The OT Magazine – May / June 2019

THE

MAGAZINE Issue 28 | May/Jun 19 | Improving Independence

GREAT ESCAPES Relax, recharge and recuperate at home or abroad.

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COLUMNS

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PRO DUC T S

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EVENTS

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RECRUITMENT & TRAINING

VIP 2

The new VIP 2 is the updated version of the VIP series of folding tilt in space wheelchairs, building on many years of experience of design and development.

As well as 35 degree tilt it now has either fixed or adjustable recline.

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It also now comes with an improved headrest design and a deeper seat.

TES T E SH

a 35° Tilt-in-Space

a 30° Anti-Sliding Recline

a Foldable and Durable

Tilt-in-space system further enables attendant to tilt the chair up to 35 degrees, allowing user to change to the most comfortable position helping to reduce the potential of developing pressure ulcers.

Sliding has always been one of the greatest concerns for people in a standard reclining chair. The VIP2 solves this problem by locating the reclining pivot point of the chair close to the human hip joint, which synchronizes the motion of the body and the chair.

The VIP 2 is light and folds fitting easily into a car boot.

The lateral push-bar strengthens the durability of this foldable chair and makes it easier to push the chair.

T: 0845 630 3436 E: INFO@KARMAMOBILITY.CO.UK WWW.KARMAMOBILITY.CO.UK

KARMA MOBILITY LTD UNIT 6 TARGET PARK, REDDITCH WORCESTERSHIRE B98 8YN

About us

The Team

Editor: Rosalind Tulloch Staff Writers: Colette Carr and Katie Campbell Designer: Fionnlagh Ballantine Production: Donna Deakin Sales: Jacqui Smyth Contributors: Kate Sheehan, Firas Sarhan, Helen McNamara, Yvonne Thomas, Keeley Varey

This month’s issue...

Get in touch

L

ooking after yourself is something that many OTs find difficult. When you spend so much of your time helping others it can be very easy to forget about taking care of yourself. That’s why at The OT Magazine we have put together a selection of wellness retreats that could help restore balance and wellbeing if you are feeling the need for some recuperation and ‘me time’.

2A Publishing Ltd, Caledonia House, Evanton Dr, Thornliebank Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G46 8JT 0141 465 2960 ot-magazine.co.uk The OT Magazine @ot_magazine

Disclaimer

The OT Magazine is published by 2A Publishing Limited. The views expressed in The OT Magazine are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher.

Reproduction in part or in whole is strictly prohibited without the explicit written consent of the publisher. Copyright 2019 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. ISSN-2056-7146

We spoke to two OTs who have started a company in a rather niche area of occupational therapy. Enabling Spaces works with people who have hoarding tendencies to help them understand these actions and to address the problems that they are causing. They explain how occupational therapists are extremely well suited to working with these clients and the huge benefits that OT can bring in this environment.

Disabled children’s charity Newlife explore the importance of play for little ones with additional needs and talk about their amazing play pods which are toy packages that can be loaned free of charge to encourage interaction, play and development.

This issue also covers the introduction of OT apprenticeships, the benefits of studying a Masters in OT, accessible holidays you can recommend to your patients, assistive technology and much more.

We love hearing about new initiatives and projects going on in the world of OT, so if you have something you would like to shout about please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

The OT Magazine, Editor

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

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

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What’s inside Heading here

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

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11 Kate Sheehan Our columnists explains how OTs are truly awesome

28 12 Stroke Care:

Ready Player One

This Stroke Awareness Month, we look at the video games that can aid in stroke recovery

16 Shine On Meet OT Kathy Allen who works with the charity Shine

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

25 Day in the Life Meet Becky Clarke who works in a role emerging position at Landmarks Specialist College

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26 A Prehabilitation

Pilot

Learn about the new service to support cancer patients preparing for treatment

28 Great Escapes Run away and find calmness in one of these wellness retreats

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

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Heading What’s Inside here

56 The Power of Play How charity Newlife employ the power of play

59 Giving a Leg Up Meet the charity who are helping people in Gambia regain their independence

63 Paediatrics

Products

Innovative products for your younger clients

66 Advanced

Practioner Roles in OT

39 Wide Open Spaces

Product

Focus

We meet the OTs applying their skills to the problem of compulsive hoarding

42 Break Away Some stunning trips to recommend to clients with disabilities

48 CETEC Explore the benefits of wearable assistive technology

50 A New Dawn for

Education

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With Sheffield Hallam University introducing a new OT apprenticeship degree programme, how can the shape of education change?

Our columnist Yvonne Thomas discusses the direction the profession is heading in

69 Walk the Walk Learn about a new groundbreaking exoskeleton

71 Event Fever How to make the most of this year’s events

73 The Road to

Independence

Keeley Varey shares her reasoning behind becoming an independent OT

77 Events Calendar Essential dates for your diary

78 Blog On How starting a blog could aid your CPD

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Fit to work

Get drivers back on the road sooner by recommending the osteopath-designed Morfit custom-fitting lumbar support.

25% of all adults suffer from lower back pain*. With over 40 million drivers in the UK**, that means 10 million people – many of them your clients – who might be distracted or even prevented from driving.

Morfit provides long-term reduction in pain. Using air-set technology, Morfit moulds itself to fit the vehicle seat to the driver, then holds that shape to provide solid, lasting support. Support that makes driver and their vehicle fit for work.

For more information visit morfit.co.uk or phone 07757 541144.

*

RHMHRA Class 1 Medical Device.

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

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

What’s new?

PROMISING

PARKINSON’S TRIAL

a one to four month period.

The effects of this stimulation were assessed six months after the surgery – after the therapy had been stopped. Positive results were seen in the measures used to assess walking ability and the therapy was also seen to significantly reduce the average number of freezing episodes throughout the study.

A larger clinical trial is now planned to include 25 patients and results should be available in 2020.

Dr Beckie Port, Research Communications Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “The results seen in this small-scale pilot study are very promising and the therapy certainly warrants further investigation.

Results from a trial of spinal cord stimulation carried out in Ontario, Canada has highlighted a potential for improving walking in patients living with Parkinson’s.

