march/april 2016 • Issue 9
Accessible Kitchen Design Improving Independence
Bariatric Care
Creative Recovery
The benefits of art therapy
d Downloa the free app today!
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Welcome
welcome W
e are extremely excited to be coinciding this issue with the launch of The OT Magazine app. The app is something we have been working on for a while and it is exciting to see it come to fruition. We recognise that many of our readers spend much of their time out and about visiting patients and clients or commuting to their place of work, so we wanted to facilitate an opportunity for OTs to read the magazine on their mobile phone or tablet wherever they are.
The app itself includes all the content that is included in the magazine. You can simply slide through the articles and choose which to read or you can go directly to an article that catches your eye from the contents tab. The product focuses are in a particularly handy format allowing you to tap on an image of a product where you will find a brief description and have the facility to go directly through to the relevant website if you would like to find out more or purchase it.
The team Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writer: Lisa Mitchell Staff Writer: Dionne Kennedy Designer: Katie White Marketing: Sophie Scott Sales: Robin Wilson
Contributors Kate Sheehan Adam Ferry Dawn Fraser Adam Thomas Rae Baines
t m t m t m
It is entirely free to download and is available on both iOS and Android devices. We hope you enjoy the ability to read The OT Magazine at your leisure wherever you are. As Easter approaches, we thought it an appropriate time to share our discovery of bunny therapy. You can find out more on page 43 about the adorable work these fluffy characters undertake and the real advantages they can offer people. We spoke with the winner of The OT Show’s Outstanding OT Award about the amazing work she has done to introduce occupational therapy into schools. The Royal Hospital for Neurodisability share the benefits of art therapy for many of their patients and Adam Thomas, founder of Design Matters, offers some fantastic advice on what to think about when designing an accessible kitchen. We hope you enjoy this issue, whether it be in physical or digital format, and as always we look forward to hearing from you. ■
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Contact Details 2A Publishing Ltd, Caledonia House, Evanton Drive, Thornliebank Ind. Est., Glasgow, G46 8JT T: 0141 270 8085 F: 0141 270 8086 E: enquiries@2apublishing.co.uk
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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 2016 © 2A Publishing Limited.All Rights Reserved. ISSN 2056-7146
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contents March/April 2016
07 WHAT’S NEW We explore what’s happening in the healthcare
sector
13 Person, Occupation, Environment Fit Kate Sheehan shares her experience of using
53
the POE theory
14 Accessible Kitchen Design Adam Thomas, founder of Design Matters,
56
shares his advice for designing accessible kitchens
19 Product Focus A selection of innovative products 22 OT Approved Adam Ferry shares his expert recommendations 25 A Day in the Life of an OT Each issue we speak to a different OT about
what their job entails
27 Bariatric Care We explore the equipment solutions
43
available for bariatric care
31 The OT Magazine App Download our shiny new app for FREE! 33 OT in the Classroom We speak to Melanie Burrough, winner of the
Download The OT Magazine App FREE today! P31
4
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The OT Show’s Outstanding OT Award, about the work that won her this accolade
38 Product Focus We highlight more innovative products to
aid independent living
43 Hop To It The benefits of bunny therapy
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SUBS82 C todaRIBE y for free !
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59 48 Wizzybug Loan Scheme Powered mobility for the under fives
68 Staying Connected Utilising social media as an independent OT
51 Children’s Products The best children’s products on the market
71 Student Advice Dawn Fraser offers students advice for using
56 Calvert Trust Lake District
social media as CPD
An activity centre for all abilities and all ages
73 Event Calendar Relevant events for you to attend this year
59 Creative Recovery Using art therapy as a form of rehabilitation
75 the world awaits Taking the opportunity to practice OT abroad
63 The Grove Hotel Discover more about this unique hotel for
76 Recruitment and Training The latest employment and training
cancer patients
opportunities available
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Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Converters Association
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what’s
new
We explore what’s happening in the healthcare sector, from new products and services to inspirational stories
The Able Label seeking OTs for Ambassador role
T
he Able Label was launched last October by its founder Katie Ellis who (from personal experience) realised there was a demand for an ‘adaptive’ range of clothing that was both ‘fashionable and functional’. This range meets the requirements of those in recovery or living with the after effects of an illness, injury and/or ageing, such as, restrictive movement, reduced grip and muscle strength. The Able Label range is made from beautiful soft, stretchy, easy care jersey with ‘hidden features’ to take the effort out of dressing and help people remain comfortable all day long whatever, they are doing.
The Able Label has teamed up with Access Independent (a national OT supplier) to develop a nationwide network of OTs to help promote their brand. The partners are seeking expression of interest from OTs to be ambassadors for the label with their expertise of disability and its effects on independence. They wish to recruit a cohort of ambassadors across the UK with varied experience, from those who specialise
in Neuro or Rheumatology, to those working with cognitive impairment, older persons or those who may still be in training or newly qualified. To find out more, you can attend a training day on 18 April in London at the National Voluntary Council Organisation, near Kings Cross. The day will be engaging and inspiring, providing full details of how to get involved as an ambassador and how you could be there right from the start of this exciting new venture. The day will include various speakers, a fashion show and advice on working in this role. Training, guidance and support will all be provided and there is only 25 spaces available. ■ For more details please contact Lindsey Powell at Access Independent: lindsey.powell@accessindependent.co.uk
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OTAC IS BACK After the success of the Occupational Therapy Adaptions Conferences (OTAC) in 2015, the third OTAC event is fast approaching with their first event of the year taking place on 11 April at the Hilton Hotel, Reading for a day packed with the latest equipment and adaption guidance.
The OTAC event not only gives occupational therapists the chance to speak with fellow peers, but also face-to-face opportunities to speak with product manufacturers and service providers, as well as attend a choice of 14 seminars and two training sessions.
The event will see occupational therapists from not only the private sector but also the NHS and social services sectors, visiting the conference to view the latest products from exhibitors, specialising in equipment and adaptive products for people with disabilities. Once again this opportunity will be made free of charge, offering occupational therapists from all different areas of the field a full day of training, learning and networking.
OTAC 2016 is supported by Contours Showers, Made2Aid and The OT Magazine is proud to announce official media partnership with OTAC 2016 again, so be sure to pick up your free copy on the day. ■ Find out more about OTAC 2016 events by contacting Stuart Barrow on 02921 900 402, email stuart@promotingindependence.co.uk or visit www.otac.org.uk
OT awarded for prescribing sat nav An occupational therapist specialising in dementia from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust won the first Mangar award for ‘initiatives to encourage everyday independent living’, as part of the Advancing Healthcare awards programme in Northern Ireland. Karen Walls, clinical lead, occupational therapy has led the way in occupational therapists prescribing a ‘sat nav’ to give people with dementia the confidence to go out on their own in the knowledge that if they get lost it is easier for others to find
them. The judges were bowled over by this initiative, which has massive potential to help people with dementia everywhere. The project was developed gradually through practical experience with proper attention paid to risk management. The great advantage is that it has the potential to keep people with dementia safely at home for longer.
Ireland, at the celebratory dinner at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 21 January. This awards programme, exclusively for allied healthcare professionals and those who work with them in support roles, was instigated by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety in 2014, with the aim of encouraging innovation, team working, new ways of delivering care and the highest standards of practice. ■ For further information visit advancinghealthcareni.co.uk/index or call
Karen received her award from Ryan Woods, Mangar’s area manager for
Alison Dunn on 020 8334 4500 or email ali@chamberdunn.co.uk
OT WINS IPAD FROM DOLPHIN LIFTS
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At the recent OT Show, Dolphin Lifts held a prize draw with a first prize of an iPad mini. The lucky winner was Hannah Morley-Smith an OT from the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. The presentation was made by Steve Petty from Dolphin Lifts’ Dorset office.
of the companies that I mention, as it offers a range of options. Some patients would benefit from a stairlift to improve their quality of life but can’t afford the cost of a new one, so it was good to meet the Dolphin team and discuss their range of reconditioned Stairlifts,” commented Hannah.
“When I got the call to say I had won, I was delighted. What a fantastic early Christmas present! I am often asked by patients for information on stairlifts, hoists and other independent living solutions and Dolphin is one
Dolphin Lifts exhibited a range of solutions at the show, including the new Handi-Move 2800 ceiling motor and the unique Body Support System. This latest addition to the Dolphin portfolio has been designed to fit discreetly
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OTs ‘sit up’ for new CPD sessions OTs looking to expand their knowledge of specialist seating will soon be able to access CPD sessions from Kate Sheehan, one of the UK’s leading OTs, on a range of topics chosen by them. The CPD accredited sessions are being developed following the results of a recent survey, which found only 44% of occupational therapists would be willing to recommend a specialist seating manufacturer to their clients. Repose Furniture surveyed over 70 OTs at the 2015 OT Show, and found that while a staggering 94% of OTs felt collaboration had improved between healthcare professionals and specialist manufacturers, a further 67% felt that specialist manufacturers should work towards offering CPD sessions that focus on seating assessment best practice and occupational performance. As a result, Repose, together with Kate Sheehan, who the company appointed following its 2014 OT Show survey, have committed to developing accredited CPD sessions that address the assessment, product specification and clinical reasoning for provision of specialist seating.
Recognising the need for more joint collaboration, Repose is also building a CPD session exclusively for its distributor network to enable them to provide the highest possible levels of care and support to patients and help OTs better understand the clinical needs that patients have, when seeking a suitable specialist chair. Kate Sheehan, who works alongside Repose on new product development and healthcare research, commented on the findings of the survey: “While it’s great to see that so many OTs feel that collaboration has improved between themselves and specialist seating manufacturers, I am keen to now work towards further empowering this relationship, not only to ensure that OTs receive the high quality training they deserve but to also give them the confidence to recommend Repose to their clients.” ■ For more information on the CPD training sessions contact 0844 7766 001, email info@ reposefurniture.co.uk or visit www.reposefurntiure.co.uk
in most domestic and care settings and is capable of offering the fastest lifting speed on the market. When used in conjunction with the new Handi-Move Body Support System, which features newly shaped body support hands and thigh supports for increased comfort, the user can self-hoist around the house independently thereby reducing the need for carers and the associated costs. ■ For more information and to find your nearest Dolphin Lifts branch visit www.dolphinlifts.
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what’s new
New simulation suite provides OT students with real-life experience
S
tudents from the Universit y of Salford will be provided with a practical insight into occupational therapy, after the university opened its newly developed Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Simulation Suite.
The ADL suite, unveiled by Julia Scott, CEO for the College of Occupational Therapists, enables students to put into practice the skills they have learnt whilst studying occupational therapy at the university. This includes being able to practice many of the daily tasks that occupational therapists carry out when helping people to become more independent in their daily routines. These tasks can include anything from assisting someone to get in and out of bed, to helping someone to make a simple cup of tea.
Using the ADL suite, which has been fitted with a wide range of graded activities to replicate those tasks, students can develop the occupational therapy skills which they have acquired during the programme, all within a safe learning environment. This includes their observation and assessment skills, their movement and handling of a ceiling track hoist and their intervention skills using simulated case studies. This simulated experience will hugely benefit the confidence levels of students as they prepare for their first work placements. To help students adapt to the environment they will be working in as part of this health profession, the ADL suite consists of a lookalike living area complete with furnishings, pictures and a range of equipment which facilitates independence. The suite also has a bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, all of which contain several trip hazards that put many people at risk in their own homes. These trip hazards are purposely placed to make students become more vigilant as occupational therapists. Each area of the suite is also fitted with cameras to allow students to be observed during 10 www.
their assessments. This will permit intervention from adjacent classrooms so lecturers can provide students with critical analysis and active reflections. Julia Scott, CEO of the College of Occupational therapists, said: “I am extremely impressed by the ADL suite here at Salford. It demonstrates why the University is held in such high esteem, and having spoken with some of the staff and students, I get a very strong impression that Salford’s education in occupational therapy is certainly ahead of the times. “Using a simulation of a home environment is a very valuable process for students studying in this health profession, and whilst it’s said that all aspects of education can’t identically replicate the experiences which students will face in the real world, these facilities undoubtedly provide the occupational therapist students with a learning environment that is as close to the real thing as possible. The University can be justifiably proud of this facility.” ■
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COLUMNIST
Kate Sheehan
Kate is the Director of The OT Service; the company 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 their handpicked network of occupational therapists. For more information email kate@theotservice.co.uk
Person, Occupation, Environment Fit.
I
was recently very fortunate to lecture at Worcester University about emerging roles for occupational therapists. I spent a considerable amount of time reviewing theories of practice and their relevance to me as a therapist, but more importantly how they support my clients to meet their goals. This led me to review the Person, Occupation, Environment (POE)1 theory in more detail. During the time with my clients, I use the POE to explain what my role is with their therapy team. It is an incredibly useful tool as it can be described both in terms of words and in a simple diagram format. At a recent meeting, a housing expert challenged the space requirements we had suggested for a client in a wheelchair as being 'excessive and unnecessary'. We had a debate about the number of rooms and the expert conceded that an additional bedroom would be required for the live-in carer and that maybe it was not acceptable for them to sleep on a pull-out bed in the lounge.
This was relatively simple to negotiate, however, we then went on to discuss actual space requirements and the expert came out with the most extraordinary comment: "I design for the person not their equipment". At this point I was lost for words and eventually asked her to clarify her statement, she felt that she did not need to take into account the client’s wheelchair, shower chair or moving and handling needs. The fact that she was a wife, mother and the sole breadwinner prior to her accident were irrelevant and the space in the property was suggested as having no impact on the client and her life.
On further discussion it became apparent that she had no understanding of how the client’s life was dependent on an environment that met their needs, which would allow them to engage with the occupations they chose to do within the intrinsic and extrinsic impacts of her accident on her as an individual. As a typical OT, out came the pen and paper and I drew the POE and showed that by limiting the environment the client could never achieve their goals and that the housing expert was limiting the client’s potential. After what seemed an incredibly long time, the housing expert agreed she needed to review her findings and potentially revise her report and would discuss her findings with the Local Authority housing department involved in the case. The meeting really made me reflect on my practice, do we clearly define and clinically reason our recommendations, can we evidence them and, dare I say, cost their benefits. It did, however, make me realise, yet again, our uniqueness as a profession. We work in conjunction with our clients to meet their goals, from both the person, the environment and the occupation fit and no other profession does that. ■
1. Law, M. (1991). ‘The environment: a focus for occupational therapy.’ Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 58(4).
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Accessible Kitchen Design
Adam Thomas of Design Matters talks about his accessible kitchen design principles
L
ooking through our archive of pictures in the office recently, we had one of those ‘look how far we’ve come’ moments. From clinical white melamine in the early nineties, to fully motorised worktops and any colour under the sun today. Things have moved on so much that our web designers were unable to pick out the accessible kitchens from the standard kitchens when we re-designed our site. This was the goal when we set up the company 23 years ago, and today it’s a huge milestone for the Design Matters team.
Being a full-time wheelchair user, my own adapted kitchen gives me complete independence at home and the opportunity to entertain friends and family. I’m a keen cook, so this is something I really enjoy. For newly injured people, a tailored accessible kitchen will initially mean they have a safe, comfortable space where they can continue to explore their potential after injury, providing purposeful occupation, a structure to each day and ultimately the possibility of giving back to friends and family. It might start with a cup of tea and progress over time to full meals. Participating in family life is an invaluable gift and I really enjoy giving my clients the same freedom that I enjoy at home. We speak to a lot of OTs and case managers, and many feel that quality accessible kitchens are just too expensive. It’s true 14 www.
that our accessible kitchens are at the top end of the kitchen market; they are also the safest and most durable accessible kitchens in Europe and possibly further afield. Newly injured people with a compensation award consider a tailored kitchen good value for money, because they will enjoy a flexible kitchen that is fully accessible and tailored to their needs, with a service life of around 20 years. Some of our clients even report reduced reliance on PAs. We were asked recently whether accessible kitchens really need to be different for each client, and the short answer is ‘yes’. What works for a wheelchair user with a manual chair will not work for a client with an electric wheelchair. There are, of course, many people who are ambulant, but still have specific access needs, such as visual cues. I am often asked to provide justification for my design ideas, so here are a few points to consider for your next report: KITCHEN LAYOUT: As a rule, ‘open plan’ areas work best for many disabled people, especially wheelchair users. This usually involves removing a wall. Get an experienced accessible kitchen designer involved early in the process, as it’s extremely difficult to retro-fit an accessible kitchen when a standard kitchen space has been allocated in the plans. Plan the kitchen in an ‘L’ or ‘U’ shape, to encourage sliding rather than lifting.
