Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on empowering you to participate in what is important to you and on improving or maintaining your quality of life.

Our occupational therapist (OT) works to limit the effects of your illness or disability and to support you to be as independent as possible in all areas of your daily life. We do this by creating a match between your abilities, the activity you wish to do and the demands of your environment.

Our OT will develop a programme that will be led by your needs. The OT will work closely with you and your loved ones to respond quickly to your changing needs and to help you carefully plan ahead for the future.

If you are referred to the hospice OT, you will be assessed for a personalised programme. Examples of things the OT may work on with you include support with:

• symptom management • environmental adaptations • managing fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness • facilitating participation in everyday activities, whether that involves self-care, hobbies, or social and family roles.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation process that promotes independence and uses various techniques to help you manage the symptoms (such as breathlessness, respiratory issues, fatigue, pain, anxiety, and joint, muscle or mobility difficulties) of your illness by teaching coping strategies.

At the hospice, we offer services such as Qigong, mindfulness and breathing techniques, soft tissue massage, joint mobilisations, passive movements and a specialist exercise bike.

If you are referred to the hospice physiotherapist, you will be assessed for an individual programme that includes advice, coping strategies, an individual exercise programme and a trial of a walking aid, if required. The hospice physiotherapist can also meet with your carers and loved ones to give them information on your programme so they can help you at home.