In this latest research, Professor

Mandar Jog, in London, Ontario in Canada, led a small scale pilot study in five people with Parkinson’s. The trial involved surgically implanting a device that could electrically stimulate the lower spinal cord over

HOT CHOCOLATE

CAN HELP FATIGUE The MS Society has funded research that has shown that drinking hot chocolate with a high flavonoid content could help patients with relapsing MS. Researchers at Oxford Brookes University looked at whether flavonoid-rich hot chocolate was able to provide a benefit to people with MS fatigue. 40 people took part in the trial – half drank a flavonoidrich hot chocolate drink once a day for six weeks and the other half a low-flavonoid alternative.

They found that a daily drink of flavonoid-rich hot chocolate could have a positive long-term effect on fatigue. It is thought that the drink could also influence mood, cognitive performance, and the ability to perform certain movements.

Flavonoids are known for their high antioxidant properties, and researchers believe their positive influence on MS is because they reduce inflammation in the body.

Darker chocolate contains the most flavonoids. Hot chocolate or a

“Should future studies show the same level of promise, it has the potential to dramatically improve quality of life, giving people with Parkinson’s the freedom to enjoy everyday activities like going for a walk.”

chocolate bar with more than 75% dark cocoa solids will have a high flavonoid content. You can also find flavonoids in other foods, like fruit and vegetables.

Dr Shelly Coe, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition at Oxford Brookes University, said: “I’m so excited we found what we did. MS is unpredictable and different for everyone, so we now need to know exactly how effective flavonoid-rich hot chocolate is and whether it can benefit all people with MS before it’s prescribed.”

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What’s

new?

SEATING SPECIALIST LAUNCH

POSTURE GUIDE Repose Furniture, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of bespoke seating solutions has launched a posture guide which has been developed in association with The OT Service.

This posture guide is a great resource for all healthcare professionals involved in seating assessments. The ability to identify postural need and be aware of the options to support this need are critical so that intervention is timely and appropriate. The ability to apply an up-to-date evidence base to a robust clinical reasoning process ensures that the assessor is both confident and competent to make recommendations that have a significant impact on current and future health, wellbeing and activity engagement. This guide provides the clinician with everything they need to know.

The guide is illustrated throughout to explain the advice being given

You can download the Posture Guide from reposefurniture.co.uk/ flip-books/posture/#p=1 or call 0844 7766001 to request a hard copy.

and these are complemented by an assessment template. Also incorporated within the guide are several case studies which detail the patient’s condition and post assessment recommendations and further educate the reader on how posture can impact on everyday tasks, long-term health and wellbeing.

The main topics covered within the guide are: 1 Education and evidence base for seating measurements 2 Information regarding the importance of good seating posture 3 Clear understanding of spinal deformity and the support options in sitting 4 Holistic seating assessment guidelines and clinical reasoning checklist 5 Postural passport to aid handover and future assessment reviews.

RCOT CONFERENCE 2019 Taking place on 17-18 June this year, the RCOT Conference offers a fantastic opportunity for CPD. This annual conference provides an opportunity to learn, reflect and network with your peers.

The two days are packed with seminars, workshops, posters and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals to discuss your work and keep up to date with everything happening in the profession.

Develop your skills and build your knowledge this June at the RCOT Conference, register at rcot.co.uk.

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HRHTHE PRINCESS ROYAL SUPPORTS INDEPENDENT OT PRACTICE Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal attended independent OT company, The OT Practice to highlight the work of OTs in the independent sector and open their new head office in Hampshire.

practice that has been afforded the honour of a visit from the Princess Royal, the Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and are extremely proud to have been chosen.”

Nikki Thompson, Executive Director who accompanied HRH throughout the visit said: “We are honoured to have welcomed Her Royal Highness today. It is a fantastic opportunity to elevate the profile of our profession and the diversity of career opportunities open for occupational therapists in the independent sector.

We are the first independent OT

With the theme of entrepreneurialism as the focus of the visit, HRH was met by representatives from The OT Practice’s therapy team many of whom have had extensive backgrounds in statutory services before moving to work privately with The OT Practice. They described first hand their personal experiences of the challenges, benefits and success

of their careers and the rewards of working in the independent sector.

The Princess Royal also met a range of commissioners who procure OT services via The OT Practice including representatives from leading military charities The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Royal British Legion. Local authority and NHS Trust commissioners explained the importance of collaboration between the statutory and independent sectors by showcasing successful waiting list reduction projects between themselves and The OT Practice.

OT AND PHYSIO TEAM Looking SAVE NHS £3 MILLION for an OT Alicea Rossare and physio Susan Brown have been involved in a team delivering mobility assessments in A&E at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, as well as well as being part of a team tasked with related duties over the last three years.

The HAME (Home and Mobility Evaluation) project has seen the team based in the hospital’s emergency department where they can assess patients’ as early

as possible in a bid to avoid unnecessary admissions and support patient flow.

OT job?

The team has dealt with over 2,100 patient referrals since 2016 and 1600 of them were discharged as a result.

The estimated savings to NHS Grampian of £3 million provides substantial evidence of the value of OTs, physios and innovative, frontline projects being introduced in hospitals.

ot-magazine.co.uk/jobs

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Over 58,000 health and care professionals report suffering from work related musculoskeletal disorders* Learn how to minimise the risk of injury to you and your client during moving and handling transfers at an Ethos CPD accredited workshop, delivered by Handicare experts.

E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M M E

• Gain greater understanding of core moving and handling techniques and solutions and how equipment can be used to reduce the risk of injury.

• Hands-on experience in a workshop environment.

• Network with like-minded individuals, sharing best practices and experiences.

Full and half day training courses/ workshops available: • In bed management • Sit-to-stand • Hoist selection and application • Handling heavier clients • Single carer management • Bespoke training – with a wealth of experience, the Ethos team can create tailor made training to fit your requirements.

For more information or to request a brochure, email ethos@handicare.com

T: 01384 405792 www.handicare.co.uk

*Statistic from UK HSE Annual Statistics Report 2018

Kate Sheehan Director, The OT Service

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

For more info email kate@theotservice.co.uk

Occupational Therapy

IS AWESOME There is nothing to stop us, only our limited vision. Since I qualified 32 years ago our profession has developed its roles in a multitude of areas outside the more traditional NHS and social care sectors.

Reading an article in the Guardian on a student’s placement experience in two charities shows how the value of our profession is being recognised in a plethora of areas. I really relate to the statement in the piece that states: “We are active problem solvers, dual trained in both mental and physical health, take a strengthbased approach”. This is our unique selling point and one we must all embrace, value and market.