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accessible kitchens
Provide transferring points such as pull-out shelves, so that a client is never encouraged to carry pots and pans on the lap. Transferring on the lap is extremely dangerous, increasing the risk of burns. FURNITURE: Standard door finishes like foil and melamine faced chipboard (MFC) are unlikely to last for long with a wheelchair or walking frame. Once the surface is scratched back to the core material, the door will harbour bacteria, eventually breaking down completely. For the toughest finish, consider using high pressure laminate, or solid wood doors which will absorb knocks and scrapes. We specify acrylic doors for ambulant clients, and those with good wheelchair skills, paired with rigid-built furniture of solid construction. Appliances must be positioned at precise heights to make them safely accessible and this can only be achieved with a bespoke range of furniture where ovens can be positioned at non-standard height. Non-standard carcases and door materials cost more than the cheaper ranges offered by DIY stores and builders’ merchants because each one is assembled by hand in the factory. FIXED WORKTOPS: Fixed low worktops, or a combination of fixed lower height and fixed standard height work very well for many households. Standard kitchen worktops are 60cm deep,
which is not sufficient to cover the lap of most clients who use a wheelchair because the depth of lap plus footplates tends to be greater than 60cm. Deeper worktops are cut from much larger sheets of worktop material, and require hand finishing, which is more costly than a standard product. Remember that many disabled or older people do not have any feeling in their legs - if they run into a sink waste or sharp worktop support at knee height they may be seriously injured- so pay close attention to the fixtures below worktops and follow through to ensure the actual installation of the kitchen matches the agreed plans. We recommend that a raised edge is fitted to all four sides of kitchen worktops to contain spills. This reduces the very real risk of burns from hot spills and means the kitchen user does not have to change clothes and dry off. It also keeps the kitchen cleaner and extends the life of kitchen furniture. The raised edge is softly contoured so that clients who prefer to lean on worktops for support can do so comfortably. MOVING WORKTOPS: In a family home, height-adjustable worktops are ideal. They are also useful where a client has a degenerative condition and will require frequent changes of wheelchair over time. Choose a brand of motorised lifters with high quality components and a good service organisation, and ensure that cables and water supplies in the sink area are properly managed and completely concealed so that wheelchair foot › www.
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› plates cannot snag on them. Check also that there are safety
stops on all four edges of the rise and fall worktop, and not just the front edge. Your clients’ feet need as much protection as their legs. Design of rise and fall areas is a key area where quotations differ, so make sure you are comparing like for like in terms of safety and ensure that fingers cannot be injured on any edge of a rise and fall cupboard or worktop. The success of height-adjustable elements in a kitchen depends on highly qualified installers who work with these mechanisms all the time. SINKS: Many older or disabled people need a shallow bowl sink with safe, insulated knee clearance underneath, whether they are wheelchair users or use a perching stool for safety. Clients with impaired grip may have difficulty wiping up spills and caring for a standard laminate worktop, so we specify a moulded solid surface sink that is completely water resistant and will last for years. Some clients need front-mounted taps and the spout to be located in a custom position to make it accessible, which can only be achieved with a solid surface material. I also believe that a dishwasher is essential for disabled people, because it ensures crockery is cleaned and rinsed thoroughly.
APPLIANCES: Choose an oven with the option of fixed, full-extension runners for safety and a door that tucks away beneath the oven cavity like the Neff Slide and Hide model shown here, so that your client’s arm is not extended next to a red hot oven door. The risk of spasm or tremors makes this much too dangerous. To protect your client’s lap from spills, include a slimline pull-out shelf below the oven that extends to cover the lap and is heat-resistant. Induction hobs with touch controls are far safer than gas hobs as they have no naked flame. They also have some safety features that are useful for clients with ABI. Some fridges now come with pull-out shelves and appliances in drawer-format like the Fisher & Paykel DishDrawer. STORAGE: Creating knee spaces between base units leaves less space for storage. Get around this by including a large height-adjustable wa l l c u p b o a rd t h at l owe r s to worktop height by remote control as shown here. Larder units with quality wirework are also a good solution. We particularly like this pull-out larder that rotates and allows wheelchair users to access any part of the mechanism without repositioning. ■
NEW CETAL LAB IN AYLESBURY Finishing touches are being made to a new Living Lab in Aylesbury by CETAL (Centre of Excellence for Telehealth and Assisted Living), an institute delivered by Buckinghamshire New University. CETAL helps to bridge the gap between innovation, research and implementation by bringing together the University’s academics with industry partners, potential users and clinicians. The Living Lab, located in University Campus Aylesbury Vale (UCAV), is a fully equipped apartment with a range of assisted living features including environmental controls and telehealth equipment for remote health monitoring. An accessible bathroom and a state-of-the-art kitchen by Design Matters have also been installed, featuring a range of special design features from industry partners. 16 www.
The aim of the Living Lab is to promote the understanding and use of assisted living technologies and to help improve the quality of life of individuals living in the community. Through partnership and collaboration with technology providers, the Lab will provide a platform for innovation and research and a training venue offering short courses from a range of experienced providers. Conference facilities are also available at UCAV, with or without access to the Living Lab. The new Living Lab will launch in summer 2016, and will be open to OT s from across the country. To keep in touch with developments, follow @cetalbucks on Twitter, or contact Firas Sarhan, Director of Bucks New University’s Living Lab, on 07921 236918 or email firas.sarhan@bucks.ac.uk.
DIRECTORY: • Adam Thomas is an award-winning designer who has been designing accessible kitchens for over 30 years w: www.dmkbb.co.uk/accessible-kitchens t: 01628 531584 twitter: @designmatters3 • See the Design Matters accessible kitchen featured here, at Inspired Home Interiors, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 8TR w: www.inspiredhomeinteriors.co.uk t: 01323 458165 • Design Matters kitchens are also available in Central Scotland from Nicola Brydon at Tailormade Build w: www.tailormadebuild.com t: 01506 671137
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Your guide to Days Rollators & Tri-Wheel Walkers this Spring 100 Series
Medium 168 - 188cm 5´5 - 6´2˝
Engineered to stringent standards The 100 Series aluminium frame ensures a combination of lightweight design and robust build quality with a maximum user weight of 165kg (26st). Now available in 6 attractive colours.
Handle Height 840 - 940mm 33 - 37˝ Seat Height 565mm / 22¼˝ Backrest Height 800mm / 31½˝ Wheel Diameter 200mm / 8˝
165
Product Weight 7.2kg
A
Handle Height 830-930mm / 32¾-36½˝
B
Overall Depth 685mm / 27˝
C
Wheel Diameter 190mm / 7½˝ Product Weight 5kg
26
kg
st
Maximum User Weight
Ruby Red
Blue
Quartz
Racing Green
Overall Depth 610mm / 24˝
C
Wheel Diameter 190mm / 7½˝
7.7 kg
Weight of Frame
Russet Orange
The lightweight aluminium frame makes these walkers extremely easy to manoeuvre making them ideal for use indoors or out. The range is now available in 6 attractive colours and supplied with a durable bag as standard.
kg
B
Purple
Colours Available
Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
125
Handle Height 830-930mm / 32¾˝-36½˝
6
Year Warranty
Lightweight Tri-Wheel Walkers
19½ st
Maximum User Weight
A
3
1
Year Warranty
6
Colours Available
Steel Tri-Wheel Walkers Sturdy, robust and economical Our range of Steel Tri-Wheel walkers are sturdy, robust and economical. Available in 4 attractive colours.
125 kg
19½ st
Maximum User Weight
Chrome
Ruby Red
1
4
Blue
Grey
Year Warranty
Colours Available
For further details contact Paul Smith, National Account Manager for Community Equipment on: Tel:
07970 512 986 Email: paul.d.smith@pattersonmedical.com
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Product focus The independent living sector is filled with amazing innovations to help people live more independently. Every issue we bring you a selection of products, from daily living aids to major mobility products, that make life a little easier for those who need it.
ThevoChair This chair is designed to aid people who have dementia. The rocking motion gently moves the foot, knee and hip joints and helps to reduce the symptoms of dementia ie. anxiety and depression. The chair incorporates MiS Micro-Stimulation® in the back, a revolving platform that rotates 360 degrees allowing the user the freedom to turn easily to engage in conversations/activities or to ease getting in or out of the chair. It also includes a locking mechanism for the rocking motion to ensure a sense of security when sitting or standing up from the chair.
STILTZ ELECTRIC HOME LIFTS The Stiltz range of Electric Home Lifts are unlike any other domestic lifts on the market, providing an ideal alternative to the conventional stairlift. These lifts can be installed virtually anywhere in a home. This unique through-floor lift is totally electric and does not require hydraulics or vacuum systems and is powered by a self-contained motor that plugs straight into the wall using a normal 13-amp power socket. The Stiltz Electric Home Lift travels on a structural self-supporting unique dual rail system and does not require a lift
shaft, load bearing walls or any major building work.
The chair includes an optional foot stool and the fabric used is breathable and can be wiped clean and disinfected. Studies have shown that people with dementia can have a calmer temper and can be more receptive. ■ Prices available on request
Offering one of the smallest footprints of any domestic lift available, the Stiltz Duo Electric Home Lift is compact but spacious enough to carry two people.
Made2Aid, 01268 814 810 info@Made2Aid.co.uk www.made2aid.co.uk
The Stiltz Trio Electric Home Lift is big enough to accommodate a standard-sized wheelchair and ideal for users with walking frames. ■ Prices available on request Stiltz Lifts, 0844 870 9087 info@stiltz.co.uk, www.stiltz.co.uk
www.
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Amplified Photo Phone with SOS The Amplicomms PowerTel 92 has been designed for people with conditions such as vision or hearing loss, reduced dexterity, dementia, Parkinson’s and other motor neuron disorders. The Amplicomms PowerTel 92 makes communicating easier whilst supporting independent living. Isolation is often a problem for people with poor vision, dexterity problems or those who get confused and forgetful. By simply pushing one of the six interchangeable picture buttons on the phone, the user is connected to family and friends. The photo phone is easy to use due to its large buttons, including a pre-programmable SOS button for emergencies, and three direct dial buttons. The phone has a hands-free speakerphone option too – vital for someone with dexterity problems. For all levels of hearing loss the PowerTel 92 amplifies calls by up to 40dB making them 100 times louder than regular calls - a ring tone at 90dBs will be difficult miss. The phone has premium compatibility with T Coil Hearing Aids without causing interference and there is a flashing red light that also indicates that a call is incoming. The PowerTel 92 is the first phone with 40dB amplification that only requires a phone line connection and doesn’t need mains power, giving huge flexibility of where the phone may be located throughout the home. ■ Prices from £54.99 Amplicomms 0800 032 1301
Kitchen Workstation The highly versatile Kitchen Workstation is a well-proportioned food preparation board that also features a range of additional aids that have been specifically designed to help the user with a wide array of those day-to-day kitchen tasks. The workstation features a clamp that can be used to hold food for preparation, vegetables for slicing, bread for cutting etc., or could be used
to hold bowls, jars or bottles in place. The workstation also has a scrubbing brush and a small group of spikes, that are easily removed when not required, that can be used to firstly clean and then keep firmly in position fruit or vegetables for one-handed peeling and preparation. A grating and slicing box is also supplied and this can be mounted securely on the surface of the Kitchen
Sock Aid™ The Sock Aid™ is a simple and innovative device to assist people who struggle with putting socks on or taking them off. It was initially designed for older people who were experiencing mobility issues but has been found useful to people suffering from problems related to the spine and back, coxal and knee weakness and other articular diseases, as well as, patients after injury and pregnant women. It has also been shown
to prove beneficial to people suffering from excess weight. The Sock Aid™ is capable of putting on and taking off even the most delicate of tights or stockings, as well as thicker socks or medical compression stockings. ■ Prices from £32.39 Sock Aid™ info@sock-aid.com www.sock-aid.com
www.hearingdirect.com 20 www.
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product focus
Easy2Bathe Bath Lift
Workstation, allowing easy onehanded grating and slicing of food items with the added benefit of the hygienic collection box. The final feature is the workstation’s raised corner lip that makes spreading butter, margarine, jam or other spreads onto a slice of bread an almost effortless task, keeping the bread securely in one place during the entire process. Representing real value for money,
the Kitchen Workstation is a truly multifunctional kitchen aid that not only simplifies, but reduces the risk, of a wide range of kitchen tasks and is ideal for use by older people, disabled people or those with arthritic or similar conditions. ■ Prices from £32.95 Complete Care Shop 0845 5194 734 www.completecareshop.co.uk
PulseGuard PulseGuard wirelessly links a small, wrist or ankle-worn, watch-strap-like sensor to an easy-to-use monitoring application running on an iPad. It alerts parents and carers to any significant increase or decrease in heart-rate so potentially life-saving intervention can be provided immediately. Over 200 individual PulseGuard systems have been sold to families in the first year, but the interest from care providers for multi-user bedside installations and remote monitoring situations has been growing. The funding is specifically for the further development of the prototype of PulseGuard Pro, a product which
will enable residential care, healthcare and telecare providers to remotely and simultaneously monitor the heart rate of multiple people in real time. A list of conditions PulseGuard is able to detect are as follows: • Abnormal Heart Rhythms • Arthelecerosis • Atrial Fibrillation • Brigade Syndrome • Cardiac Arrest • Cardiomyopathy • Congenital heart defects • Epileptic Seizures • Heart valve disease • Hyperglycaemia • Long QT Syndrome • Progressive Cardiac Conduction defects. ■
The Easy2Bathe bath lift is designed to assist users into a bath with dignity and independence. Installed in about an hour, the simple installation will leave no mess and negates the need for making any drastic changes to your home or the need for builders or plumbers. It tackles the worry and fear of slipping or struggling to get in and out of a bath, helping to reduce falls in the home. By simply pressing a button the Easy2Bathe will gently lower the user into the bath to enjoy fulldepth bathing and it will gently lift the user out of the bath when they are finished. Easy2Bathe is a convenient and cost-effective solution to bathing problems. ■ Prices available on request Easy2Bathe
Prices available on request
0800 083 0036
PulseGuard, 01622 321 111
sales@easy2bathe.co.uk
www.pulseguard.org
www.easy2bathe.co.uk
www.
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Product focus Adam Ferry/UK Therapy Services Adam Ferry is an Occupational Therapist both in the statutory and independent sectors. He is also the 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.
GenieCare ToTo Patient Turning System Last month, one of my colleagues was planning a discharge for a patient with a palliative prognosis. The patient was not transferring out of bed and due to significant pressure care needs was being turned every two hours. This level of need was having a significant impact on the amount of care that the patient’s spouse was going to provide in an already highly stressful situation. My colleague was very keen to reduce that need, promote the couples normal roles and maximise the quality of their time together. However, this created problems with the level of externally sourced care that would be required, particularly overnight. We therefore researched patient turning systems and contacted GenieCare about the ToTo system. What attracted us to the ToTo was its compatibility with alternating mattresses and the programming flexibility which enables it to adapt to the patients changing needs. The system allowed the patient to be turned at the regularly required intervals without the need for this particular task to be completed by ‘hands-on care’. Intrusion into the home was reduced and the spouse was able to concentrate on spending quality time with the patient in the knowledge that their functional and nursing needs were being met. ■ For more information about the ToTo turning system visit www.geniecare.com/toto
In this regular article Adam will explore and review products he experiences in practice, giving insight and reflection to those who it may benefit. ■ You can contact Adam on adam.ferry@uktherapyservices.co.uk or visit www.uktherapyservices.co.uk for more information.
