests that therapeutic harp music can reduce pain and anxiety as well as stabilize breathing and heart rates. In my own work, using the rts bservation Scale, have observed mood and happiness increase, while, additionally, clients are distracted from their treatment or environment. Due to the harp’s tuning, everyone is able to make a lovely sound immediately, while the resonance can be felt very strongly.

Therefore, the harp can offer sensory, cognitive and physical benefits.”

Now an established practice in the

area due to this work, developments and tailoring to particular clients has taken place, with Alice taking these experiences and using them to further From the Harp. In particular, her work with the elderly and those with dementia is always changing and adapting to suit individuals, some of whom may not have received stimulus like this for a long period of time.

Alice said: “I have spent a lot of time visiting care homes and I have become aware of how passive many of their activities are. My occupational therapy skills allow me to adapt my approach to each client, to enable participation.

The harp therapy course taught me how to use the harp therapeutically and make the harp interaction totally client centred. This is especially important when working with clients living with dementia who may not remember the activity, although the feeling from playing can remain, so our work needs to be very much in the moment.

“I really wanted to get people doing the doing. I believe that human beings are built for creativity, so why should this stop following a diagnosis or old age?” 

For more information visit fromtheharp.co.uk.

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19/12/2017 12:07

Independence & comfort

through standing

The Genie V2 has been designed with the users everyday needs in mind, providing upper and lower body support to allow washing, air circulation and vital relief from pressure pain.

Each of our standing wheelchairs is custom built to suit your requirements, from made to measure upholstery to one off customised adaptions nothing is too much when it comes to your comfort and independence.

• • •

Enhances quality of life Removes boundaries Independence, dignity & mobility

Visit www.geniewheelchairs.co.uk Brought to you by

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or call 01952 610 300 to arrange a demonstraaon

19/12/2017 17:06

“The Motability Scheme has made it possible for us to go out as a family and do all the things we enjoy.”

Emma

Making a difference #worthtalkingabout

Do you have clients that could be eligible to join the Motability Scheme?

Sign up today for your free information pack motability.org.uk/ot17 quote OT17

What is the Motability Scheme?

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowance to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair.

Carers and family members can drive on behalf of the disabled person.

How Motability can help Motability is a national charity which oversees the Motability Scheme and may be able to provide charitable grants to disabled people. We provide charitable grants for: • Car adaptations which help make travelling as comfortable and safe as possible

What’s included on the Motability Scheme?

• Insurance • Breakdown assistance • Servicing and repairs • Tyres and battery replacement

Find out more information Do you have clients that could be eligible to join the Motability Scheme? Visit motability.org.uk to find information and resources to help you advise disabled people and their families about: • The Motability Scheme • PIP and Motability • Cars on the Motability Scheme

• Vehicle Advance Payments for larger, more expensive vehicles

• Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs on the Motability Scheme

• Driving lessons, to ensure disabled people have access to driving tuition in specially adapted cars

• Car adaptations available

Today, over 600,000 disabled people and their families benefit from the freedom and independence provided through the Motability Scheme, like Emma, who was able to apply to Motability for a charitable grant which paid towards the advance payment for a Motability vehicle that met her needs.

Visit motability.org.uk/ot17 or call 0300 123 3367 and quote OT17 for your free information pack.

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• Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles on the Motability Scheme, these enable the disabled person to travel as a passenger whilst seated in their wheelchair You can also sign up to our newsletter, Motability Matters, which is designed for healthcare professionals, to keep you informed of the latest news and updates regarding the Motability Scheme.

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.736309). The Motability Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Limited under contract to Motability. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

19/12/2017 17/10/2017 17:06 14:37

Story of Storii

Sharing, caring, connected In 2014, Cameron Graham was holed up in a hospital bed with kidney failure after being taken in after running a charity 10k.

W

hile this situation may not sound like one which would harness a successful future business venture, interactions with the gentleman in the next bed would provide inspiration for StoriiCare. Living with dementia, the man’s condition would significantly improve when being visited by his granddaughter, or even others in the hospital. With his own iPad for company, Cameron wondered whether there was a way to integrate these caring interactions with modern technology.

Often described as ’Facebook for care’, StoriiCare took the first steps from vision to reality in 2016 when work began on development with a focus on social inclusion and reminiscence.

After consultation, the app’s net was cast wider and advanced to become a solution catering for the needs of a range of care operations.