We may still struggle with our professional identity, constantly need to reinforce what we do and how we do it, but this in itself is an ideal opportunity to market and confirm what we do and to clearly state that no other healthcare professional has the skillset to do what we do.

The article in the Guardian gives two examples of emerging student placements, which are really impacting on that student’s experience and vision for their future, however there are numerous occupational therapists working in

diverse settings all over the country.

It is essential that we all know of these areas so we can use them in our description of what we do. For example, did you know: 1 There is an OT working with the London Fire Brigade, ambulance services and homecare agencies.

2 There are teams of OTs working with commercial companies such as the Post Office, NRS, Repose Furniture and the National Farmers Union.

3 There are OTs working in Forest Schools and with assistive dog charities.

4 There are OTs working in coaching, mentoring and social prescribing.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, there are many other examples that I am not aware of.

My advice to all those occupational therapists working in these diverse, role emerging, new and not so new areas, shout about your practice, contact The OT Magazine, let the team interview you and write about how you developed your area of expertise and lets encourage the next generation of therapists to look wider at what and where they can work.

Occupational therapy is so much more than it was 32 years ago and I am so proud of what our profession has become and where it might go, let’s celebrate how awesome we are and never stop talking about our unique selling points.

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Stroke Care:

READY PLAYER ONE Stroke care is one of the most innovative in the industry, with new methods constantly being developed to ensure as full a recovery as possible can be made.

One of the latest creations that may be in line to support stroke patients could come in the shape of a new 1980s-style video game if scientists in Illinois have anything to do with it.

A new training device is being worked on by a team of scientists and researchers in Northwestern University with Tech Times reporting that the cohort have gameified the therapy that stroke survivors usually undertake through a new device known as myoelectric computer interface (MyoCI) and found that almost all of the patients were able to experience movement again.�

A new study, Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, concluded that most regained arm movement and function just one month after therapy, meaning the game could be a real game changer.

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But there are other games that are great in aiding stroke recovery you can use until this is off the ground.

Wii Fit With interactive and active sports including tennis, boxing and bowling, Wii Fit is proven to be great in stroke recovery. It requires hand-eye coordination, which can help improve motor recovery after stroke. It also offers a fun alternative to the average rehab plan often undertaken and can also introduce an element of competition.

Stroke Care Brain Age With a range of testing games and puzzling activities that can be played solo or with friends, Brain Age is more than a quick test of intelligence. For those recovering from stroke, Brain Age can be crucial is regaining or restoring critical thinking. The problem-solving aspect keeps the mind sharp and may be a welcome break from rigorous or demanding physical therapy following a stroke.

Dance Dance Revolution With Dance Dance Revolution, the player is tasked with using a game matt to hit the arrows in time with the ones on the screen to make the character dance. Fun, bright, and fast-moving, it helps massively with hand-eye coordination while providing physical exercise, keeping the body and mind engaged.

Guitar Hero This classic has been called on for years now by physiotherapists as a fun and objective-based intervention in stroke care and could maybe factor into your occupational therapy in stroke care. Music, incentive and objective based, Guitar Hero also improves hand-eye co-ordination and requires critical thinking.

Street Fighter V Street Fighter V is all about trying to learn set move patterns to out-do your opponent, so it needs you to independently co-ordinate both sides of your brain to work together.

A classic game, it offers competition, levels and development throughout the storyline to hold your client’s attention and enjoyment.

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Living with Backpain.

You may be surprised to learn that up to 8 in every 10 people in the UK will be affected by back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, a recent YouGov survey found that well over half (57%) of adults, aged 60+ have constant/ongoing aches and pains; of those who suffered, 60% experience pain in their back.

There are a myriad of different reasons for backache, but a very crucial one is that people don’t have the right posture in their day to day lives. When we hear the word posture, our automatic reaction is to sit or stand up a little straighter,

Buckingham Fireside Chair, shown in Morris & Co Strawberry Thief fabric

but within a few minutes we revert back to our ‘comfortable position’.

This is a very common trait, but one that we need to recognise and work on. For most of us, sitting is a necessary and frequent part of our daily lives through either work or

Penrith 2 Seater Sofa shown in Kentash Stone fabric, Penrith 3 Seater Sofa shown in Luna Pewter leather and Burrows Large Footstool Oak Leg with Chrome Castors shown in Orley Grey fabric

social engagements. Whatever the reason, for the majority, sitting forms a large portion of our day.

When we spend all this time sitting, we need to be sure our seated posture isn’t contributing to our back pain.

Burrows 3 Seater Sofa shown in Bennington Plum fabric, Burrows Relax Chair & Footstool shown in and Volante Ruby fabric and Glenmore Fireside Chair shown in shown in Saloon Smoke Leather

Occupational Therapist Julie Jennings, Dip COT HCPC has given the following advice about the way we sit:

“Many of us have developed what is often referred to as a “Comfort Posture”. This term refers to the most comfortable position we adopt in a particular seat. If our usual furniture does not provide adequate postural support then our comfort posture may be detrimental to our overall health and fitness, leading to, at best, aches and pains, and at worst, damaged joints.”

As specialists in comfort furniture, HSL create chairs and sofas that are designed and built with CleverComfort™.

They are ergonomically designed to ensure key areas of the body such as the back, hips, legs, neck, shoulders, head and arms receive the correct levels of support, to improve your posture and wellbeing.

Many people don’t know that the best route to improving your posture can be found much closer to home than you might think – in fact, the best place to start is your living room. A lot of us will sit in a chair, or on a sofa, that is simply not right for us which can mean it’s almost impossible to maintain a healthy posture.

It’s never too late to work on your posture, and even the smallest of changes can help you feel more comfortable and relieve your back pain.

Glenmore Fireside Chair, shown in Morris & Co Acanthus Velvet Mustard fabric

To find out more visit one of HSL’s 59 comfort stores, call 01924 507050, visit www.hslchairs.com or book a free Home Visit.

Quote OTMDPS

Shine Charity

SHINE ON Shine is a charity that provides advice and support for people living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. We spoke to Kathy Allen, an OT who has been working with the charity for four years to find out more about her role.

Kathy has been an OT for over 20 years and following a brief break from the profession when her daughter was younger, she happened to stumble across a role with Shine when looking for a voluntary place to simply keep up her professional registration.

It seems that fate had intervened and Kathy accepted a part time role as the charities occupational therapist four years ago.