Handicare: System Romedic - WendyLett The WendyLett is part of a system of gliding sheets which aid movement in bed for clients with varying movement needs. The basic WendyLett is to support independent client turning or minimise the support required. It is effectively a glide sheet system that reduces friction, approved By adam allowing the client to turn laterally without sliding down ferry the bed. Other options that work in conjunction with the WendyLett include WendyLett2Way and WendyLett4Way which, as the names suggest, increase the movement options and support clients with greater needs. When I was first shown the product by Handicare, I was dubious as to why we would purchase this product over using simple glide sheets already on the market. However, as I became more familiar with the product and its additional option features I was converted. These products support independence for clients who have relatively minor movement deficits, single-handed care for basic repositioning, right through to clients with quite complex repositioning needs. The sheets look non-medical and feel very comfortable. They limit the need to place and replace equipment usually required and simply by tucking the top sheet under the mattress, maintain the client’s bed position.
or call GenieCare on 01903
It goes without saying that the system does not solve all problems and may need to be used in conjunction with other equipment, but it certainly is a good place to start. ■
733377.
approved By ad am ferry
For more information on the WendyLett system visit www.handicare.co.uk
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26/02/2016 13:42
OTOLIFT STAIRLIFTS
ONE
TWO
Single Rail
Twin Rail
Otolift Stairlifts offer a broad range of features throughout our product range.
backwards travel
drop nose down to 175mm
Each stairlift user’s condition & staircase layout is unique; however, with the combination of single tubed and twin tubed stairlifts in our portfolio, we have solutions for the majority of staircases and individual needs. At Otolift we only sell through our nationwide network of approved stairlift dealers giving customers the benefit of a local service from a reliable and reputable company.
90° swivel seat
lifting footrest option
Contact us to find out what we can do for you, or to find out who your nearest distributor is.
compact folded seat
Info@otolift.co.uk tel: 01207 581 636
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hinge options
Stairlift Solutions for any type of stairs
www.otoliftstairlifts.co.uk
26/02/2016 00:28
Visit us at:
5 4TH 4
TH
EUROPEAN SEATING SYMPOSIUM Incorporating Assistive Technology www.seating.ie, info@seating.ie
Stand: E9, E10, F7 & F8
*The Q6 Edge® 2.0 with TRU-Balance 3
Engineered to meet the performance needs of the most active user
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Front and Rear Suspension
Interchangeable panels
Attendant Recline
A revolutionary redesign to the industry renowned Q6 Edge®, the new Q6 Edge® 2.0. Featuring the R-Net control system, and an optional upgrade to the new QLogic 2, which enables simple usability and a quicker interface. The Q6 Edge® 2.0 is a versatile powered solution, which can be configured with the highly adaptable TRU-Balance® 3 Seating System, and benefit the driver, to suit their needs.
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* images used for illustration purposes only
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Tel: 01869 324600 Email: sales@quantumrehab.co.uk Web: www.quantumrehab.co.uk
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a day in the life
A day in the life of... Chris Short is an independent OT who is instructed privately to provide occupational therapy programmes for survivors of brain injury, typically within the first few years of rehabilitation. Whilst working as an outreach officer for Headway (the brain injury association), he referred clients for occupational therapy and accompanied them to assessments, this included rehabilitation and equipment provision. From there, he decided that occupational therapy was the career for him.
What is your current job role?
work of Headway, I have gone on from there really.
I am an independent OT working with people living with a brain injury in their home and community.
Describe a typical day...
What made you want to become an OT? Between 2005 and 2012 I worked as an outreach officer for Headway Rotherham (brain injury support group). As part of my role there I helped clients achieve their practical goals, meeting lots of different health and other statutory professionals involved in rehabilitation post brain injury. As most of the OTs happily enthused about their work (and lots of the social workers looked fed up) I decided that I wanted to specialise and train to be an OT too. I completed the MSc Occupational Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University in 2012 and I have spent the last three and a half years working as a private brain injury rehabilitation occupational therapist; only recently venturing into independent practice.
What drew you to your particular area of work? I have long been interested in peoples' abilities and creativity in overcoming barriers due to impairments. I was attracted to the brain injury field ten years ago having met my local, thriving brain injury support group and learned of the wonderful
At the moment a typical day sees me raised from slumber by our seven-month-old son, I attend to his morning routine (think fruit, weetabix and a mess) then crack on with my work. I will visit clients in their homes to assist them with their goals relating to daily living activities, such as securing a property for an independent living trial, developing cooking skills, planning their time using smart phones or sourcing a meaningful and realistic local voluntary opportunity. This fun stuff is usually sandwiched between the writing of notes, goals, outcome measures and invoices.
What is your favourite part of the job? I love it when a client's therapy programme ends. This contrasts the emotion of possibly not seeing them again but the fact that they don't need me anymore (or for a while) usually confirms that they have built awareness of their impairments, tackled their functional difficulties and developed their independence. Aside from a few laughs and tears along the way I am always very proud and humbled to think that I played a small part in their journey to being occupied (and hopefully fulfilled) again. â–
www.
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R&R_Ads_Chair Builder.indd 1
24/02/2016 13:58
The world’s slimmest bath lift! The Easy2Bathe® bath lift is the easy, low cost solution to enjoying safe bathing again. Simply press a button on your easy to use handset and the Easy2Bathe® will gently lower you into the bath and safely lift you back out again. Unlike a walk in bath or shower, there is no need for plumbers or builders making expensive alterations to your home.
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26/02/2016 00:29
BARIATRIC
Bariatric B Care ariatric care is fast becoming one of the UK’s most necessary medical areas. The media are always reporting on the country’s ever-expanding waistlines, so it would make sense that the healthcare sector would have to stay relevant with an escalating need and desire for specialist care for the larger patient.
It is never as simple as jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad diet and some rigorous exercise to fix the problems that these patients face. There are many illnesses that can cause the side effect of weight gain that can’t be avoided, as well as societal issues and lifestyle choices. Businesses and companies have introduced specialised ranges to improve the everyday life of plus sized individuals. A bariatric patient can immediately feel the benefit of either walking aids, a tailored bed or a multi-purpose armchair. The strain can then be taken from carers and professionals that are trying to make an unsuitable piece of equipment work, when it simply won’t do the job. There is bariatric equipment on sale for every room of the house, for every situation and every individual.
Bedroom Centrobed are one of the companies leading the way with bariatric sleeping and bedroom equipment. They have a full range that includes: • The Arctic and Baltic Turning Beds allow the client to be turned whilst in bed. This they can do themselves or by using an automatic turning system, thus reducing the strain on carers backs. • The Timor is a bed/chair that will take you from a near standing position into a chair position and then into a full lying position on a full size bed. Thus removing the need for a hoist, bed and rise recline chair, as it is all in the bed itself. • The Nile Leg Lifter helps clients that have heavy, swollen, lymphoedema legs lift their legs into bed. • The Tungsten 80 stone bed is their newest product to the market and it is a
•
fully profiling, reliable, stable bed that has a unique frame that is stable on the floor but with the press of a button will allow wheels to engage and you can manoeuvre the bed with ease. The Plus Size Arabian Stool is for lymphoedema clinics, care homes or home use. It allows the bandaging of the legs easily and has a unique frame that supports the leg whilst bandaging the upper and lower part of the leg.
Bathroom Bariatric equipment is essential in a bathroom › www.
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BARIATRIC
Companies have introduced specialised ranges to improve the everyday life of plus sized patients
› setting due to the important upkeep of hygiene
and toileting facilities. Dolphin Lifts, one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of hoists and additional independent living solutions has three hoists that it recommends for use with bariatric patients; the Handimove Victor 2600 mobile hoist and the Maxi Sky 600 and Maxi Sky 1000 ceiling hoists. The company’s spokesperson spoke about the advantages of one of these popular products: “The Victor Mobile Hoist is the fastest mobile bariatric hoist on the market. With a maximum lifting capacity of 225kg and a battery capable of up to 160 lifts it is ideal for most domestic, hospital and care home settings. The Victor is a very versatile hoist and can be used with a body support system, conventional spreader bar or electronically operated spreader bar. Safety features include a built-in motor and emergency down to ensure the patient will not be left in a hoisted position should there be a power failure.”
Mobility One market leader when it comes to bariatric walkers is Uniscan. They are a national best-seller of walking frames. Their range includes something for all in-need individuals, whether that be for walking trouble through age or through illness, as well as, through weight. The family-run company has been a major field contender since 1983 and consider themselves all-round specialists. Geoff Morris, the Sales and Marketing Director commented: “By not going out, exercise activity is diminished, social contact is reduced and, as a consequence, a client’s condition would deteriorate. In conjunction with the retailer, we developed a lightweight, heavy duty walking frame solution. Initial testing proved the concept would work and subsequent field trials were very successful. With a maximum user weight up to 40 stone (255kg) and an overall frame weight of 16lbs (7.4kg), the Uniscan ‘Grand’ Glider Plus Adjustable (GPA) was an instant success. Fitting into the average family car boot when folded, the product proved to be an ideal travelling companion providing the user with guaranteed support wherever it was needed. “In addition to our dedicated bariatric four-leg walker (‘Grand’ GPA) which is four inches (100mm) wider than our standard walker, we also offer a ‘heavy
28 www.
duty’ four-leg walker version with a rated user weight of up to 30 stone (190kg). This model is 50mm wider than our standard walker. Each model is supplied with a comprehensive two year manufacturer warranty, plus a full refurbishment service is available if required.” However, if a client needs further mobility assistance, Karma Mobility have the answer: “The Condor bariatric manual wheelchair has a maximum user weight of 39 stone (250kg). With five seat widths (22”, 24”, 26”, 28”, 30”) and five back heights (16”, 17”, 18”, 19”, 20”) the Condor is one of the most adjustable bariatric wheelchairs currently available.” Made from aluminium, the Condor is extremely hardwearing but also very lightweight and with its unique folding mechanism, transporting the Condor in the car or storing it at home when not in use, is not a problem. Adjustable features of the Condor include: seat to ground, rear wheel position, backrest angle, armrest height, seat depth and footplates, making it a truly adjustable solution that is suitable for most users.
Living Room Repose Furniture is one of the leading companies in the country for a wide variety of specialised seating needs. The chairs in their bariatric section don’t leave much to be desired. A spokesperson for Repose spoke about one of their most popular bariatric chairs: “The Multi Bari bariatric rise and recline chair from Repose comes with a full range of compatible cushions to provide the user with complete flexibility and control and by separately repositioning the waterfall back cushions, additional support is guaranteed. The padding in each cushion can also be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the individual, meaning the Multi Bari is a truly bespoke chair for each user. As the Multi Bari can be continually adapted, it can be used by more than one person while ensuring maximum levels of comfort, support and pressure care are available at all times. The issue of hygiene has also been addressed with the quick change covers and replacement cushions and with a maximum user weight of 40 stone (255kg) and leg rest capacity of 25 stone (160kg), the Multi Bari is the ideal bariatric solution for many domestic and care home environments. From a user or carers perspective the Multi Bari is a chair that never stops working.” ■
-magazine.co.uk
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to “Not only was i able
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@lifeonilevel
#ileveluk QuantumRehabUK
Tel: 01869 324600 | Email: sales@quantumrehab.co.uk | Web: www.quantumrehab.co.uk
OTAdvert.indd 1 ad_pages_mar_apr_16.indd 10
23/02/2016 00:29 15:11 26/02/2016
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26/02/2016 00:30
The
The
app
App
The OT Magazine is now available as an App
E
xciting new development from The OT Magazine, you can now read and enjoy the UK’s leading publication dedicated solely to occupational therapists straight from your mobile phone or tablet. Available now from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Download it today! At The OT Magazine we are always looking for new ways to develop your favourite occupational therapy magazine. Out every two months featuring the latest products, in-depth features, industry news, personal profiles and up to date information on events and exhibitions relevant to the field. • • • • •
Download for free Read anytime, anywhere Available on iOS and Android devices Slide easily through features Link to product sites directly
The app will be available free of charge which can be downloaded and read at your leisure. The OT Magazine app has now launched with the Mar/Apr issue and all following issues will now be available in the app. We hope this comes as a welcome development from The OT Magazine.
t m
www.ot-magazine.co.uk
t m ‘The OT Magazine’
t m @ot_magazine
www.
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-magazine.co.uk 31
26/02/2016 14:20
Introducing Raz The stainless steel, height adjustable modular shower chair K K K K K K
Stainless steel frame & hardware Adjustable frame height Adjustable tension fabric backrest Modular Design Dual-locking casters Adjustable seat position
See Raz at wealdenrehab.com/raz Visit wealdenrehab.com or call 01634 813388 wealdenrehab
ad_pages_mar_apr_16.indd 12
@wealdenrehab
Innovative care equipment with professional installation
26/02/2016 14:52
A
s part of our continuing coverage of the inaugural OT Awards at the Occupational Therapy Show in November last year, we spoke to Melanie Burrough of Royal Free London, winner of the ‘Outstanding Occupational Therapist Award’.
Currently studying an MSc in Professional Development in Occupational Therapy, Melanie has over 10 years of clinical experience, specialising in working with children, young people and families. Melanie was inspired to become involved in occupational therapy from a young age: “My father was a head teacher of a specialist school for children with developmental disabilities. Growing up I often spent time in the school and with the pupils. I had › www.
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I wanted to be able to support children with building their confidence to engage in everyday activities What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? According to the American Occupational Therapy Assosciation (AOTA): ‘UDL is a research based framework for designing curriculum - including goals, methods, materials, and assessments - that enables all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning.’ UDL provides curricular flexibility (in activities, in the ways information is presented, in the ways students respond or demonstrate knowledge and in the ways students are engaged) to reduce barriers, provide appropriate supports and challenges, and maintain high achievement standards for all students, including those with disabilities. Occupational therapists can play an important role in supporting the implementation of UDL principles in an educational setting, utilising their knowledge base, activity analysis and adaptation skills to recommend, train in and apply technology and other methods to facilitate learning and performance in the classroom.
34 www.
› the opportunity to work with the school OT and I knew early on that I wanted to become an occupational therapist. I wanted to be able to support children with building their confidence to engage in everyday activities.”
After qualifying, Melanie spent some time working in South Wales before carrying out some work in Mozambique and Malawi, volunteering in rural villages and local hospitals, learning to work with the materials and resources available, drawing these problem solving abilities in her practice today. Returning to the UK, Melanie began to work in a community paediatric setting in Greater London. “I started to reflect on how services were being delivered in schools and how this could be more effective and efficient.”
In 2012, Melanie started working as the Lead OT for mainstream schools in Camden.
Partner for Change “I began to study best evidence underpinning schoolbased OT practice which led to my discovery of ‘Partner for Change (P4C)’. I was challenged by the collaborative aspects of P4C, whilst encouraging partnership between therapists, schools and families.” A core concept of the model is to first build relationships with school staff and children, before considering interventions. The model also encompasses ‘Universal Design for Learning (UDL)’ which aims to reach all children in the school and ensure that the whole school environment is flexible to the needs of the learner.