StoriiCare addresses this by allowing family members and healthcare workers to stay in regular contact with service users. Given the evident improvements that human interaction has on those with dementia, this can be a vital tool in coping with the condition. Uploading media that may trigger memories or improve cognitive performance, such as audio messages or old pictures are just some of the potential uses of StoriiCare.

Likewise, for nurses, occupational therapists or carers, StoriiCare can

provide a view into the personal life of a user. By using the app alongside a service user, caregivers can be given a significant insight into the life, personality and needs of the person they are with and, using this information, can tailor therapy or treatment to suit them. Especially for those with dementia, this individuality can be crucial. As well as this, it is much easier to interact with family members who may live far away and cannot visit regularly. This can provide a means for caregivers and family to interact and to reassure relatives of progress being made.

None of this acknowledges the happier environment of the users, who, now surrounded by staff who understand them and with family only a touch of a tablet away, can feel much more at ease.

Now up and running, StoriiCare has a number of caring and therapeutic benefits for service users, as well as providing valuable insight for caregivers in several professions. For those living with dementia, being alone can be even more lonely.

The company’s co-founder and CEO Cameron Graham said: “With a worldwide aging population, and an increasing demand for tech within the care sector, there is a real growing need for StoriiCare.

The sector has been slow to embrace technology, but now many providers are looking to evidence care digitally for the first time.”

For more info please visit storiicare.com -magazine.co.uk

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19/12/2017 12:08

Training & Recruitment

Are you a qualified healthcare professional looking for a rewarding career?

Let’s talk

Disability Assessors Wales, Midlands and Northern Ireland £34k salary + fantastic benefits Have you ever considered a career that offers you the chance to use your skills in a different way? What if you could use your clinical expertise to work with people who have a long term health condition or impairment?

Interested? Let’s talk about a career as a Disability Assessor.

Capita Personal Independence Payment (PIP) delivers disability assessments in Wales, the Midlands and Northern Ireland. Whether you’re a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or paramedic, we’re searching for talented, experienced and ambitious healthcare professionals like you to help us do it. In return, you’ll enjoy career-enhancing training, a generous salary and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to join a fast-moving, successful organisation.

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, visit capitapipjobs.co.uk today.

For more information please contact PIPRecruitment@capita.co.uk

Case Managers

Maximise Your

Managers needed to join our passionate and innovative team.

Become an Expert Witness

and Assistant Case

Potential

Jacqueline Webb

HOME-BASED EXCELLENT REMUNERATION LOCAL CASES

You will be a talented professional with at least 4 years post qualification experience, HCPC registration and will share our ethos of working to the highest standards in a genuinely caring environment.

• Work with like-minded clinicians at the top of their field, most of whom are Occupational Therapists • As an Expert Witness you will have access to continuous, collaborative and structured professional development • Use your current occupational therapy skills, but with a wider range of options to ensure the claimant receives the care, equipment or adaptation that is right for them • Occupational Therapists can make great Expert Witnesses, speak to us to find out how you could become an Expert Learn more by visiting our website; attending one of our free seminars, join one of our webinars or give us a call!

We are a leading provider of case management throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide Ensuring quality of life solutions, maximising independence and opportunity for severely injured adults and children.

Please email Claire Udell : claire@ccmservices.co.uk

*All posts are subject to DBS Enhanced Disclosure

01608 682 522

www.ccmservices.co.uk

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W: www.jwebb.co.uk T: 01722 342 512 E: recruitment@jwebb.co.uk

Britain’s No.1 Rehab Cost Consultancy

Jacqueline Webb

24/10/2017 16:11 19/12/2017 17:07

Training & Recruitment

Housing Adaptation & Design Courses • • • • • • • •

Bathroom Adaptations Ramps Reading Plans Wheelchair Standards

• •

Plus-size (Bariatric) Users Building Issues

In-service training - we visit services throughout the UK and deliver training on site.

Public courses - we run courses in venues in London & Scotland on specific dates of the year. Open to all to attend.

DFGs Kitchen Adaptations Accessible Lifts Children with Challenging Behaviour

07909-582491 Viva Access Ltd admin@viva-access.com www.viva-access.com

“Loved the course - high quality training and delivery excellent” (Inverclyde OT Service)

Case Managers

wanted

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

Use your skills, experience, and innovative approach to achieve positive outcomes and make a significant difference to the lives of people who have sustained a catastrophic injury.

We offer full induction, training and mentoring support alongside an excellent remuneration package and flexible hours. Roles are home based with a client caseload within your geographical area.