Following many years working in the NHS in neuro settings, and a year working in social services dealing with Disabled Facilities Grants, Kathy has welcomed a new role that brings a whole new way of working, as she explains: “I work mainly from home on a part time basis. A typical day would be checking emails, checking referrals – Shine is a membership organisation and I have colleagues who will refer to me, they work out in the field 16

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and might have people who ring in or have a problem that is a bit more OT-related so they will refer them to myself. A lot of my work at the moment is really telephone, email or social media based advice and support. We have a couple of Facebook groups for Shine, we have a great group called the 40+ group which was set up for members a few years ago because there was nothing for them because 50 years ago people with spina bifida didn’t survive to that age, but suddenly there is this generation that are hitting 40 and then all the issues that come with that because their bodies are ageing earlier. So we have that very active group which I monitor and that can be quite challenging.

“Sometimes they will contact me via messenger or they will put a general question up about equipment or something and they will tag me and I will have to come up with a solution. So my job is quite interesting and that is quite a reasonable chunk of it.

“For the last year we have been working on updating a book called Your Child and Hydrocephalus which is designed to be a handbook and we are hoping to get out in the next few months”

“The other aspect is that we have a website and the idea is that there is lots of information on there for people. For the last year we have been working on updating a book called Your Child and Hydrocephalus which is designed to be a handbook and we are hoping to get out in the next few months.”

The charity is a reasonable size and can offer a lot of information, but Kathy admits that one of the things she is acutely aware of is that not everyone knows about Shine and the support and advice that they can offer to families and professionals, something they are working hard to increase.

Kathy recognises that many OTs and physios may only have one patient on their caseload with spina bifida or hydrocephalus and theses can be complex conditions that will require

expert knowledge and advice from experienced professionals, something that Kathy and Shine as a charity are perfectly placed to offer.

Kathy explained that she has been involved in creating information sheets and handbooks that offer important information for parents and professionals, from liaising with a physiotherapist to produce an information sheet on the importance of early mobility to a current project she is working on, a handbook called Your Child and Hydrocephalus. This handbook is designed to provide parents with a wealth of information, including typical development milestones for children with hydrocephalus, behavioural issues and guidance on fine motor skills activities.

Other projects that Kathy has developed with the charity have included an Independent Futures Weekend. These residential weekends have seen young adults all the way up to people aged 40 who have spina bifida attend the weekend to take part in practical workshops including cooking in an adapted kitchen that the charity had implemented in Peterborough.

“For the last three years I have created and run an Independent Futures Weekend, focusing more on 16-year-olds right up to 40. They came for the weekend, it was residential, and we did practical courses, I did cooking

Shine Charity and baking, and it was great because actually a lot of people hadn’t been in the kitchen, we do have an adapted kitchen in Peterborough, there was money raised for that so we can actually run courses there. I am hoping to do that again.”

One of the best aspects of Kathy’s role is meeting some of the families at the 0-5 sessions that are held at their head office once a month. This provides an opportunity to meet expecting parents and families with young children, something Kathy does wish she could do more of.

“I can go in and I can meet families and sometimes I meet mums to be that are at least two months from having their baby - spina bifida and hydrocephalus can be diagnosed pre-birth. Quite recently we have had at least two parents who haven’t had their babies yet and I have gone to visit them and one of them I actually managed to go in and see in hospital once she had had the baby which was lovely. So I do get to do some, but not as much as I’d like.”

The aim of the charity is to help those who are looking for information and advice, Kathy is always open to helping anyone who is seeking advice for a patient who has spina bifida or hydrocephalus, if you would like to contact her you can email her on Kathy.allen@ shinecharity.org.uk.

For more information visit shinecharity.org.uk

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Specialist Healthcare Seating We are a dynamic and established bespoke seating company, with a reputation for providing innovative and extensive expertise within the healthcare marketplace.

We engineer and manufacture our chairs in Wales using a broad range of mechanisms, fabrics, features and accessories.

Our vibrant and proactive Research and Development team enjoy designing chairs with input from Healthcare professionals to ensure your client is comfortable in a chair that exactly fits their needs.

Whatever the question the answer is always...

Yes! Seating Experts in Assistive Technology

visit us online at www.primacare.co.uk or call 01685 845900

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

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THE ADVANCED SLIPNOTT RUBBER FERRULE FOR CRUTCHES

Unlike traditional rubber ferrules which come attached to standard NHS crutches, these high-quality ferrules offer the users of crutches increased manoeuvrability, stability and safety on uneven surfaces. Their construction features a ball and joint socket allowing the ferrule’s extra large, slip-resistant base to be in contact with the ground at all times, even when it’s used at an angle. For more information and to watch a video of the slipnott ferrule in action visit our website.

01279 626 900 | rubberferrules.co.uk/slipnott 2

INVACARE OCEAN ERGO

The innovative Invacare Ocean Ergo shower chair family is designed with comfort, independence and dignity in mind. The range of new features on the Ocean Ergo makes personal care safer and easier for elderly people, disabled people and their carers.

01656 776222 | safepatienthandling.co.uk

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Product Focus

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MADITA HD.

The madita hd. (heavy duty) is reinforced in every respect. The madita hd. has been specifically developed to accommodate the specific needs of children who rock or require regular sensory feedback, whilst maintaining some of the functionality of the popular madita fun chair – including the fantastic heavy duty high low base.

01733 561885 | schuchmann.co.uk 4

THERA-TRAINER TIGO

The THERA-Trainer TIGO active/ passive exercise bike brings the latest technology to cycling at home.

The TIGO range makes it easy for patients to exercise in their own home at a time that suits them, helping to maintain and improve mobility and fitness. Medicotech offer free brochures and home demonstrations.

01908 564100 | medicotech.co.uk 5

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SECRET ACCESS

You are probably wondering what Secret Access is. We can assure you it is not a secret agency for inside celebrity information. Secret Access transforms an access problem into a hidden access solution by providing a range of different ramps to tackle the problem of steps for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.

0333 772 2012 | secretaccess.co.uk

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Ability Drive specialise in motor insurance for the disability market and offer competitive solutions for those that drive or are a passenger in an adapted or wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAVs).