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the OT show awards
Melanie’s vision challenged the traditional model of delivering OT services to schools and nurseries, which is still largely a medical model. As the first OT to implement this type of model into a large borough like Camden, Melanie was instrumental to the transformation of this occupational therapy service. This resulted in many more children being seen, as well as, a reduction in waiting lists and time. To find out more about the model Melanie visited CanChild, McMaster University Canada in June 2015, where the model originated: “I spent time with Cheryl Missiuna, Nancy Pollock and the rest of the P4C research team to reflect on the theoretical aspects of the model. I also had the opportunity to meet with therapists who had been delivering this school-based model. The visit led me to think about the four C’s of the model: capacity, collaboration, coaching and context.” The model adopts a coaching approach and requires the OT to work in the classroom alongside teaching staff. A close relationship is formed between teacher and OT as the OT is there with the teacher helping to find the best solutions and make learning the right fit for every child. Melanie’s team have adopted a ‘collaborative consultative’ model in Camden, based on universal, targeted and specialist interventions, but she notes that shifting from a more traditional schoolbased OT model was initially difficult. “The concept of therapists being part of the school make up, for example, eating lunch in the staff room and being available after school to catch up with teachers was a different way of working. Therapists have had to create more opportunities to communicate and share information with parent/caregivers as much of the day-to-day work takes place in the classroom.” Melanie has already had some success. She remembers one particular occasion where the project had a significant breakthrough. Melanie said: “A primary school teacher identified a year four class, explaining that a school group of students were struggling with handwriting and participating in
lessons. I carried out a whole lesson observation to understand the teacher expectations of the children, teaching methods and how the children were engaging in school tasks. “Following the class observation I met with the teacher and we jointly problem-solved some ideas. The teacher decided to create active roles for these particular students, such as giving out workbooks, setting up classrooms materials and tidying up a soft play area at the back of the classroom. The roles offered opportunities for the children to access learning breaks, increasing their motivation and their engagement. A visual chart was also introduced to help the students identify when the whole class needed a movement break to get them ready to learn. Slope boards and easy grip pens were provided to support comfort during handwriting activities and some school laptops were made available for students when they were expected to write longer pieces of work.” This success has led Melanie to be celebrated in her local community, and ultimately winning the award. Her manager, Betty Hutchon, Head Paediatric OT at Royal Free London who nominated Melanie for the award, couldn’t be happier with the progress made within their working environment. “It has required a lot of hard work to develop and implement this universal model of working to ensure it was sustainable and building capacity for the future.
Melanie was instrumental to the transformation of this occupational therapy service Without Mel’s vision, commitment and endless hard work I am quite sure this would not have been possible. She has given her time generously and taken the whole team with her and is held in the highest regard by the multidisciplinary team. “Melanie is someone who understands that in order to be effective it often comes down to relationships and she has used this to huge advantage establishing positive relationships everywhere she goes. Research tells us this is crucial in change management and in achieving positive outcomes from our interventions.” ■ www.
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Easylink UK manufacture affordable high quality care products. Over 100 own brand products for Epilepsy care, Sensory Loss, Daily Living, Dementia Care, Special Needs. Please visit our websites for further details.
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Orthodocs Cocoon™ ORTHODOCS COCOON
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The Orthodocs Cocoon™ can be produced for any type and size of mattress, is registered and listed by MHRA as a Class 1 Medical Device ( Non-Restraint ) and is CE Marked. Warning: Please be aware that the Orthodocs Cocoon™ is the only medically listed and approved all round bumper protection system (MHRA - CA/006778).
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Orthodocs Limited 9 Mallard View Newtownards County Down BT43 4FB
26/02/2016 00:30
online tool
EquipMyHome Helping you to help yourself
L
iving independently for as long as possible is fundamental for the majority of the population, whether this means receiving continual care at home or simply by receiving specific living aids; whatever it may be there is an increased need to assist people in their healthcare requirements. In a world, where self-funding is high up on NHS and local authority agendas, Kinetic Media decided to develop EquipMyHome - a powerful independent online training, clinical review and signposting tool. The initial aim of EquipMyHome was to improve the lives of self-funders by offering a ‘one-stop shop’ where suitable equipment could be sourced locally or online. With this being achieved the portal was expanded further into a clinical training, equipment review, occupational therapist and retailer directory. As an OT, expanding your customer portfolio and sourcing the correct equipment for current clients can always be a challenge. EquipMyHome has been developed with you in mind, enabling you to have access to equipment from a variety of suppliers across the equipment spectrum. Being featured on one of the leading independent access points for healthcare equipment means you will also have access to in-depth product information/training that can be accessed anytime, anywhere on any device.
Product information will include: • Specifications • Dimensions • Pricing • Reviews • Brochures • Training videos Comprehensive product reviews based on your experiences can also be applied. Completing reviews will not only help contribute to product improvements and upgrades, but also assist self-funders in sourcing correct and reputable equipment for themselves. If you’re an independent OT, EquipMyHome’s OT directory will assist you in building your business by giving you exposure to an unlimited amount of potential clients. The OT directory will clearly list your details and will require the following information: • • • • • • • •
Full name Address Website (if applicable) Email address Phone number HCPC registration number Qualifications Specialist area(s)
Don’t miss out – sign up today and gain this complete service free of charge. ■ For more information call 01543416853, email enquires@ kineticmedia.tv or visit www.equipmyhome.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter: @EquipMyHome.
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Product focus
The independent living sector is filled with amazing innovations to help people live more independently. Every issue we bring you a selection of products, from daily living aids to major mobility products, that make life a little easier for those who need it.
C-Pen Reader
The C-Pen Reader pen scanner is a major technological breakthrough for anyone learning English and is a lifesaver for those who suffer from reading difficulties, such as dyslexia. The C-Pen Reader is a totally portable, pocket-sized device that reads text out loud with an English, human-like digital voice. The in-built dictionary puts the power of Collins English Dictionary (30th Anniversary Edition Tenth edition) in your hands. Simply pass the nib across a word and it instantly displays the definition and reads it aloud. It is also a scanner for capturing lines of text and uploading to a PC or Mac, making it ideal for students, teachers 38 www.
and professionals to capture essential information.
As well as promoting independent reading this pen features:
The pen is half the size of other portable pen scanners on the market and at 50g is half the weight. Importantly this means it can be used by a younger generation of English learners making this learning tool suitable for children (age 6+) and adults. This is the only portable line scanner on the market that is both Mac and PC compatible. There is no software required, just connect the pen up to a computer with a USB cable and it appears as an external hard drive. Other features include a built-in voice recorder with playback.
• Hear words and lines of text read aloud • A Collins 10th Edition Dictionary • Scan, store and transfer to a PC or Mac (1GB of storage and downloads to a computer like using a USB key) • Scan direct to the cursor on a computer • A voice recorder • Free future upgrades • Available in a class set of ten pens. ■ Prices from £200 Scanning Pen Shop, 020 7976 4910 www.scanningpenshop.com
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product focus
EZ Rise Power Seat A patient who struggles to get in and out of chairs is a worry for everyone – the lack of stability leads to an increased risk of falls, strains and injuries. This decreases the amount of activity patients get as they become reluctant to get up and move around. The EZ Rise is an affordable, adaptable solution to this problem, giving users back that vital piece of their independence that comes from being able to get up confidently and safely. Using clever air cylinder technology that requires no power supply, the EZ Rise Power Seat gently lifts and tilts forward on demand to provide an extra boost. This enables patients to get up without the need for help from others. Portable with an inbuilt carry handle, the EZ Rise Power Seat will fit into any chair enabling users to sit wherever they desire.
The durable construction of the EZ Rise Power Seat will easily and securely support your patients, raising them up by up to 10 inches. It has a comfortable foam cushion that provides a pleasingly soft place to sit and is covered in black, wipeclean polyester. There is no need for expensive motor rise armchairs; users can quickly convert their favourite chair into a mobility enhancing one. Perfect for sufferers of arthritis, weak muscles and people recovering from surgery, the EZ Rise Power Seat is an excellent addition to your collection of mobility aids. ■ Prices from £59.99 Stress No More 01482 496 931 www.stressnomore.co.uk
Mountain Trike
Mountain Trike is an all terrain wheelchair operated by a manual lever drive system. It has the capability of tackling tough terrain, including woodland trails, mud and snow, it has even been known to tackle mountains. It is also ideal for everyday trips to the shops, in any weather, as the lever drive system keeps hands clean and dry because there is no need to touch the wheels. It has excellent suspension, is easy to manoeuvre and is available in a wide range of colours. The MT Push is also now available, this comes with a built-in push handle for those who can’t self propel. The MT Evo is also available for those with limited hand function, the unique direct steering means that you can steer and drive with just one arm and the brake system requires only an arm movement inwards and no finger function is required at all. ■
Prices from £4395 Mountain Trike 01270 842616 info@mountaintrike.co.uk www.mountaintrike.com
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product focus
Raizer light
P
adraig Finn is an in-house Band 6 Physiotherapist at Yorkshire Care Equipment, a specialist care equipment supplier based in Northern England. Padraig is part of the company’s Assessment Division, carrying out home assessments for moving and handling equipment, specialist seating, mobility items and other products, in conjunction with the NHS, healthcare professionals and local authorities.
Working in this field, Padraig does a lot of work with people who are at risk of falling and he is very adept and up-to-date with all of the new and state-of-the-art falls prevention equipment. He has recently been demonstrating Liftups ingenious new emergency lifting chair, the Raizer. The Raizer can be disassembled and easily transported to be used anywhere, in any situation and is battery operated via a remote control. This new aid for lifting and moving allows the assistant to help a fallen person of up to 150kg up to sit or stand again in a few minutes (including the assembly) from arrival on site. Padraig spoke about one particular demonstration in which the Raizer became most opportune. He said: “Last November, I was sent to demonstrate the Raizer at a care home in York. When I got there I was greeted by an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, and the Home Manager. My arrival was very timely as one of the residents had just fallen to the floor. I knelt down beside her, unzipped the carry bags, and pulled out the Raizer emergency lifting chair. The situation was certainly a real test for the device. The room was very tight for space, and with five of us in attendance, there wasn’t too much space to move. It’s times like those that I’m thankful for the compactness of the product and the speed and ease with which it can be deployed. “Within about a minute, with practically no manual
“Within about a minute, with practically no manual handling or difficulty involved, I used the handy remote to raise the lady from the floor into a seated position, whilst supporting her head with my other hand. The other professionals in the room certainly seemed to be impressed, commenting on the speed and ease of setup, and the way the whole process only required one carer. Previously they had had to use air-inflatable cushion devices with a minimum of two carers, and due to the time the lift took and the noise the compressor had made, the client had become rather anxious through the experience. This time, however, there was no sign of any distress – if anything, she’d very much enjoyed the whole ordeal. “ The suppor t and sturdiness offered by the Raizer meant that she’d felt solid and secure and she was even able to stand up from the device. “There are numerous products in the healthcare marketplace these days, but it’s innovative inventions like the Raizer that make a real difference to patients, carers and healthcare professionals. I love the ‘wow’ factor it creates. No matter who I demonstrate it to – occupational therapists, falls teams, social services, paramedics or fire crews – I’m met with smiles, relief and enthusiasm. “The Raizer is the ideal way of transforming a difficult and dangerous task into a quick, easy and safe operation and I strongly believe that this is the future of lifting clients back to their feet after a fall.” ■ To book a no-obligation demonstration of the Raizer, please contact Yorkshire Care Equipment on 01423 799960 email enquiries@yorkshirecare.com or visit www.yorkshirecareequipment.com
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188 x 130 - OT MAGAZINE March/April edition Professional Catalogue
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12/02/2016 12:40
26/02/2016 00:31
Got a “Plus Size” patient but you can’t find the right size equipment? LAUNCHING 1 OCT 2015
THE “OFF THE SHELF” EQUIPMENT SOLUTION TO ALMOST ALL SIZE PROBLEMS
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Are your chairs FIT FOR PURPOSE? “The pelvis is the foundation to build a stable seating posture. Get the pelvis position correct, or, at least, the best you can, and everything above and below has a better chance of improving.” Poor posture can exacerbate changes in body shape due to adaption of tissues and might impact on body systems. Pressure ulcers are high on the politcal agenda in the UK, with the treatment costing the NHS between £1.4 and £2.1 billion each year (Posnett, The burden of chronic wounds in the UK, 2008), so it makes sense to choose a seating solution that will greatly help reduce the risk of pressure damage. Of course, ‘Prevention is better than cure!’ and CareFlex seating, when used correctly
as part of a 24 hour postural and pressure management solution, can help prevent pressure ulcers forming. Assessing an individual’s needs for seating can be complex and assessment should be carried out by an appropriately trained individual* An expert assessor from CareFlex is always willing to come with the HCP team to assess for CareFlex Specialist Seating and offer a free, no obligation estimate for the right chair to fit the client’s needs. With the correct specialist seat, a person’s quality of life can be improved immeasurably. CareFlex has over 20 years’ experience in providing high quality seating for long lasting care. You can rely on us for expert, impartial and ethical advice.
* TVS Seating and Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline
Call us now to arrange a demonstration or assessment 0800 018 6440 enquiries@careflex.co.uk www.careflex.co.uk Because seating does matter to CareFlex
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Bunny therapy
HoptoIt W
h at i s E a s t e r w i t h o u t t h e inclusion of ‘aww-inspiring’ animals? Lambs frolicking is sunny fields, yellowplumed chicks chirping inside festive bonnets and, of course, rabbits. The epitome of the Easter holidays, the Easter Bunny acting as a springtime Santa, leaving endless amounts of chocolate for wellbehaved children all over the world.
One independent occupational therapist is used to having Easter all year round, with her innovative new take on animal therapy. Suzanne Potts, based in Hemel Hempstead, has introduced Bunny Therapy to the masses. Her two therapy bunnies, Sweetpea and her apprentice Smokey, are bringing smiles to older adults and children alike and they are becoming increasingly busier, especially with the Easter weekend on the cards. These fluffy little bundles of joy are here to provide help and happiness to people of all ages. After ten years of service with the NHS, Suzanne decided to strike out on her own, with the assistance of her assistive animals. However, it wasn’t a straightforward path she followed to get there. Suzanne said: “15 years ago, I decided I wanted to pursue OT. I was at a crossroads in my career, I was a PA. I knew it wasn’t really for me anymore. A friend of my mother suggested occupational therapy. After researching it, I shadowed several people. The lady that suggested it to me was Ann Pritchard, she was an Adult OT. She worked in a secure unit for adults with mental health issues. I then shadowed OTs in the physical setting at the local hospital. “It was something I was really interested in. I had to do a year’s access course at Aberdeen University, I was classed as a mature student at 24 in 2001. I then followed that up with the four year course at Robert Gordon Uni. › www.
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Bunny therapy
› “When I graduated I moved down to work in West
Hertfordshire with the NHS. They had a fantastic rotation at the time which mixed both mental health and physical settings, that rotation was every six months. On one of those rotations I went to an in-patient unit that dealt with adults that had dementia. I found my love there. I progressed through that into specialising in dementia and obtained my Masters from Stirling University in 2014. In 2013 I took the leap to become independent whilst working part-time in the NHS. It was an acute setting, so there was no conflict of interest. I am now completely independent and it is the best thing I have ever done.” After just over two years, Bunny Therapy has taken off with an ever-increasing popularity. Suzanne, who specialises in older adults with dementia, mainly in care homes, has an intense passion for both animals and the therapeutic advantages they have, as well as, the constant challenge of improving the life of elderly inpatients with both physical and mental health issues.
The Benefits of Bunnies Suzanne and her rabbits, Sweetpea and Smokey, take their job very seriously and their aim is to provide a variety of therapeutic benefits for individuals and/or groups. These include promoting: • Physical Movement – by stroking, brushing and playing with Sweetpea and Smokey. • Sensory Stimulation – including hearing the soft noises they make, feeling their smooth fur, as well as, their pleasing aesthetics. • Socialisation - when Sweetpea and Smokey are present, because they are such unique visitors, people start to initiate conversations, they can also incite a relaxed atmosphere and help destress an environment. • Memories and Reminiscence - when people stroke or watch the rabbits, they can start to recall memories and stories of past pets and their experience with animals, some people even remember rabbit recipes they ate in their childhood. Anything is classed as a positive when people are engaging and making connections with the bunnies. Over the last two years, Suzanne’s client base has included one-off visits or regular slots in her Bunny Diary. She takes the rabbits to visit dementia cafe’s, carer groups, stroke clubs, community day centres, individual sessions in a client’s own home, local libraries and well-being events, inpatient mental health units, nursing homes and sheltered housing, to name a few. 44 www.