Call Sarah Ransome or Phil Perry for a chat about the role, or send your CV to: ilshr@indliv.co.uk

www.indliv.co.uk

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19/12/2017 17:07

Your events  31 January - 1 February

 6 February

Moving and Handling People South

Jacqueline Webb Training Event

Hilton, Watford

 29 January & 7 February

OTAC Midlands & Chester Belfry Hotel and Spa (29 January) / Hallmark, The Queen Hotel (7 February) OTAC is the UK’s only free occupational therapy and adaptations event. Brought to you by Promoting Independence, the conference focuses on bringing suppliers and OTs together in one place in various venues across the UK. OTAC events aim to provide useful tips and advice on how OTs can aim to make improvements within the industry and in the care provided to end users. The free event provides advice, support and resources to over 4,000 occupational therapists, plus invaluable networking opportunities with peers.

For more information and to register for your free ticket visit otac.org.uk/events

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The 24th annual Moving and Handling People to be held in London comes 25 years after the Manual Handling Operations Regulations were instituted. Two full days of CPD-certified training includes; keynote talks, four hands-on workshops, four seminars and the Open Forum. Aimed at health and social care professionals managing and providing hands-on practical care, the event enables practitioners to widen their experience and knowledge to deliver efficient, safe practice through improved performance and techniques. Moving and Handling People is practical, equipment-centred and fully CPD-certified. To view the latest programme and book call 0207 432 8008, email mhp@dlf.org.uk or visit movingandhandlingpeople.co.uk.

Venues TBC London: 6 February Birmingham: 14 March Learn about expert work to decide whether it’s right for you at a Jacqueline Webb Training’s Inside the Expert Witness World seminar. The relaxed and informal session will see visitors hear what the role entails from one of their existing expert witnesses, have the opportunity to ask questions and network with other clinicians, understand what clinical skills are required, have the opportunity to see and read over a sample report and hear about the next steps from their recruitment team.

Seminars last 75 minutes and are followed by refreshments.

To book a place, visit jwebb.co.uk/booking or call 01722 342 513.  15 March

Kidz to Adultz in the Middle Ricoh Arena, Coventry A free event supporting children and young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and all professionals who support them. With over 130 exhibitors, the event is a one

-magazine.co.uk

19/12/2017 12:53

Every issue we bring you the latest events taking place in the OT Calendar.

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

stop shop for the most up-todate advice and information on mobility, funding, seating, beds, communication, sensory, transition, education, housing, employment, accessible vehicles, transport, sports, leisure and much, much more.

Boost your CPD by attending one of ten free seminars accredited by The CPD Certification Service on a wide range of issues and interest. For further information telephone 0161 607 8200 or visit kidzexhibitions.co.uk to download your free visitor entry ticket.

suppliers to exceed the expectations of their clients.

The event provides the chance for like-minded individuals to meet and discuss staying profitable whilst addressing challenges faced in the sector when trying to achieve the highest care rating. The CPD seminars are delivered by experts from the CQC, National Care Association, CSSIW and Care Forum Wales to name a few. For more information and to register for your freez ticket visit care17-visitor.reg.buzz or call 01425 838393.

 25-26 April

The Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo NEC, Birmingham

 25-26 April

Naidex NEC, Birmingham

 17 April

Care Roadshow Glasgow Hampden Park, Glasgow Care Roadshows are tailored to all decision makers within the care sector including care home owners, managers and healthcare professionals. Care Roadshows enable practitioners to source high quality products and services from established

Naidex is Europe’s most exciting event dedicated to the disability, independent living and healthcare professional sectors. Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 25-26 April, this esteemed event provides cutting-edge exhibitors, worldclass CPD accredited seminars, live demos, one-to-one advice and unparalleled networking opportunities, free to attend.

Returning for its 44th year, Naidex will realign the disability sector, propelling it into the future of inclusion, accessibility, empowerment and efficiency.

Register for your free ticket at naidex.co.uk.

The Dementia Care and Nursing Home Expo is the only dedicated trade show for care home owners. The UK population of those older than 85 is set to double over the next 25-30 years and with supply at an all-time low, it is vital for the care sector to facilitate this growth. Alongside a valuable exhibitor line-up, the show provides unrivalled expert insight into the care industry through interactive masterclasses and CPD accredited seminars. The 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. Book your free tickets at carehomeexpo.co.uk.

-magazine.co.uk

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Join the OT Community From £14.99 a year PRO PACKAGE £45

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-magazine.co.uk

19/12/2017 12:57

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19/12/2017 16:44

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Visit www.hslchairs.com 19/12/2017 17:11