• Cover for mobility aids, including wheelchairs, up to £750

• Adapted replacement vehicles available whilst yours is being repaired

• Automatic cover for the repair or replacement of adaptations to your vehicle

• Abespokeclaimsservicethat understand your requirements

• Motability no claims history accepted

• Uninsured Loss Recovery for non-fault accidents and Motor Legal Expenses

• Cover for carers and personal assistants For more information on Ability Drive please contact our team on: Telephone: 0333 358 0300 Email: team@abilitydrive.co.uk Website: www.abilitydrive.co.uk

• Personal Accident cover

We can also provide additional covers including: • Breakdown cover within the UK or Europe, including Home Start • GAP insurance

Whether short, medium or long term hire our fleet all benefit and include the following:

Mobility Vehicle Hire t/a Specialist Vehicle Rental provide dual controlled vehicles for, short, medium and long term rental.

Our team with over 25 years of combined experience are here to handle all enquiries on a case by case basis, add this to our team of delivery drivers which allows us to provide nationwide coverage.

A comprehensive, no obligation 1-2-1 consultation service A new/nearly new vehicle of your choice Full servicing, mechanical work & maintenance support A replacement vehicle in the event of a breakdown Full RAC breakdown assistance & onward travel services Accident, tyre and windscreen support Full Road Fund Licence Delivery & collection anywhere in the UK UK-based reliable & responsible customer service team No hidden charges

OUR FLEET INCLUDES: • Infra Red Controls • Push/Pull • Under and Over ring Accelerator Left Foot • Accelerator • Steering Ball • Boot and Passenger Hoist Internal Transfer • Drive From and Ride upfront WAVS • Auto Tail Gate

0845 293 2799 www.specialistvehiclerental.co.uk customersupport@specialistvehiclerental.co.uk

THE ROLE OF

TheSTAND AID IN MAINTAINING ACTIVE USERS

The use of a stand aid is a way of helping a person maintain an active stand and transfer whilst supporting activities of daily living. Stand aids can also be a very effective rehabilitation tool.

As health professionals, we know that the process or ability to stand can be affected by illness, disability or even the environment quite significantly. For example, a lengthy hospital stay can make standing very difficult and increase the need for carers to assist with ADLS. Here, a good stand aid can help ensure the individual returns to their normal level of functioning.

NON-MECHANISED STAND AIDS These are essentially framing which a person can pull up on. Some varieties have seating pads for greater safety and user confidence, some are simply frames that facilitate a transfer. They can help a person pull themselves forward in a seat and use their arms to pull up reducing the strain when initiating a stand.

Once standing, a carer can then turn the device 90 degrees so that the person can sit on an alternate surface such as an armchair or commode.

MECHANISED STAND AIDS Historically, only hospital mechanised stand aids or stand assist devices promoted the normal pattern of standing, leaving therapists discharging patients from hospital or providing community rehabilitation with a quandary, as mechanised stand aids available in community stores did not promote normal movement.

Now however, manufacturers such as Invacare are building mechanised stand aids that not only promote a normal pattern of movement but are also small enough to be used in a person’s home, also coming in line within the budget of residential care homes and community equipment loan stores.

When to use a mechanised stand aid or stand assist?

If your client cannot pull themselves forward into standing, then a mechanised stand aid may be the option.

For this to work the client must be assessed as having the ability to activate muscles to some extent to facilitate a stand. Effectively the client needs to be active within the stand for this to have any benefit.

Many mechanised stand aids do not promote normal patterns of movement, relying instead on the 22

user having good core strength.

This lift can be very uncomfortable, particularly on the lower leg as it is this area that is taking pressure during the movement.

Until recently nothing compact, domestic friendly, and promoting a normal sit to stand movement existed. In some instances, patient rehabilitation goals have been set back due to a lack of appropriate equipment.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Modern mechanised stand assists

such as Invacare’s ISA are set up in such a way that the arm movement and leg positioning support the sit to stand pattern from the first point of moving forward to engaging muscles, all the way to an actual stand. This can lead to supporting safe transfers using normal patterns of movement but also as a rehabilitation tool in the community.

The Invacare ISA Stand Assist supports the user to complete an ergonomically normal stand, moving the centre of gravity forward so that the musculoskeletal system engages appropriately. This type of mechanically supported stand could have a significant impact on discharge planning, communitybased rehabilitation and long-term health and well-being.

About the author: John Callas is a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist with over 18 years working in various clinical fields.

John has spent time in acute and rehabilitative settings acquiring the foundations to support knowledge on impairment and disability. He is a former Community OT Team Lead, Moving and Handling Advisor and National Back Exchange member.

Discover ISA™ The innovative new stand assist lifter

The new Invacare ISA is a fully adjustable and ergonomic stand assist lifter offering a natural pattern of movement.

For more information, please contact your local Business Development Manager to arrange a demonstration or contact Customer Services on 01656 776222.

Find our all new ISA on

All the latest information is available on our website www.safepatienthandling.co.uk @InvacareSPH

www.linkedin.com/ safe-patient-handling

@InvacareUK

Safe Patient Handling

We are

We are

Client Centred

Supportive We are

Positive

We are

Quality Focused Bringing ILS values into focus As the UK’s leading independent Case Management and Rehabilitation company for over 25 years, listening to our clients and our workforce lies at the heart of the ILS culture. That’s why we worked collaboratively with clinical and head office staff to define our ILS Company Values.

By bringing these into focus, we recognise that these are core values that Occupational Therapists utilise within their work and professional development.

Providing a person-centred service to our clients has always been our priority, but we give equal importance to giving the therapist the freedom to tailor their clinical approach to suit the needs of the client. Our therapists tell us that their work has been enhanced by being able to put their clients’ needs at the heart of their professional decision making. ILS’s ethos of supporting our OTs with dedicated mentors has also helped with professional development and the confidence to work as an independent practitioner.

We have

Integrity “Many team members tell us they really appreciate the flexibility offered

by ILS. Roles with us allow for part-time or negotiable hours of working, enabling work for ILS to sit well alongside existing positions whether within statutory services or on a self-employed basis. At ILS, OTs can work from their own homes and receive paid travel and mileage for all client work.”

Catherine Williams, Clinical Lead at ILS Rehabilitation Solutions.

If your values align with ours, why not join us?

ILS are currently recruiting experienced OTs looking for a new challenge to the following specialisms: Moving & Handling - especially in the South East region.

Posture Management- especially in the South East and West regions.

Paediatric Occupational Therapists- especially in the South West.

If you are interested in working for ILS as an independent Therapist on a selfemployed basis, please contact either Catherine Williams, (Clinical Lead, Rehabilitation Solutions) or the ILS Human Resources Department on 01722 742442.