Soft snuggles with Sweetpea
When on a visit, the bunnies sit on their lap tray and the clients can stroke, brush or just observe them. Being on a lap tray means that it’s great for meeting people who are in beds or wheelchairs. Suzanne makes sure that all interactions with the animals are graded and adapted for each individual’s needs. Suzanne spoke about her, what some would call, ‘bizarre’ choice of therapy. She said: “I chose bunnies because they are portable, cuddly, fluffy and most people don’t have negative associations with rabbits. For example, people might be frightened of dogs if they have been bitten in the past.” She remembers when she realised that this type of therapy was not only appealing, but highly functional for all ages. Suzanne said: “There was a man in the first nursing home I ever went to. He was bedbound, at the end stages of dementia. I went in with Sweetpea and his eyes lit up. The activity coordinator couldn’t believe the reaction. He reached out his hand and with my assistance he began stroking her. He said ‘how lovely’. The activity coordinator got quite emotional at this point because what I didn’t know, was that that was the first verbal communication he had made in months. “I went there monthly until he sadly passed away, he always lit up when he saw the rabbits.” The future for Sweetpea and Smokey is far from quiet. Suzanne is keen to expand the list of places she visits and the people she reaches. She is also eager to start a major online presence with hopping social media accounts and a blog that will allow the bunny fans to check out what Sweetpea and Smokey are doing that day. There may even be some more bunnies joining the team on the horizon. Suzanne is excited about the up-keep of Bunny Therapy, but at the moment, she’s playing it by ear! ■
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26/02/2016 14:28
New communication and typing apps now available on the iPad!
Typeassist uses word prediction and just 16 large keys for fast, efficient and comfortable typing, with speech output for all your communication needs.
Having trouble us a tradit ing ional Qwerty keyboa rd?
This unique system offers a completely new way to type and communicate and is suitable for users with a wide range of disabilities. Also available as a software download for your Windows PC, laptop and tablet.
To find out more about Typeassist please visit www.assistivecontrol.com Assistive Control | Tel: 01886 884188 | Email: enquiries@assistivecontrol.com
INSTALL IN A DAY
Why have just a stairlift when you can have a real lift? Transform your life without moving home with a Stiltz Home Lift The Stiltz Home Lift is a real, through floor lift that’s The Stiltz is the lift that’s easy to fit and fits in easily specially designed to fit into your home. Available l So small, can be installed where you need it worldwide, it’s the first and only lift of its kind. l Innovative, modern compact design suits all decor l Easy to install - no mess, no fuss! Stiltz - developed to make your life easier l Low power consumption; quiet and economical Stiltz helps you stay in your home when the stairs l Comprehensive range of safety features get too much, saving on the cost and inconvenience l Safely transport items from floor to floor of moving home and making our Home Lifts very l Battery back-up in case mains power failure cost-effective. Unlike a stairlift, the Stiltz Home l Cost effective and affordable Lift carries two people comfortably - you can even l Low cost servicing plus 2 years’ full warranty fit in a vacuum cleaner and the family pet as well! l You can take it with you should you move home l Wheelchair homelift model available How the Stiltz Home Lift works 1
Open half height door and step in.
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Close door. Pull down on operating lever.
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Lift slowly rises through ceiling opening.
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Lift continues to rise through ceiling to upper floor.
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Lift arrives on floor above. Reverse procedure to return.
Find the perfect location in your home for a Stiltz Home Lift with our Free no obligation survey. For details and a FREE brochure
Call 0808 278 8883 or visit www.stiltz.co.uk
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26/02/2016 00:32
M00066 OT Magazine Advert Nimbus March 2016 AW.indd 1
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03/02/2016 08:57
26/02/2016 00:32
nappy campaign
Mum Launches Nappy Campaign
M
y son Brody, four, has Global Development Delay (GDD), hypotonia, hypermobility and epilepsy. As a result of his GDD, he is significantly delayed in all areas and is doubly incontinent. I am not alone; there are thousands of parents in the UK who have children in nappies over the age of four. On 30 November 2015, I posted on a leading supermarket’s Facebook page about providing larger nappies. To explain - size 6+ (the largest size supermarkets sell) is becoming too small. I was feeling frustrated about the situation and how this is yet another difficulty parents like me face - finding suitable products easily and at a reasonable price.
The response from other parents reinforced what I already knew - there is a huge demand. I decided I needed to step it up a notch and created a Change Petition asking all of the supermarkets in the UK to provide larger nappies. Surely if we shout louder we have a better chance of being heard? We need to at least try. Well-meaning followers, point me in the direction of the continence service, which Brody is soon to be referred to. Whilst there is no doubt that this service is beneficial, what a lot of people don’t realise is that there is an inconsistency with how the service is operated around the UK. For example, I have discovered the following from talking to other parents online: • • • •
The age a child is eligible varies (where I live it is four, someone explained that their child wasn’t eligible until they were eight) Some parents, despite their child’s disability, find that they are ineligible The waiting time differs depending on where you live The number of nappies provided also appears to vary
As a result of this, either due to being ineligible or not having enough nappies, parents have no option but to buy nappies online, which can be inconvenient and expensive. Well-intended people, also highlight that pull ups are available. However, these are designed for children in the process of potty training who have some bladder control. The feedback from parents in my shoes, largely, is that they are less absorbent with fewer in a pack at a greater price tag. Liz Crook, a Facebook user, saw my post and contacted me with a photo that I thought was apt. It showed how much money she spent on a pack of nappies for her newborn (£2), 15-month-old (£4.50) and five-yearold disabled child (£14). Of course, the nappies for her disabled child had fewer in a pack for a substantial price. There is a huge gap in the market. How great – and yet simple – would it be to be able to go to your local supermarket and pick up a larger size when needed? Not spending over the odds or waiting for an online delivery when you’ve run out. I really hope that the supermarkets listen and our voices are heard. I have a feeling we will no doubt have to fight for this, so I would really appreciate readers signing and sharing my petition, which can be found at http://tinyurl.com/gmm2gjk. Life is challenging enough for families with disabilities. This one small thing could make life easier for a large community. ■ www.
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CHILDREN’S MOBILITY
Wizzybug Loan Scheme Rae Baines, children’s occupational therapist at Designability, talks about the importance of independent mobility for under fives and explains what the Wizzybug loan scheme offers families
E
arly mobility for children is vital. Most important childhood development takes place before the age of five and, if children are unable to move independently, they may miss out on many developmental experiences. Some may never have the sensory experience of moving themselves and understanding that they have controlled their own movement. The importance of powered mobility for children who otherwise cannot move freely, is well-researched. It confirms that powered mobility can promote spatial awareness, the ability to make choices and explore, and to initiate play and social contact. 1
What is Wizzybug and the Wizzybug Loan Scheme? Wizzybug is a powered wheelchair which has been designed specifically for young children with limited, or no, independent mobility. We receive requests for children with a wide variety of conditions, such as, cerebral palsy, spinal-muscular atrophy, spina bifida, lower limb amputations and many other syndromes, some life-limiting. Children can be accepted onto the loan scheme from around 18 months, depending on their readiness for powered mobility and our ability to seat them safely. To start, they need to demonstrate some ability to m ove Wi z z y b u g, even if in a limited w a y. We d o n o t expect all children will immediately have good control. The beauty of the loan scheme is that we are able to provide learning experiences and fun for some children who may never progress to full independence. However, although 48 www.
we provide seating adaptations and a variety of control options, such as, different joysticks and switches, there will always be a few children whose cognition, posture or fine motor skills are too complex for us to consider, and if we can, we suggest alternative options. Although children are the primary beneficiaries, Wizzybug can also be a valuable asset for the whole family, reducing lifting, carrying and pushing, making outings more achievable, and outside play with siblings more possible. Families often report how much they enjoy their child’s new found freedom and progress.
Why is powered mobility not readily available for under fives? Statutory services have many demands on their budgets, including provision of buggies for young children. They often do not have capacity to provide powered wheelchairs for children who may not have immediate, independent mobility but instead need time to learn and develop their skills. In theory, families could buy pre-school powered wheelchairs (there are several on the market), but in practice they often do not have the time or energy to fundraise for an expensive item which may only be used for a short time once the financial target has been reached. We discovered this for ourselves at Designability after originally trying to sell Wizzybug on a not-for-profit basis. However, we knew that we had designed a very special product which could benefit many children, so we began fundraising in order to set up the Wizzybug Loan Scheme.
How would an occupational therapist go about referring a child for a Wizzybug? We recommend that occupational therapists and families first look at Wizzybug on our website www.designability.org.uk. We carry out a first clinical screening on the telephone with the child’s therapist and family to ascertain whether we can accommodate the child’s postural requirements and whether they will be able to operate
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The beauty of the loan scheme is that we are able to provide learning experiences and fun
Above: A Wizzybug being created in the workshop Right: The Designability team fundraising
the controls. If we agree that a child will benefit, we send out a detailed request form which is then jointly completed by the therapist and the family and returned to Designability. On receipt of the request form we confirm funding is in place before accepting the child onto the scheme. We expect the therapist to continue to be a point of contact during the loan period.
Can you explain the assessment process you conduct with the child and family? When Wizzybug is ready, the family are invited to an informal and tailored appointment at Designability in Bath. Supporting therapists are always welcome, too. These appointments are conducted jointly by an occupational therapist and a workshop colleague. We set up Wizzybug uniquely for the child, adding any adaptations required and allow plenty of time for them to get used to the seating and controls. Every child responds differently; many children ‘catch on’ straight away and react with delight, while others, especially the younger ones, may be tired after a long journey and unsettled at first or even throughout the appointment. We’ve conducted many appointments and are quite used to handling any situation. Once the child has had an extensive trial in Wizzybug we talk about learning through play, safety, manual handling, how and where
to use Wizzybug, how to transport and recharge it and the length of the loan period. Carers are shown how to dismantle and reassemble Wizzybug, how to make adjustments and look after it. Assessments normally take up to two hours. Finally, we demonstrate how to put Wizzybug into the family’s car and off they go. We review the child’s progress regularly and offer a free and full technical service throughout the loan.
What is the favourite part of your job? As an occupational therapist, it’s very satisfying to be part of a team of designers, engineers, fundraisers and administrators who work together to provide an exciting product that benefits children who would otherwise have much reduced mobility and quality of life. It is also a privilege to meet the families and children, and later, to hear about their progress. For more information contact the occupational therapy team at Designability on 01225 824103 or email ot@designability.org.uk. ■
References 1. Jones, M., McEwen, I. and Neas, B. (2012). Effects of power wheelchairs on the development and function of very young children with severe motor impairments. Paediatric Physical Therapy, 24(2), 131-140.
Case study Henry’s family have just returned their Wizzybug after a loan of two years. His mum said: “Henry got his Wizzybug before his 2nd birthday. Henry has cerebral palsy and severe learning difficulties. Initially, he wouldn’t hold the golf ball joystick but after much perseverance, he learnt to hold the joystick and travel forwards! He then explored turning. It took a whole year for
things to ‘click’ into place, but suddenly he was able to purposefully drive Wizzy to go where he wanted to go. His exploring developed into purposeful driving, and he was able to get himself out of ‘jams’. Thanks to Wizzybug he has now moved on to a bigger boy’s powered wheelchair.”
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smirthwaite | order online www.smirthwaite.co.uk |
order by phone 01626 835552
NEW hi-lo desks from Smirthwaite hi-lo deluxe tilting top
all dimensions in mm unless otherwise stated, price for standard natural wood top
Deluxe soft close hinges
Code
Price
Height range
Width
Depth
2502 2503 (with castors) 2506 2507 (with castors)
£666 £682 £691 £707
470 - 610 545 - 685 470 - 610 545 - 685
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hi-lo standard tilting top
all dimensions in mm unless otherwise stated, price for standard natural wood top
Pen stop
Hi-lo deluxe tilting top
O
ur range of desks has been designed to fit into the school environment with larger sized desk tops for dynamic learning. Each of the desks have a modern metal mechanism with a turn handle to easily change the height of the table to the desired height, ideal when there are multiple people having use of the table. Each top has a sliding bottom extension to secure pens and papers from sliding off the desk when they are being used in a tilted position. Our desks can be used with a variety of chairs and can be made to match the colour of our Juni chairs.
Code
Price
Height range
Width
Depth
2508 2509 (with castors) 2510 2511 (with castors)
£600 £616 £625 £641
470 - 610 545 - 685 470 - 610 545 - 685
900 900 1200 1200
600 600 600 600
hi-lo fixed top
all dimensions in mm unless otherwise stated, price for standard natural wood top
2500 2501 (with castors) 2504 2505 (with castors)
The Hi-Lo Deluxe Tilt Desk has a metal tilting mechanism and includes soft close hinges.
Price
Height range
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470 - 610 545 - 685 470 - 610 545 - 685
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600 600 600 600
Desk pictured shown with optional coloured lime top. Standard colour is natural wood, unless otherwise requested on the order.
Our Hi-Lo Standard Tilt Desk has been produced using our popular wooden manual tilt design used in our Personal Tilt Desks.
Coloured tops additional £50
Another option to our new hi-lo range is a fixed top desk where there is no requirement to have the feature of a tilting desk.
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26/01/2016 12:15
26/02/2016 00:32
Children’s
Product focus We take a look at some of the innovative products available for children with disabilities
Inimove
Inimove provides children with a unique opportunity to develop concentration and improve focus, while, at the same time developing their fine motor skills, senses and controlling their emotions through playing. Motor skills are important for our learning, and the Inimove device helps children explore and develop their physical abilities. Inimove can be used for exercising fine motor control, coordination, concentration, balance, memory and much more. Inimove are high quality rehabilitation devices. The unique and patented products are recognised by an unpredictable pattern of movement, which makes them fun and challenging to use. This provides an element of competition that motivates the kids to exercise. The challenge is to assemble the discs so they are vertical, which requires hand-eye coordination and concentration. â– Prices from ÂŁ105 Designed 2 Enable 08007723771 info@designed2enable.co.uk www.designed2enable.co.uk
www.
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children’s products
CAPR-Style Jackets CAPR-Style’s children’s jackets all have front and back openings incorporated discreetly for easier dressing. The Ayr has a lengthened front making it perfect for those who use wheelchairs to keep their legs warm. Each jacket comes with tightenable cuffs to
keep out the cold and ensure they don’t get caught on wheels whilst manoeuvring. There are also many choices of colours and fabrics to make each jacket your own. ■ Prices from £58 CAPR-style 07804 512 186 info@capr-style.com www.capr-style.com
WhisperPhone The WhisperPhone is an acoustical headset that enables learners to focus on individual sounds in words more clearly as they process language aloud. It raises phonemic awareness and boosts a student’s selfconfidence when reading. The WhisperPhone enables learners of all ages to focus and hear the sounds that make up words (phonemes) more clearly as they learn to read, spell or process language aloud. It is lightweight and dishwasher safe. No batteries are required. This helping tool is great for all activities that require increased comprehension and concentration and is very suitable and helpful for people with learning disabilities. ■ Prices from £14.95 Alphabet Education, 0113 270 4483 jessica@alphabeteducation.co.uk www.alphabeteducation.co.uk
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-magazine.co.uk
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The Monkey
Furry Critter Bean Bag Balls The Furry Critter Bean Bag Balls are a fun bunch of tactile soft, furry characters filled with beans. Cute and adorable, they are available in a range of 30 different characters and designs for you to choose from - you'll want to collect them all. These fluffy critters are lightweight and made from super-soft fabrics with a beanie feel and high quality embroidered detailing. They are also hand-washable. ■ Prices from £1.99 Sensory Toy Warehouse 0151 200 9841
Furriballs
info@sensorytyowarehouse.com www.sensorytoywarehouse.com
Furriballs are an exquisite range of washable faux fur gym ball covers providing an interactive, tactile experience. Manufactured to extremely high specifications, all covers are double stitched for strength and durability. Machine washable at 40⁰C. Diameter: 65cm. ■ Prices from £22.50 plus VAT SensoryPlus 0800 212 709 info@sensoryplus.co.uk www.sensoryplus.co.uk
www.
