Occupational Therapy
Here at Dove House Hospice we use Occupational Therapy to promote our patients' independence in all aspects of their daily lives in order to enhance their quality of life. Our Occupational Therapists look at how an illness in impacting on the whole of the patient's life and aims to help increase their control of their situation.
What areas can Occupational Therapy help with?
Our Occupational Therapists help the patient with difficulties that affect the ability to do everyday tasks. For example we can help our patients who have:
- difficulties with personal care (eg getting washed or dressed)
- difficulties with domestic tasks (eg cooking or making a drink)
- difficulties transferring (eg getting on/off your bed or getting in/out of the bath)
- fatigue (that is feeling tired and having trouble knowing how to prioritise your day)
- anxiety/stress/depression
- difficulties with your body image
- a lack of confidence and/or self esteem
- an unbalanced life
- loss of independence
What will the Occupational Therapist do?
The Occupational Therapist talks to the patient and carries out an initial assessment to identify what areas they are having problems with. The therapist will then provide advice on techniques or recommend adaptation or equipment which might assist a patient's independence. In most cases the Occupational Therapist will visit a patient at their home so the assessment can be completed in a familiar environment.
The Occupational Therapist can also liaise with other teams here at Dove House and services such as Social Services in regard to possible home adaptations or mobility help.
Examples of how Occupational Therapy can help:
- If a patient is struggling to get in or out of the bath the Occupational Therapist might recommend some equipment or teach some techniques to make this easier.
- If a patient is feeling tired with no energy the Occupational Therapist might offer some advice on energy conservation and how to prioritise and simplify everyday tasks.
- If a patient has low self esteem and/or confidence the Occupational Therapist might suggest joining the activities organised in the Day Therapy Unit or help find new interests or rekindle old ones.
For further information on the Occupational Therapy service we provide here at Dove House Hospice please contact the Medical Secretaries on (01482) 784343 or email medical@dovehouse.org.uk
If you think you or someone you know might benefit from this service please visit our Referral page to find out more about accessing Dove House Hospice.