You can also register your CV and apply via our website www.indliv.co.uk

T: 01722 742 442 • www.indliv.co.uk

n i y a d A .

ky c e B t Abou OT based in thr eOT

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an d he larke is e complete rking, C y k Bec ilst wo ea. Sh eld ar 12 and, wh distance Sheffi 0 g in 2 onto a ffield trainin rogressed T with She then p asters in O ecky is also he gM y. B gh t learnin m Universit way throu way Halla orking her r path odula pist, an w y m l t n n e io curr grat thera ry inte hippo s using the senso a qualified e . involv and is ion which t in therapy t n n e e interv es’ movem hors

Describe a typical day…

A typical day generally starts with a therapy clinic where alongside our speech and language therapy team we offer a drop-in clinic for staff to come in and discuss learners. The therapy team are very integrated within the college and as well as direct work, we do a lot of liaison with the staff team to offer advice, training and review any recommendations, equipment and strategies.

After this we have a ‘therapy catchup’ to review the caseload and current priorities for the week. Then as the learners arrive it’s time for direct work. This will be dependent very much on the learner’s needs,

Each month ..

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

Becky e k r a l C

What is your current role?

Lead occupational therapist working in a role emerging position at Landmarks Specialist College. The OT team work across a number of sites which includes a working pub, farm and various work placements. This means the role is quite varied, and provides opportunity to apply my hippotherapy skills working at the farm.

A day in the life

What’s the best part

I often find myself wishing there was more time in the day.

Although this is a challenging part of the role its rewarding as it means you can be really person-centred in how you work with individuals

of your job?

Working as a multi-disciplinary team to enable the learners to achieve their potential and follow a meaningful routine. The college is all about supporting the transition to adulthood, so we work closely with families, carers and external services to support learners to transfer skills and strategies.

however, it may include functional independence work onsite or in the community, sensory assessments or sensory circuits, therapeutic horse experience sessions at the farm, joint OT and SLT social skills groups, or combined multi-disciplinary groups. Alongside this, as the lead of the service I am involved in attending curriculum and service development meetings promoting the role of OT throughout, regular audits and reviews of outcomes and delivering supervision.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

The role and environment can be so varied, so plans can change very quickly which can be quite challenging, and I often find myself wishing there was more time in the day. Although this is a challenging part of the role it’s rewarding as it means you can be really person-centred in how you work with individuals, which is really positive.

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Heading here

APREHABILITATION PILOT Helen McNamara is a senior occupational therapist based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. She is involved in piloting a prehabilitation service for cancer patients to prepare them for surgery and she spoke to The OT Magazine to tell us more about the service and the benefits it offers patients.

As an occupational therapist, I am very excited to be part of this Macmillan sponsored therapy led team which provides support and preparation advice for cancer patients requiring a major surgery.

The Prehab programme began on 1 October 2017 with the team working closely with patients to prepare them physically, emotionally and practically for surgeries such as whipples, cystectomy, oesophagectomy and ovarian de-baulking procedures. The group programme has been running since January 2018 along with oneto-one assessments and support that is tailored to patients’ individual needs.

It is our aim to optimise their ability to cope with the hospital admission, the procedure, discharge and minimise their length of stay.

We hope to empower them to self-manage the emotional and physical effects they experience as they go through treatment.

The team is comprised of myself, two

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physiotherapists and a dietitian and together we deliver a four-week rolling programme of exercise classes and wellbeing groups. In addition, patients are able to access one-toone support from members of the team as required. Part of my role is to coordinate and facilitate the wellbeing programme which offers patients the opportunity to meet with their peers, raise concerns, receive education, emotional support as well as practice techniques to promote and maintain their wellbeing. Due to the extensive geographical area covered by the trust it is not always possible for patients to attend the sessions at Guildford, so in March I started a satellite group in East Surrey.

This is a two and a half hour group that is offered once per month and aims to consolidate the four week programme offered at Guildford in to this one-off session. By offering this group I feel we are giving more patients access to face to face advice and support as well as putting them in touch with other patients which they find extremely helpful.

Macmillan’s Living Well With and Beyond Cancer strategy and their research involving patients has identified that for many patients worry and anxiety, sleep difficulties and fatigue are significantly affecting them during and after treatment.

These can each have considerable

We hope that by the end of the pilot we will be able see Prehab become a permanent part of our services offered at the Royal Surrey Hospital impact on patients’ ability to manage their daily activities and their quality of life. Occupational therapists are well placed to address these concerns and this has formed the basis for the development of the wellbeing groups.

Patients attend the group once a week after completing the first of two weekly gym sessions with the physiotherapists. The group lasts for approximately one hour, starting with introductions

and feedback from the patients.

We then provide an interactive education session and finish with a relaxation exercise which patients not only enjoy but also learn to use independently.

The education sessions are entitled: Meet the Anaesthetist, Meet the Dietitian, Fatigue Management and Managing Sleep Difficulties. We are lucky enough to have the support of a consultant anaesthetist who gives the patients an insight into what happens before, during and after surgery, what to expect and how they can best prepare. Our dietitian does a great talk on eating well and addresses issues around changes in appetite and challenges some of the myths around diet and nutrition. As well as facilitating the groups I provide the education sessions on fatigue management and sleep as well as leading the relaxation at the end of every session. This combination of education, discussion and peer support has received really positive feedback so far from those patients attending; here are some of their comments:

For those who are unable to attend due to personal circumstances or caring responsibilities, I offer telephone support and in some cases home visits. This enables me to provide the information and advice that they would receive were they able to attend the groups as well as identify other support or interventions that may be required. All patients seem to value the telephone contact and the knowledge that there is someone to contact if they have any new concerns, or need reassurance.

As a team we are also keen to support patients’ loved ones and encourage them to attend groups with the patient to help them gain a better understanding of how the patient is feeling and what they can do to support them. Where necessary, I also refer family members who are struggling to cope with the impact of diagnosis and treatment to carer support advisors, who can focus more specifically on their needs.

We use a number of standardised measures for physical fitness,

nutrition and quality of life. In addition, I have developed a questionnaire to obtain feedback about the benefits of the wellbeing groups for patients and their loved ones as they prepare for their surgery. I also follow patients up six weeks post-op to record how they are managing and any changes made as a result of the experience and knowledge gained from prehab.