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children’s products
Emoji Cushions These squishy emoji cushions are a cute snuggly way to assist visual communication, especially with those who are non-verbal, at all ages. Emoji’s are a fantastic way to help convey feelings in a soft and cuddly way. ■ Prices from £19.99 Firebox, 0800 802 1420 info@firebox.com, www.firebox.com
The Pippin Traveller and the Folding Travel Bed A choice of holiday can sometimes be limited because of insufficient facilities on location. Taking your own bed with you can give you peace of mind knowing a safe and comfortable night’s sleep is achievable. Both the Pippin Traveller and the Folding Travel Bed provide a safe, portable and sturdy solution. The Pippin can be made to any height and the Folding Travel Bed is available in heights of 1000mm and 500mm. They will accommodate a single size mattress or we can supply a mattress in one or two parts. They are ideal for holidays and perfect for respite. ■ Prices available on request Kinderkey 01978 820714 contact@kinderkeyinternational.co.uk www.kinderkey.co.uk
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-magazine.co.uk
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Support for Life
HTS by Rifton
A complete hygiene and toileting system Bringing you innovative postural support and service products for everyone, whether at home, school, rest or play. Distributors of
Hygienic, simple, affordable and adaptable to most toilets, it’s versatility means it can be used on, over or off the toilet. The optional portability kit means you can also take the HTS on the road. The HTS is a hygiene system that solves the toileting challenge. Email hello@jiraffe.org.uk today to book your free, no obligation, demonstration. Quote code: HTS-OT16
Visit jiraffe.org.uk or scan the QR code for more product details. How can Jiraffe help you? Call us for a chat on +44 (0) 114 285 3376 or email us at hello@jiraffe.org.uk For all the info visit jiraffe.org.uk
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26/02/2016 00:33
calvert trust
Tucked in amongst some of the most beautiful scenery England has to offer, Calvert Trust Lake District is truly one of the best accessible outdoor activity centre’s the country has to boast about.
I
was sent there to see what all the fuss was about and I, honestly, can’t rate it highly enough. The staff, both executive and instructors, make the whole experience easy and enjoyable.
With comfortable accommodation and classic homecooked meals included in the price, Calvert Trust’s Lake District branch is the perfect destination for families, schools and charity groups alike. The centre hosts a flexible menu to suit all dietary requirements and every room is equipped with specialist beds and a wet room en suite with topof-the-range showers. The whole site is wheelchair accessible, with or without a carer. They also have varying degrees of challenges for all abilities – which is known as Challenge by Choice – in an attempt to introduce ways to stretch the comfort zone of all visitors, proving to themselves that they are capable of so much more than they thought. The staff have thought of ever y possible scenario that disabled people would have to face on either a daily basis or whilst out on an activity. There is a fully stocked and loaded kit room filled with waterproofs, thermals, wellies and other such essentials for outdoor sports and activities, in a wide variety of sizes, to help prepare every guest against any kind of weather condition.
or longer, at one of the North of England’s premiere disability-tailored resorts. On my visit, I was able to experience adaptive indoor rock climbing, accessible abseiling, a wheelchair obstacle course, sensory bush craft and inclusive cycling. They have many more activities available and all of it is done under the watchful eye of trained professionals. The staff are always keen to help with anything, even if it is just a word of encouragement before tackling the wheelchair abseil or crossing the chain-link bridge over a fast-moving stream. However, as much fun and learning that can be had from all the activities that the centre has instore for its visitors, after four decades of being the top inclusive outdoor resort in Cumbria, management felt they needed to up their game to keep things as relevant as possible.
Introducing Occupational Therapy Over the course of the next two to three years, Calvert Trust Lake District are building on the grounds of their beautiful stables, a brand new centre, designed specifically for occupational therapy. This innovative idea means that visitors can mould both their day’s activities in with much sought-after therapy, such as, speech therapy, swallowing or life skills, to name but a few.
Accessible Adventures Specifically designed for people with all kinds of disabilities, adventure sports have never been so readily available to people that may have thought it impossible to kayak, complete an obstacle course, ride a horse or even abseil. It is not only children and teenagers, with both physical and learning disabilities, that can enjoy the vast range of facilities that Calvert Trust Lake District showcase. Many adults, young and old, have relished a weekend, 56 www.
Welcoming over 3,000 people per year to their residential centre overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the Calvert Trust has 40 years’ experience in delivering challenging outdoor adventure for those with disabilities. This year sees their 40th anniversary and they will be launching a new large scale fundraising project, the start of which is their ‘Go Herdwick Public Art Trail’, which begins at Easter 2016 which will see the central Lake District invaded by a flock of over 100 life-sized decorated Herdwick ewes and lambs.
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Taking a break by the Lake By Lisa Mitchell
The proceeds will go towards the £1.3m capital redevelopment of Old Windebrowe in Keswick, their grade two listed farmhouse and tithe barn, which is thought to date back to the 1550’s and was once used as a home by William Wordsworth. The redevelopment will deliver six specialised, selfcatering apartments suitable for stroke survivors and those with acquired brain injuries or physical impairments, including a communal area allowing guests to receive occupational therapy and rehabilitative support on-site. This will allow them to offer a structured program of physical activity, cognitive skills development and social interaction, all delivered by qualified instructors and occupational therapists in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District in a dedicated and specially adapted building. In advance of the new centre being completed however, 2016 sees them launching the first of their ‘Lakes Recovery Programmes’ out of the main centre, above Lake Bassenthwaite, the only difference being that these initial courses will be all-inclusive, rather than self-catered. The first of these courses takes place in April, then again in October and November, with the intention to further expand them next year in advance of the completion of the dedicated site at Old Windebrowe.
Future Plans Duty manager, Justin Farnan, excitedly spoke about the centre’s future plans, the importance of occupational therapy and how it will improve the Calvert Trust Lake District experience ten-fold. Justin said: “We are going to employ a full-time OT on-site
and we are working closely with the University of Cumbria, because they have quite a large occupational therapy school, so we are working with them to put this project together. “We have been around for 40 years, we know what we are doing. As much as it is a relaxed and cool exterior, there is a massive amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and what makes it is, really, the instructors. We have a low turnover of staff and the ability to still be able carry out meaningful activities with all kinds of disabilities, it’s an amazing soft skill and they have it in spades. We have a real variety of people that come here. “Give or take, a third are schools, a third are charity groups or rotary clubs and the remaining third are adults who are either coming on their own or with carers or support workers and/or families. “It is good to get a variety of people. The therapeutic benefits are massive, the rush of adrenaline when doing an abseil is great, but doing something that is more challenging, like problem-solving, gives a different sense of achievement. We try to have a mix of both activities and groups.” ‘Lakes Recovery Programme’ residential stays will be taking place at the main centre until the new specialised occupational therapy facilities are completed in the near future. ■ For more information on what Calvert Trust Lake District has on offer please call 017687 72255 or visit www.calvert-trust.org.uk/lake-district
www.
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26/02/2016 00:33
ART THERAPY
Creative
Recovery A
rt therapy uses art materials to aid selfexpression, communication and reflection. Therapists can work with people of many ages with a range of disabilities, difficulties and diagnoses, from emotional, behavioural and mental health problems to learning and physical difficulties. The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability aim to enhance people’s quality of life through their occupational therapy art service by providing not only a leisure activity for patients, but also as an enjoyable way for them to meet their rehabilitation goals. We spoke to Anna Jones, the occupational therapy art technician at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, to find out a bit more about art as a therapy, what’s involved and the benefits it can have.
When did you introduce art as a therapy? In 2008, the role of the occupational therapy art technician was created to lead the art service for occupational therapy. The focus was to use art with patients to work on cognitive and physical rehabilitation and leisure goals.
Can you describe what the occupational therapy art sessions involve? The occupational therapist, OT art technician (OTART) and patient begin by choosing a meaningful art project for the individual. By breaking down the steps of the task and adapting the task, the patient can work on specific physical movements and cognitive skills. For example, strengthening muscles of the upper limbs by modelling clay or increasing attention by focusing on an art activity in a busy group setting.
Do you conduct individual or group sessions? We conduct both individual sessions that are often taken by the OTART or OT art room assistants (OTARA) in the art room and › www.
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ART THERAPY
› sometimes at the bedside, or in the day area on the
ward, depending on the patient’s needs. Our group sessions are led by the OTART, OTARA or occupational therapist and often supported by volunteers, as patients/residents often need one-toone support in a group setting. We run several groups a week across the hospital and long-term care wards, both in the art room and on the wards. Previous art projects carried out by an art room leisure group have involved designing and creating Christmas wrapping paper. This was a huge success and was sold across the hospital and through the wider community via social media. Another ward art group have also created ceramic sculptures which are on display in one of our ward gardens. There are many more exciting projects planned for the future.
Do you tailor sessions for individuals according to their recovery goals? An occupational therapist will look at a patient’s preferences and what is meaningful to them at the point of referral to the art room and the OT will have established with the patient any goals that can be addressed through their art. An appropriate activity is then selected, in conjunction with the patient. We offer the patient/resident a choice of activities to try, prioritising personal preferences of the individual. The OTART and OT then look at possible physical and cognitive goals and adapt the activity to the individual’s abilities. If a person who has no movement in their upper limbs or hands requested to try painting, the OT and OTART would explore using adaptive equipment to optimise the mobility available in other areas, for example, mouth or foot painting.
How can these sessions benefit patients in their recovery process? There are so many benefits of using art therapeutically, for example to improve attention on a task or to enhance processing skills, and not only do patients/ residents use art to achieve recovery/rehabilitation goals, but they often gain other simultaneous achievements that help towards the recovery process, such as, an increase in confidence or a sense of achievement at a visible end product.
How do you find patients usually respond? We are lucky to have a purpose built OT art room which has enhanced facilities and resources designed to support the complex needs of our patients. This includes height-adjustable tables and adaptive equipment, such as, mouth painting brushes, a mobile arm support and a touch screen computer. A range of activities and art forms are accessible, from painting and pottery to digital media. We usually find that patients respond very well to art as there are so many options and different activities to try.
A Creative Journey The therapy programme has seen great success since its implementation with patients responding positively to the opportunities, challenges and flexibility that this therapy form provides. One particular case that sticks in Anna’s mind is the rehabilitation journey of Stephen Keable. Stephen Keable spent seven and a half months at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN), during which he completed three one-to-one occupational therapy art intervention blocks and attended two weekly art leisure groups as part of his wider rehabilitation programme. The RHN has a purpose built, bright and spacious art room, which was opened in 2012, following a programme of refurbishment. It forms an integral part of the hospital’s occupational therapy service and is used by patients for group and individual sessions, for both rehabilitation and leisure. It provides facilities to support the complex needs of our patients, including height adjustable tables, adapted equipment and a minimal distraction room. Stephen’s first introduction to art was via the drop-in art group I was running on the active rehabilitation ward. At the age of 56, he had been admitted to the hospital for rehabilitation following the onset of severe
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The dedicated OT art room in the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Guillain-Barre Syndrome some months earlier, a rare condition of the peripheral nervous system that affects around 1200 people in the UK annually. Stephen had gone to bed with a virus. He woke up three months later to the news that he was paralysed from the neck down. He was having Vaseline® applied to his eyes because he was unable to blink. He needed to re-learn everything. By the time I met him on his ward at the RHN, Stephen was in a wheelchair, with weakness in all four limbs and wearing an eye-patch due to double vision. He sat at the edge of the table, observing as I supported another patient. He said he did not wish to participate himself.
its teeth about to attack an unsuspecting diver, an isolated house with no door in the middle of a wild terrain with vivid red sky and turbulent sea, and a man made of stone with his head cut open to display his fully functioning brain.
The following week, Stephen was back at the table. He appeared curious but hesitant. I left some materials and images within reach as I set up other patients. When I returned, he had drawn a wobbly but notably accurate pencil sketch of a robin. And then a second sketch of an owl. Soon after, Stephen began his one-to-one occupational therapy art sessions in the art room. Our initial therapy goals concentrated on increasing upper limb coordination, trunk support and self-confidence. Stephen was fully intact cognitively and displayed a high level of intellect. It was clear from the onset that dialogue would form an integral part of his process.
All the while, his dexterity was improving as he progressively used smaller brushes and produced more detailed work with much straighter lines. He was also starting to walk to his art sessions with a mobility aid. He became increasingly interested in the work of others and in contributing to the hospital community. He had begun attending art leisure groups and instigated a project that would involve all the patients, staff and volunteers working together and having fun in a ‘team effort’. The outcome of this project - a hanging mobile of an imaginary papier mache solar system, complete with night sky backdrop – was launched in the art room alongside an exhibition of Stephen’s artworks produced during his rehabilitation. Stephen, who had initially been self-critical and reluctant to engage in art, hosted the exhibition, confidently showing off his and the other patients’ work.
From pencil sketches, Stephen quickly moved on to watercolour painting and mixed media work. He produced an elaborate landscape scene combining elements extracted from a number of source images, each recalling memories of his various travels and activities, revealing Stephen’s adventurous nature and curiosity in the world. He had clearly lived an active life but now he was learning to walk again. In Stephen’s weekly mood charts he consistently described himself as happy or very happy. Perhaps one of the implicit goals of art for Stephen was to visually express possible underlying feelings of loss, grief and anger associated with his sudden physical disability. He painted a killer shark with blood on
Stephen relished the opportunity for communication. He enjoyed talking through his ideas, as well as producing visual products that people could see: “Art inspires you and inspires other people,” he said. “It’s mood enhancing. I let my mind run free during art. It pushes me to do things I wouldn’t normally do. There’s no judgement either, no right or wrong.”
Stephen had also begun reproducing the paintings of surrealist artist Juan Miro, researching Miro’s life and speculating on the thoughts and meanings behind his symbolism. Stephen in turn was developing new meaning for his own life and envisaged setting up an art studio when he returned back home. On our final meeting before his discharge, Stephen told me: “It’s been emotional, like proper therapy. You brought a quiet, notwanting-to-do-much Stephen out of his shell.” ■ www.
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Visiting Naidex in April? Come and see us on stand C50
26th – 28th April at the Birmingham NEC Bring this advert with you to claim your free gift
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hotel
The
Grove
A home away from home for cancer patients and those with life-threatening illnesses
E
stablished in 2011, The Grove was the first hotel of its kind in the UK, providing the perfect place for cancer patients or those with other life-threatening illnesses, to enjoy a holiday environment with friends, carers or family, with the reassurance of having a nurse on duty 24 hours a day. The hotel is owned and operated by Macmillan Caring Locally, a registered charity based in Dorset, and has gained national acclaim in the press and amongst prominent health and travel bloggers. The Grove team of staff have a range of specialist skills, over and above those you would expect from regular hotel staff. They want guests to see as much of the beautiful region as possible, and as such, arrange three separate day trips each week for their guests to see and experience a number of local Dorset attractions. The Grove also provide activities for those who may not be able to travel far outside of the hotel for various reasons, which includes working with a local hair and beauty salon to provide guests with treatments, from manicures and pedicures to facials and even haircuts.