Our first year review with Macmillan was very encouraging with a great majority of patients recording increased knowledge and reduced impact of symptoms. So far all of the small number of patients assessed at six weeks post-op all reported making or maintaining at least two lifestyle changes, such as increasing exercise, changing diet or using fatigue management techniques. We are now entering the final six months of the pilot and hope to see Prehab become a permanent part of the services offered at the Royal Surrey Hospital.

“Superb informal groups imparting valuable knowledge”

“The advice and support has been invaluable”

“I don’t think I would have recovered as well if I hadn’t done that Prehab, it was really good”

“A well-constructed programme, couldn’t be better. Helped me so much before and after, knowing somebody was there.”

This combination of education, discussion and peer support has received really positive feedback so far from those patients attending

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Empowering Retreats

Image: lakeisleretreats.com

Great

Everyone needs some time away now and then to relax, recharge and recuperate. We’ve put together a list of the best retreats for any budget across the UK for you to engage in some solid me-time through yoga, mindfulness and healthy eating.

England

Skyros Where: Isle of Wight £ Price: Starts at £90 Visit: skyros.com Take a weekend away in the Grange, a stunning Georgian country house on the Isle of Wight,

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which offers a huge assortment of activities outside yoga and mindfulness. Retreats offer courses in writing, music and singing, health and wellness, and comedy writing. Special retreats are offered over the new year and Christmas periods.

Empowering Retreats

White Calm Retreats Pachamama Yoga Where: Various £ Price: Starts from £150 Visit: whitecalmretreats.com Recognised as one of the best retreats companies in the UK, White Calm offer executive, luxury retreats which span both weekends and single days, which is ideal for those looking to find a little pocket of calm in their lives. Specific retreats are available for women, as well as the traditional yoga and mindfulness retreats.

Where: Edale, Hope Valley £ Price: Starts from £1000 Visit: pachamama-yoga.com

Where: Snapper, Devon For mums who want to enjoy the £ Price: Starts from £1950 calming properties of yoga with Visit: yeotown.com their children, Pachamama Yoga is a While other wellness retreats might relaxing holiday for mother and child. focus on fad diets and the latest While children are taken off to the trends in wellbeing, Yeotown focuses forest school for lessons in nature, on developing healthy lifestyle habits mum can spend two hours enjoying and taking control of your own life vinyasa flow yoga, empowering the bodies and spirits of the whole family. and health. This retreat is helpful for those looking to take charge of their health and weight, and offers positive change over juice cleanses.

Image: pachamama-yoga.com

Scotland

Yeotown

Image: yeotown.com

Image: flickr-denisbin

Lendrick Lodge Where: Brig O’turk, Callander £ Price: Prices start at £100 Visit: lendricklodge.com

Dhanakosa

EcoYoga

Infusing spiritual development with the stunning rolling hills of Where: Balquhidder, Lochearnhead Where: Ford, Argyll Stirlingshire, Lendrick Lodge offers a Price: Start at £50 Price: Start at £575 £ £ variety of retreats which emphasises Visit: dhanakosa.com Visit: ecoyoga.org the combination of the ancient Located not far from Loch Lomond, EcoYoga offers a variety of retreats practices of yoga and reiki with the in an assortment of yoga styles ancient Celtic setting. Unique to them Dhanakosa is a Buddhist retreat which offers spiritual refuge to in stunning, simple yet modern is the offering of Sundoor, which anyone in need. Retreats of up to surroundings. Perhaps their greatest offers spiritual exercises through 11 days are offered, some of which draw are the four bathing centres: firewalking and breathing practices. combine Buddhist darma with yoga a spa dome, a Japanese-style hot and mindfulness, but also hold tub, an artisan sauna hidden behind Image: flickr-shirokazan introductory retreats offering yoga, a secret passage, and the two baths meditation, hillwalking, tai chi and built into the natural surroundings of qi gong. a nearby gorge.

Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery Where: Eskdalemuir, Dumfries £ Price: Start at £29 Visit: samyeling.org This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located not far from Lockerbie, and offers a number of retreats which may be better suited to those

who already have experience of mindfulness and meditation, or a knowledge of the dharma. The stunning surroundings and emphasis on the peaceful and soul-searching aspects of Buddhism make this an ideal retreat for troubled minds.

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Wales All the Good Things Where: Penbryn and Mawgan Porth, Cornwall £ Price: Available upon request Visit: surfsistas.com

Image: druyoga.com

Dru Yoga

Seren Retreat

Where: Nant Ffrancon, Bangor Where: Gower Peninsula, Swansea Yoga and mindfulness are great, but £ Price: Starts at £570 £ Price: Starts at £570 combine them with some of life’s Visit: druyoga.com Visit: serenretreat.com simple pleasures and you’ve got Voted one of Europe’s top five Seren Retreat offers Ayurveda yoga yourself a great weekend retreat. Run meditation retreats by National and meditation, which can be

by Surf Sistas and yogi Haley Johns, Geographic Traveller, Dru offers a personalised depending on your this retreat offers yoga, surfing, sea vast assortment of retreats from the needs. The alternative medicine kayaking, wine tasting, foraging, cedar heart of Snowdonia, in the Nant practice of Ayurveda colours the wood saunas and hot tubs. Where do Ffrancon valley.

The combination of whole stay, with meals, activities and we sign up? the stunning location and calming bodywork based on the practice. The meditation and yoga offered will stunning accommodation also has a leave you feeling chilled yet charged hot-tub and infra-red sauna on site. and ready to face life.

Yoga Satsanga Ashram Where: Login, Carmarthenshire £ Price: Starts at £50 Visit: yogasatsang.org

Image: druyoga.com

Escape from modern life at the Yoga Satsanga Ashram, where you have the option of retreats that last

Northern Ireland Breakthrough Retreats Where: Newcastle, County Down £ Price: Starts at £265 Visit: breakthrough-retreats.co.uk Image: lakeisleretreats.com

Lake Isle Retreats Where: Upper Lough Erne, County Fermanagh £ Price: Starts from £175 Visit: lakeisleretreats.com

While psychotherapist Maureen Courtney was listening to her clients, she noticed that many of them said they needed a place to concentrate on the changes they needed to make to their life. Taking that onboard, she established Breakthrough retreats, a location where mindfulness and meditation is complemented with personalised one-on-one treatments.