Brenden Howard, the General Manager said: “The idea came from the health team at the Macmillan unit in Christchurch nearly 30 years ago, they started to send patients and their carers for a short break before or after treatment for some respite, they sent them to Swanage and they found that this had made a big impact on them and really helped them recover. They did this for a couple of years and then they decided that maybe they should open their own hotel as this was such a great benefit to
the patients and carers as well as their family. So they found a general manager who had been working in some of the bigger hotels to help them put their plan together and start up a small hotel, the first hotel was called the Albany lodge, which was in Southbourne and was a small 20 bedroom hotel, two minutes from the sea. This lasted nearly 25 years. “ We always get a great response from health professionals as they think that it’s a great idea and of course not many of them have heard about us, they are always finding it hard to find somewhere to send their patients for respite. We also do two special healthcare weekends in January to encourage new health workers to see what we are about and for them to be able to tell their patients as they have experienced it first-hand and these weekends go down very well.” An anonymous commenter on TripAdvisor described their visit from January this year: “I spent three nights here with a group of younger adult cancer patients we booked out the entire hotel and I’ve honestly never been so comfortable away from home. Everything about the place was relaxed, from being able to walk around the place in slippers to seeing my new friends getting helped to bed with a cup of hot milk. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, even though those living in must have been fed up with the sheer amount of noise 30 cancer patients can produce (especially when given a karaoke set to play with)! The rooms were very comfortable and well-equipped, the food was excellent and the whole place was immaculate. I’d love to go back soon!” ■ For more information call The Grove on 01202 552 233 or visit www.thegrovebournemouth.co.uk
www.
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25/02/2016 22:54
C
Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people of any age and any disability to experience exciting, challenging, and enjoyable accessible activity holidays with family and friends.
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Y
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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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Stay with us for a few days, a week, or just for the day; however long you’re here you’ll discover it's what you CAN do that Counts!
01598 763221 exmoor@calvert-trust.org.uk
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26/02/2016 08:50
Naidex
THE GO-TO SHOW FOR OTs
I
t’s time for the UK’s largest disability, rehabilitation and homecare event, Naidex 2016. With over 200 exhibitors showcasing their products to around 9,000 visitors and introducing some of the latest innovations to the independent living and assistive technology market Naidex is a key diary date for all occupational therapists. The free CPD accredited event takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 26 -28 April and registration is now open, via the show’s recently re-launched and new look website, www.naidex.co.uk As an exciting new feature, the team at Naidex has introduced an exclusive ‘Trade and Healthcare Professional only’ day, allowing trade and healthcare professionals to get straight to business on day one (Tuesday 26 April 2016). The healthcare professional day provides a more relevant and streamlined show, with attendees benefiting from fast access to exhibitors, a perfect opportunity to network and share knowledge with peers and fellow professionals taking advantage of a day packed with professional content.
What’s on offer for OTs? For many years, Naidex has worked closely with The College of Occupational Therapists (COT) and 2016 sees the return of the ever popular COT Zone. The partnership allows visitors to be ‘hands-on’ as they see and test innovative products, attend topical and relevant seminar sessions (for all levels of OTs) and exchange thoughts with key speakers. Sessions this year include: ‘Improving Lives, Saving Money campaign’, ‘Social Care’ and ‘Posture, Pressure Care and Occupation: the OT perspective.’ The College will also provide specific professional practice guidance and learning opportunities.
three, for a packed full day of free CPD accredited moving and handling content. 2016 will see Naidex partner with Posture and Mobility Group (PMG) and the National Wheelchair Managers Forum (NWMF) for ‘Posture and Wheelchair Essentials’, a comprehensive training day that focuses on assessing wheelchair users for a variety of different needs and providing wheelchair users and their carers with some top tips on what to expect from a wheelchair assessment. The returning ‘Innovation Trail’ features pioneering products ‘mapped out’ around the Naidex show floor, guiding visitors around a range of UK products, innovations and latest technologies - all of which will have been launched within the past 12 months. Healthcare professionals will be able to explore the Marketplace and test the latest products that will maximise your patient’s quality of life. As a taster, some of the top returning exhibitors will include: TGA Mobility, Ottobock, Sunrise, Kymco, ArjoHuntleigh and NRS, with exciting new UK and international exhibitors, such as: Rewalk (Germany), LIW Care (Poland), Vassilli (Italian), Trekinetic All Terrain (UK), GennyMobility (Italian/UK) and Permobil (UK). ■ Naidex returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 26 to 28 April 2016, in halls 6 and 7. For more information about
Speakers this year will include; the OT Team, East Sussex Children's Integrated Equipment and Therapy Services and Maggie Ellis, OT and Co-ordinator of European Knowledge Tree Group for eTechnology.
the 2016 show, exhibitor opportunities or to see further highlights from the 2015 show, go to www.naidex.co.uk. Visitors can now also register for their free admission tickets online - as well as keeping up with all the conference news as details of guest speakers, exhibitors
The moving and handling conference returns on day
and workshops are announced.
www.
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25/02/2016 22:55
VIDA
Leckey launches dedicated distribution and customer care division – VIDA
J
ames Leckey Design Ltd, designers and manufacturers of clinically focused, posturally supportive children’s products have created a new distribution and customer care company to operate in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, called VIDA.
service centre and they will arrange an appointment with the relevant specialist for you. If you require an appointment with both a seating and standing specialist, that will be arranged so that both specialists can attend on the same day and they will endeavour to meet any further requirements.
Leckey has been operating for over 30 years and they are leaders in the field of postural support for children with special needs. They offer an extensive range of products for children with additional needs in areas, including seating, standing and mobility. Some of the most well-known ranges include the Mygo and Squiggles seating systems.
These divisions within VIDA have been designed to offer a clearer and more tailored support service for their individual needs and there has been substantial ongoing recruitment of Product Specialists and also of service engineers to ensure service levels and response times are improved.
As a company, they are keen to ensure that all of their customers - from dealers to therapists to families - know that the products and services that they have always offered will not change. The innovative, high quality products will still be designed and manufactured by Leckey, they will simply be distributed by a division known as VIDA. The Product Specialists who conduct the assessments will be sporting the new VIDA logo on their uniform and the vans distributing the Leckey products will now be branded with VIDA. In addition to this, they have created separate OT, PT, mobility and customer care units within VIDA and each Product Specialist is going to specialise in one of those specific areas; seating focused (OT), standing focused (PT) or mobility focused. There will be no change in the way you book appointments, simply continue to call the customer 66 www.
The company has always worked very closely with occupational therapists in the development of their products and through the assessment process with families. James Leckey, founder of James Leckey Design Ltd, commented: “In our eyes the therapists and parents are the absolute leaders in this. The therapist shares our desire to improve the quality of life for the child and the families and we put that first.” As a company, they want to ultimately be involved in all aspects of improving the lives of children with additional needs. Whether that be through developing products, initiating research or developing therapies. In addition to some exciting product launches on the horizon, Leckey are investing heavily in research and development to ensure they are at the forefront of their field. “We would pride ourselves on being the most
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advanced company in the research and development side within our field. We are certainly trying to drive that throughout the culture of the company, for continuous improvement and constant development to be where we are. Our view is that we want to be the clinical and technical lead in our industry, that’s important to us. We are investing heavily in product development and clinical research – those are the two key things we are focusing on.” Firefly is another side to the Leckey brand. This subsidiary company primarily produces products that focus on social interaction and that families can order without requiring an assessment. You will probably be most familiar with the innovative Upsee, a harness designed to allow a child with mobility problems to experience walking by being securely strapped to an adult. The products produced through Firefly are created from the valuable feedback they receive from families and therapists. Firefly is a community that allows parents and therapists to discuss problems and difficulties and the team of product designers and the clinical team will then take that information and try to develop a solution. Hatch is another addition to the Leckey family. Launched in 2015, it is a website that encourages parents, therapists, designers, engineers, brothers or sisters to share their ideas for products to help children with special needs. The top viable ideas could then become a reality and be manufactured by the
team at Leckey and Firefly. Visit www.hatchthatidea.com if you have an idea that you believe could benefit children with disabilities.
VIDA Launch 1 March 2016 will see the launch of VIDA as the distribution and customer care division of Leckey. A new website will also be launching, www.vidaglobal. co.uk, that will feature a more extensive range of capabilities, allowing customers to register for a secure login which will enable them to track the status of their orders, receive email alerts when products are due for servicing and inform them when warranties have expired. There are also some new and exciting features already planned for the next phase allowing customers to book demonstrations, servicing appointments and even track the progress of any orders made. The new VIDA brand will be making its debut appearance at Kidz in the Middle, Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 10 March on Stand C1. They will have representatives from all areas of the company on hand to answer any of your questions and explain these exciting developments. Product Specialists from all three disciplines will be present to answer any technical questions you may have and to arrange demonstrations and assessments. ■ If you would like more information on the developments happening call 0800 318 265, email info@leckey.com or visit www.leckey.com
www.
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independent ots
Embracing social media to promote your services as an independent OT
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it h 6,000 tw e e ts s e n t e v e ry second, social media websites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are becoming an increasingly large part of everyday life. But should this be limited to only your personal world of families and friends? Around 93% of consumers now expect a business to have a social media presence and as an independent OT, you are your own business after all. Given the mass of possibilities afforded with the effective use of social media and the need to build awareness of how the profession can improve lives, can you really afford not to be online?
A study by Hiscox found that 57% of small businesses utilise social media to support their marketing efforts with 15% using it to boost sales. Despite a further 27% of these businesses engaging with social media to help increase their brand awareness, it’s not all about marketing yourself, it is also a great new way to obtain information and seek social connectedness. It can allow you to share and receive relevant information from peers and facilitate learning opportunities, not only for yourself but also to the general public. It’s no longer the case of whether to use social media or not; but rather how to use it to create and build a brand, even if that brand is just yourself. Social media presents a chance for you to market yourself as a professional brand, striking the balance between maintaining a recognisable personality and conveying professionalism to the extent that you can on these platforms. Embracing social media is most certainly now a must for any business and being an independent OT is no exception. Making use of free marketing and advertising is a great way to avoid missing out on targeting clients and give yourself that all important digital footprint.
It is not all about the sell The most engaging way to promote your business is exactly that, by being engaging and not making it all about the sell. The 80:20 rule is one of the oldest marketing tricks in the book and is especially applicable to an online presence, even that of small businesses. It simply comes down to the idea that 80% of the content you post should be shareable and valuable, and of 68 www.
interest to your audience, leaving only 20% to overtly promote your brand. It is certainly not a magic fix, and religiously sticking to this rule will not immediately boost your brand overnight, but for the less tech-savvy among you it is a great place to begin. But with an overload of social media on offer, which ones are the best for your business as an independent OT.
Around 93% of consumers now expect a business to have a social media presence Twitter is a fantastic way to establish yourself as an industry expert, and someone that people want to engage with by creating thoughtful, informative and interesting tweets. When using Twitter take into account the issue of ensuring content is not too geared towards
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Staying connected self-promotion and instead allow you to interact with the people you want to be getting involved with your business. Remember the 80:20 rule. Social media is not only a great way to establish and build your brand, but presents an easy way to interact with peers by joining groups and networks that are of interest to you and your field where you can share information and spread best practice. Self-learning is a large part of an OTs development and websites like Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and LinkedIn all offer different ways to do just that, improve your skills. Pinterest is free and very easy to set up. It’s probably most beneficial for paediatric occupational therapists as it is packed full of amazing ideas and activities for kids, but is certainly not limited to the younger generation and can give you some hints, tips and even D.I.Y intervention ideas. Check out our January/February 2016 issue of The OT Magazine for more information on getting started on Pinterest and our favourite OT blogs. YouTube is another fantastic resource for self-learning,
with thousands of videos and vlogs available for everything from up-to-date splinting guides to NHS guided videos and homemade sensory games and products. Think of LinkedIn as not only a digital CV but also a massive opportunity. This useful site is ideal for professionals and allows you to make some great contacts and generate opportunities. Having a visible online reputation creates an instant transparency and can in turn mean clients are more likely to trust you. By seeing not only your career history but your contacts, connections, strengths and recommendations, clients can get to know your skills. The OT Magazine has a group on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/ groups/8473922 which you can join to share your thoughts, ideas and innovations as well as sneak peeks at what’s to come. So social media isn’t all about holiday snaps and funny cat videos, it can be a perfect marketing tool and when used effectively can even help build up your professional profile and skills. ■ www.
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25/02/2016 23:00
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Welcome to the UK’s only FREE Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibition Event
31 exhibitors, 14 seminars & 2 training sessions! SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS - NOT TO BE MISSED! Time for change – Forward thinking with ceiling hoists C
Ethics and Technology Darren Awang & Emma Rose Coventry University
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Access Auditing an Introduction
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Darren Awang & Emma Rose Coventry University
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Want to visit a future OTAC event?
Why not book to attend our next OTAC event being held at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton on December 7th 2016? Full event details and tickets available through Eventbrite.
www.otac.org.uk sponsored by:
show partner:
O15: O16: O17: O18: O19: O20: O21: O22:
T1: Promoting T2: Independence Ltd T3: Triton T4: Laybrook T5: Maid2Aid T6: CFG Law T7: MG Retail T8: Jacqueline Webb OpeMed T9: Handicare Clos O mat Ridley Electronics Sitability KingKraft Apollo Healthcare International Otolift HEF Recruitment Safespace Guldmann 1st Choice Stairlifts Canary Care Radcliffe Rehabilitation Mangar
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26/02/2016 15:13
Social Media: Part Two Social media as a continuing professional development tool
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id you complete the social media challenges from the last issue? Any surprises? Following on from there, Dawn Fraser explains how social media can be used as a continuing professional development
in your profession are doing. Remember, you’re not restricted to your own country either- the beauty of the World Wide Web is it’s just that; world-wide. Here’s a couple to get you started: • thatotlife.wordpress.com • shamelessotgeek.wordpress.com
Keeping your knowledge and skills up to date is an essential part of an occupational therapists’ practice. Once qualified you will be expected to continue this as part of your registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to ensure you are able to practice safely and effectively. Social media is an easy way to connect with like-minded people, increase the size of your professional network and open up opportunities to talk to people you may never get the opportunity to speak to in person. Visit youtu.be/P0OrQr4Vw4k to explore how social media can help develop your professional insight.
The College of Occupational Therapists hosts a journal club and regular student chats, check out #COTcpdclub #COTstudentchat on Twitter.
(CPD) tool.
Social media brings people with common interests together into a shared online space where learning can take place. Geographical boundaries and cross discipline conversations where ones status is less important than the perspectives being contributed, create a platform for interesting debates. For the shy, debates can be viewed from the side-lines and online lurking is not uncommon, although you will inevitably get more out if you put more in. The key thing to remember is that when using social media, professional conduct applies online in exactly the same way as it does offline. When partaking in professional debates in a public online space think about your communication style. Asking questions and speaking out for your profession are all benefits of participation and don’t be scared when people or organisations’ engage in social media, they are looking to interact with people just like you and want to hear your thoughts and opinions. So, you’re probably wondering where to start… well, what about an online journal club, or regular twitter chat? Maybe you could find some OT bloggers to follow and see what others
Alternatives include #OTalk. A weekly twitter chat which runs from 8-9pm each Tuesday and covers a range of topics which are then archived on their blog. They also run a journal club which takes place on the first Tuesday of every month and have begun collaborating with other professional groups on Twitter to host #MDTChats. Another useful site is www. storify.com where there are lots of archived chats which you can browse through at your leisure. On a final note, don’t forget to record your learning in relation to how the information obtained from taking part in your chosen social media activity will impact on your future practice. Why not go and have a search now and see what you can find? If you spot anything interesting, tweet me @DawnFraser_OT. ■ If you are a student who would like some advice send your questions to theotmagazine@gmail.com
About the Author Dawn Fraser MA, FHEA, PGCE LTHE, BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy Dawn is a Senior Lecturer at Teesside University. She also holds external roles as a Specialist Advisor to the CQC and is a Visitor who inspects educational programmes on behalf of the HCPC.
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25/02/2016 23:02
Join us at Naidex 2016
Discover the latest innovations in independent living, test the newest designs and source tailor-made products to make your life easier. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to share experiences with like-minded others and benefit from expert advice all under one roof. Introducing the Trade & Healthcare Professionals only day for a more relevant and streamlined show. 26th April 2016 Trade & Healthcare ONLY 27th-28th April 2016 Trade, Healthcare & Consumer
Register today at naidex.co.uk Independence. Together.
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Kidz to Adultz Events Kidz to Adultz in the Middle – 10 March, Coventry Kidz to Adultz South – 9 June, Reading Kidz to Adultz Wales – 7 July, Cardiff Kidz to Adultz Scotland – 15 September, Edinburgh Kidz to Adultz Up North – 17 November, Manchester The ‘Kidz’ events from Disabled Living take place across the country, dedicated to children with disabilities and special needs, their parents, carers and professionals who work with them. Over 130 exhibitors offer information on mobility, funding, seating, beds, communication, access, education, toys, transport and much more. A full programme of CPD seminars runs alongside each exhibition. To find out more visit
Events calendar
2016
showcase well-known brands and innovative products that will be seen for the first time at Naidex.
This event is free but to book your place visit www.mobilityroadshow. co.uk/page/signup
www.disabledliving.co.uk/Kidz/Welcome
OTAC 11 April, Reading The Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference is free of charge to attend and will offer OTs an opportunity to talk to product manufacturers and service providers, as well as, attend a choice of 14 seminars and two training days.
The event also presents an opportunity to network and share knowledge with peers and fellow professionals and allows you to keep up to date with the latest developments and innovations within assistive technology. For more info on Naidex visit
900402 or visit www.otac.org.uk
Naidex 26-28 April, Birmingham New for Naidex 2016, the first day of the event is now limited to only trade visitors and healthcare professionals on the exhibition floor. Packed full of CPD accredited conference sessions, Naidex allows you to explore the market place and test the latest products to help maximise a patients quality of life. Over 200 exhibitors will
22 June, Dartford RISE 4 Disability is a new and exciting event coming to the South East for healthcare professionals. Ideal for OTs looking to further their CPD and learn about some of the new and exciting aids that are hitting the market.
www.naidex.co.uk
Mobility Roadshow For more information call 02921
RISE 4 Disability
26-28 May, Northamptonshire The Mobility Roadshow, organised by charity Mobility Choices, features the widest selection of accessible and adapted vehicles. This year, the three-day Mobility Roadshow takes place at Silverstone Circuit for the first time. The Roadshow allows you to test drive a wide range of adapted or wheelchair accessible vehicles around the circuit. It allows you to try out the latest innovations from across the mobility sector.
The conference will be based around suitable equipment applications and will feature presentations on how to source suitable products, telecare, postural management, assistive technology, home adaptations and dementia. The exhibition will host over 40 exhibitors showcasing products and services. Each seminar will hold 150 delegates and all attendees will receive certification which can go towards their CPD. There will be a free lunch and refreshments available for every person that registers to attend via Eventbrite. ■ Register for free at www.made2aid.co.uk/RISE
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The Tomcat SCIENCE CHAIR is designed for ambulant and semi ambulant users with wide ranging disabilities who wish to use a chair independently in the workplace, or in mainstream education. Aged 6 to adult, it is particularly suited to restricted growth and mild to moderate CP. Thanks to the Science Chairs unique design, users get on and off the chair independently; with assistance limited to setup and transport only. It combines excellent postural support with reliable, rugged construction, whilst its office style seating is very comfortable and popular. Its transport base changes from “movable” to “locked” with a single lever action, and it folds neatly for storage. The Tomcat Science Chair has helped many youngster achieve the very best from their mainstream education and has won the prestigious DTI SMART AWARD for technical Innovation.
Ask for info about the Science Chair: tel: 01452 616900 email: info@tomcatuk.org www.tomcatspecialneeds.co.uk
C&S
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Kingkraft Ltd. 26D Orgreave Crescent, Dore House Industrial Estate, Sheffield, S13 9NQ phone 0114 269069/ fax 0114 2695145 email info@kingkraft.co.uk web www.kingkraft.co.uk
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overseas
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tudying or interning abroad is an exciting opportunity for anyone, no matter what age. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to see some of the world before they settle down to a specialty. There are many advantages that can be obtained from working for a period of time overseas. Openminded students and long-term professionals alike can gain many different insights, ideas and innovations from these trips. From working within a hospital in an affluent country to getting your hands dirty in a makeshift drop-in clinic in a third world country, can be equally as fulfilling. Each experience is completely what you as an individual make it. The impact that your training as an occupational therapist can have is of tremendous value to someone who never knew these pockets of specifically-honed knowledge is what they desperately needed in their life. Here are a few benefits to studying OT abroad: • Getting hands on experience you wouldn’t have access to in the UK - Medical standards in the UK can be very different to those in other countries. You’ll be exposed to so many different things and have the opportunity to get hands-on experience, that would be impossible in any kind of medical internship in the UK. • Stand out – Your CV would almost immediately glow above all others when it boasts a prestigious internship in a different country. It shows your commitment to the field and also makes you potentially more insightful than other candidates for a desired job.
• Learn a new language – If you decide to intern in a country that natively speak a different language, you will a have a new skill to add to your CV and become invaluable in the growth of clients you can take on, speaking that language. If in an English-speaking country, then you will be privy to a whole new list of medical terms that could be useful later in your career. • Specialty affirmation – If you go into this internship with an open mind you could end up leaving with a new found love for a field of OT you never pictured yourself in before, or cement your love of the field you are already pursuing. • A lesson in independence – Instead of wholly relying on other people and other departments, interning in a foreign country exercises your independence and initiative like nothing else would. • Networking – Overseas work is also a great and exciting way of building your contact portfolio. Occupational therapy being a creative career, ideas can be derived from everywhere and anyone. This is a chance to talk about theories and opinions with other like-minded people. • Make a difference – OT is quite rare in certain countries, for example, Cambodia. Introducing your training to people that really need it is a very fulfilling thing to do for both you and the individuals involved. • Experiencing a new culture – Escaping the safe, comfortable bubble of the UK is good for an OT. When it comes to exploring other cultures it can lead to new therapy ideas and differing ways of treating people that wouldn’t necessarily be the norm in the UK. ■ www.
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RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING Join our expanding team of
Experienced Occupational Therapists
Recruiting Occupational Therapist Case Managers
medico-legal consultancy
➢ Are you a fully qualified OT, with at least 6 years postqualification experience? ➢ Are you looking for a new challenge, flexible hours and generous remuneration package? ➢ Do you have excellent communication and assessment skills? ➢ Can you work creatively to find solutions for your clients?
Occupational therapists play a key role acting as expert witnesses in clinical negligence / personal injury litigation. We require experienced OTs who are confident, have excellent communication skills (verbal & written), enjoy a challenge, are intrigued by the forensic nature of this work, and above all are keen to learn new skills. We offer: Regular work on a case by case basis to fit in with other work commitments Excellent remuneration Full & on-going training, supervision on every case & support You will work on a self employed, flexible basis, alongside your “day job” – want to know more about how this works? Email recruitment@somek.com to request an information pack You will be working at a senior level with a minimum of 8 years post qualification experience as an OT and/or case manager Somek & Associates, run by OTs, is the largest provider of HP expert witnesses in the UK, renowned and respected in the field
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Unite Professionals Ltd are a national Case Management company dedicated to providing a client-centred, bespoke and flexible service to our clients in all areas of the UK, who have suffered major orthopaedic injury. You will be expected to assess client’s needs, plan their rehabilitation journey, implement and coordinate rehabilitation and services and monitor and evaluate the client’s progress. You will act as the client’s advocate and communicate with all relevant professionals involved in the delivery and observation of rehab goals, to ensure the client receives appropriate treatment, delivered at the intensity and duration required. Unite Professionals Ltd provide regular clinical supervision, CPD opportunities, admin support and a full induction programme. For more information email Katherine Best at katherineb@uniteprofessionals.co.uk , or to apply, mail full CV. Salaried positions or Self Employed Consultant positions available.
26/02/2016 00:36
Edge
RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
EDGE services Time to take a fresh look at essential moving and handling training... People Handling and Risk Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate available in 12 locations across the UK. Children handling training also available. Successful completion of this four day course will provide delegates with the up-to-date skills, knowledge and confidence to train others in safer manual handling. • Up-to-date legislation and professional guidance • Information on spinal function and back care • Ergonomics and risk assessment
• The opportunity to practise with a full range of up-to-date equipment • The opportunity to practise a full range of up-to-date techniques • ….and much more
For further details or to book your place on one of our courses, please call us on 01904 677853 or visit our website www.edgeservices.co.uk
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EDGE services 01904 677853
26/02/2016 00:37 11/02/2016 14:23
RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
UCLH Bank are currently recruiting Occupational Therapists What do you get by registering with the Bank? UCLH Bank offer Occupational Therapists a variety of opportunities across London to gain experience in your specialism while receiving competitive pay rates. Specialisms include: – Neurology and Neuro rehab, – Rheumatology inflammatory, – Oncology and Haematology, – Orthopaedics, – Care of the Elderly, – Acute Medicine, – Paediatrics and many more! Whether it’s flexible shifts or long term placements you’re looking for we can be sure to find something that suits you. Contact our recruitment team or visit our website to begin working with one of the country’s leading NHS Trusts committed to delivering top-quality patient care.
0207 959 1136
bankpartners.co.uk/UCLH
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Change your career. Change someone’s life. Occupational Therapists Children’s & Adults’ Services SALARY FROM £25,083 TO £38,201 (DEPENDANT ON EXPERIENCE) • 37.5 HRS/WK Established in 1975, the Hesley Group provides flexible, specialist residential services and schools. We aim to offer the best possible care, education and vocational opportunities for young people and adults, with autism and/or a learning disability and complex needs including behaviour which may challenge. Our current team of Occupational Therapists make a significant contribution to our capacity to provide effective person-centred support for our clients.
support ensures that the dual aspects, mental and physical healthcare skills, of your initial OT training are required.
We are currently seeking Occupational Therapists to be based within our Children’s or Adults’ Services.
For an informal discussion and/or to arrange a visit regarding this opportunity please, contact Rachel O’Sullivan, Lead Occupational Therapist, on 01302 866906 or 07825 711683.
You will work as part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team that includes a Speech and Language Therapist, Psychologist and Psychology Assistants, Applied Behaviour Analyst, Education staff and Nursing and Care teams. You will also be part of the larger OT service and broader Therapeutic Services based across all five sites of the service. This post would suit someone with an interest in service development initiatives and bringing experience from other services to effect positive change to the OT service within this setting. If you have relevant clinical experience that could be transferable into this setting such as children’s, autism specialist services, learning disability, mental health and also physical OT skills, we would be interested in hearing from you. The complexity of the young people that we
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We are seeking a dynamic, motivated person willing to demonstrate a commitment to an evolving service and delivering effective and evidenced service initiatives. In return you will receive outstanding Continuing Professional Development opportunities, clinical support and managerial, clinical and peer supervision.
For more information on any of our vacancies or to apply online, visit our website at www.hesleygroup.co.uk/content/current-vacancies Alternatively, for an application pack please email: recruitment@hesleygroup.co.uk stating your full name and address or telephone 01302 861666 quoting the reference HO/02/SPOT/16. Closing date for receipt of applications: noon, 8 April 2016. Online applications submitted after 12pm (noon) on the closing date will be rejected by the system. Hesley Group is an Equal Opportunities employer. This post is subject to an enhanced level disclosure and barring check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
26/02/2016 11:33
RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
Jacqueline Webb Britain’s No.1 Rehab Cost Consultancy
Do you want to help people reclaim their lives after serious injury? We offer: An opportunity for occupational therapists to use their expertise in a creative and innovative way. Interesting and varied assessments that will broaden your skills and knowledge. A culture where excellence and quality is recognised and rewarded. Bespoke training and development with industry leading supervision and support. Self-employed or employed working arrangements with excellent earning potential. Harrison Associates provides case management, expert witness and rehabilitation services for people with catastrophic and life-changing injuries. We welcome enquiries from health professionals like you with strong clinical experience to join our team.
Please email your CV and covering letter to recruit@harrisonassociates.org www.harrisonassociates.org
Are you one of the most respected OTs in your team? If so, Expert witness work may be right for you
About You: • You regularly work with Orthopaedic, Brain or Spinal trauma injuries on short-term and long-term goals. • You are confident in giving and standing by your opinion. • You are frustrated that others’ professional standards do not match your own. • You are ready for your next professional challenge, to run alongside your current clinical position.
About Us: • We are the UK’s longest standing Rehabilitation Cost Consultancy. • Medico-Legal work is all we do. All of our resources are focused on being the best in the industry. • We are not a typical ‘agency’. We work very closely with our Experts to provide the right level of work. • We provide the best training, both initially and throughout your expert career. • We pride ourselves on the quality of our reports and timely service to our customers, our reputation speaks for itself.
Still interested? Then please contact Simon Dickinson, Manager of Expert Recruitment for more information t: 01722 342 512 e: recruitment@jwebb.co.uk Alternatively visit our website for more information and details of our regional open evenings; we hope you can join us at one of these events. www.jwebb.co.uk/recruitment
Enhance your career prospects MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Neurological Occupational Therapy If you’re an Occupational Therapist looking to develop your skills and knowledge, then look at MSc programmes at Coventry University. You can study full-time or part-time, with courses starting in September. For an informal discussion or for more information, please contact Anna Clampin, Course Director: Tel: 024 7765 7675 Email: anna.clampin@coventry.ac.uk
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26/02/2016 11:34
RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
Vist us at the following events: Because it’s our healthcare.
Allied Health Professionals Careers Fair 2016
Atlantis Medical cover all disciplines Occupational Therapy. We have access to both locum and permanent vacancies, many of which are exclusive to our agency as we have sole or preferred provider contracts with the NHS in a variety of settings.
Saturday 16th April 2016 Kempton Park Racecourse, London
Naidex Exhibition
26th, 27th, 28th April 2016 NEC Birmingham
Specialties Covered: • Intermediate Care • Accident and Emergency • General Medical • Paediatrics • Orthopaedics • Care of the Elderly • Palliative Care • Social Services / Equipment and Adaptations • Mental Health • Community Rehab / Rapid Response • Hand Therapy • Learning Disabilities • Neurology Rehabilitation • Splinting • Burns and Plastics
AtlantisMedical.co.uk/divisions/Occupational-Therapy
ATLANTIS MEDICAL LTD. Elizabeth House 39 York Road London SE1 7NQ AtlantisMedical.co.uk
Tel: 0333 121 2010 Fax: 0333 121 2011 Email: info@atlantismedical.co.uk
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Brownbill Associates Ltd,Case Management & Community Care Services, Thame, Oxfordshire · Looking to extend your expertise? · Need a new challenge? · Want to feel valued? · Then come and join our innovative team of Case Managers Brownbill Associates Ltd is a leading case management company, coordinating care and rehabilitation for children, young people and adults with enduring complex injuries and conditions, principally those with acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. As a company, we continue to expand and are seeking proficient and knowledgeable professionals with a health or social care qualification, such as occupational therapy, social work, nursing or physiotherapy. Due to the high volume of new referrals in London and surrounding counties we are particularly seeking case managers for these areas. To be successful, you need significant knowledge and
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experience of working in the community plus proven skills with setting up and managing care packages and rehabilitation programmes. You also need to be organised and have a pro-active approach to your work. An ability to produce a high standard of assessment and update reports is essential. Full details of remuneration package will be discussed at interview. Induction, professional development opportunities and supervision will be made available to you. To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to jgrayson@brownbill.com. For further information please visit www.brownbill.com.
26/02/2016 00:39
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hank you for taking the time to read The OT Magazine, we hope you have enjoyed it. We are striving to produce a magazine that provides OTs with a useful resource filled with relevant information, interesting articles, innovative products and thoughts and opinions from OTs themselves. We would love to hear your thoughts on The OT Magazine to ensure we are producing a publication that you want to read. Your help is much appreciated.
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26/02/2016 00:35
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