Inspired by one of the founders’ time living in the Krishna temple located on nearby Inish Rath, Lake Isle Retreats is the brainchild of Where: Killinchy, County Down a group of friends who believe £ Price: Prices on request wholeheartedly in creating a place for people to escape and recharge in. Visit: embraceholistic.co.uk They offer retreats all year round, and When Jim and Juliette Stewart were offer retreats based in mindfulness, confronted with a potentially lifeyoga, tai chi, and cooking. threatening illness in 2010, they felt the

one or two days, or longer retreats.

Weekend retreats will see guests take part in hatha yoga, pranayama, deep relaxation, and get the opportunity to book relaxing treatments, including reflexology and massage.

Claire Ferry Yoga Where: Varies £ Price: Varies Visit: claireferryyoga.net Accomplished yogi Claire Ferry runs the occasional retreat in Northern Ireland, focusing on yoga and mindfulness. She teaches Iyengar yoga, which is extremely complimentary to occupational therapy, promoting strength and flexibility while focusing on correct alignment to ensure the student benefits completely in terms of both their flexibility and wellbeing.

Embrace Holistic Retreats

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Image: embraceholistic.co.uk

benefit of complementary therapies, and transformed Connolly Farm into a retreat centre. They offer physiotherapy, reiki, yoga, deep tissue massage and an assortment of yoga and therapy services to aid mind and body.

Restoring mobility and independence. simple • comfortable • dignified

ROTA PRO

Discover the innovative rotational chair bed, the Rota Pro, from Apex and experience the ease of getting in and out of bed without hoists or care assistance.

THE STANDING BED

The Apex standing bed fully profiles with electric height, backrest and knee-break adjustments.

smooth transition laying • standing

The Standing Bed from Apex is a specialist cantilever-style bed for use in Critical, Acute and Community Sectors.

f Tel: 01322 520 560

This specialist bed allows fluid movement and relief from weight bearing on the back as the lift alleviates pressure. It combines the bed and tilting table into one clever single unit, removing the need to purchase and use a tilt and lift table.

Email: enquiry@apexmedicalcorp.co.uk

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Company Profile

Eastern A D A P TAT I O N S

Eastern Adaptations is a family run company supplying and installing a range of high quality accessible bathrooms and mobility accessories throughout the UK. We have a respectful and dedicated team of professionals who offer exceptional knowledge and over 20 years of experience caring for those with limited mobility. To us, it’s vital we understand the individual needs of our customers because our mission is to tailor each home in a way that makes day-to-day life just that bit easier.

To ensure peace of mind, we offer a one year warranty on all installations (extendable to three years), as well as the product manufacturers’ guarantees – so you know you’re investing in quality and a first-rate service when using our services.

We specialise in ensuring we can create accessible solutions, even in the most difficult of circumstances, so no matter how challenging an alteration might be please get in touch and talk to our specialists.

We’re here to offer innovative solutions and give independence back to those who need it.

Whether you’re looking to install ramps, low level showers or wet rooms, you can trust in us to do it all.

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ACCESSIBLE B AT H R O O M S Every accessible bathroom we install is unique because we customise its design with the user in mind. We’re here to listen, so we can tailor our services to your exact requirements. We want to ensure people feel safe and comfortable in their very own home. Our main focus is to provide a simple solution that gives a stylish, functional finish.

We understand that time is of the essence when it comes to installing a new bathroom due to its regular use, which is why we get the job right the first time around.

Whether you need a comfort height toilet, wet room or level access shower, we will make that seamless transformation quickly and efficiently.

ACCESSIBLE SHOWERS Accessible showers are ideal for disabled people because they are easy-to-use and can be modified to suit all levels of mobility.

At Eastern Adaptations, we pride ourselves on our capability to work with any shape or size of bathroom because we understand that it’s important to have all the facilities you require for maximum comfort in your very own home. Your clients don’t have to put up with discomfort and stress every time they want to cleanse.

For more information visit easternadaptations.com

Here’s what some of the customers had to say: “To Eastern Adaptations. Thank you very much for building my new bathroom. I like my bathroom very much because I can be more independent when I get washed.

I also like the bathroom because I can get more privacy. My favourite part about my bathroom is that I can open the cupboard and turn the taps on and off. I find that this bathroom is more spacious than before and that I can have more independence. I also love my bathroom because there are sparkles on the wall!”

Frances Carpenter (aged 9) “Eastern Adaptations did my mum’s bathroom into a wet room for her. The work was excellent, and the workmen were polite, helpful and professional. I would recommend their service to anyone else needing adaptations to their property. Excellent workmanship and always at the end of the phone to speak too.”

Mrs F Knightley

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Eastern Adaptations

Product Focus

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

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WENDYLETT SHEETS

WendyLett is the original turning or repositioning system, designed to lighten the workload for caregivers.

The WendyLett’s finely woven fabric design is clinically proven to reduce potential skin damage and the base sheet has a central satin sliding section reducing friction allowing increased independent in bed movement and ease of access in and out of bed.

01384 405792 | handicare.co.uk 2

PLAYING CBT

This therapy game is designed to help children and young people address emotions, physical sensations, thoughts and behaviours.

Its unique implementation of CBT in the game is designed specifically to improve social skills, emotional regulation, self-control and resilience. It includes 15 different games and can be used in individual or group therapy sessions. amazon.co.uk

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Product Focus

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3

STILTZ TRIO+ HOMELIFT

The Stiltz Trio+ Homelift is a groundbreaking, wheelchair-accessible lift which has been designed as a practical and attractive mobility solution when moving between floors at home. The Trio+ represents a positive move away from the clinical appearance of existing mobility aids, and offers clean lines, a stylish look and a neutral colourway to complement any room design.

0808 271 9080 | stiltz.co.uk 4

KEYWING

No more fiddling around with awkward keys and tricky locks. The Keywing is a simple and effective solution to provide a larger surface area to grip and turn a key. Ideal for those who struggle with hand dexterity and arthritis, it is improving independence throughout the UK. thekeywing.com 5

NUDRIVE AIR

NuDrive is a new lever-drive propulsion accessory for a manual wheelchair. It allows the user to propel more easily, brake, reverse and manoevre all by using the levers. It is easily attached to most wheelchairs and ideal for patients who have little or no hand or finger dexterity as it only requires arm and shoulder movements. nu-drive.com

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5

Product Focus 5

5

ONE HANDED AUTO CHOPPER

This fantastic chopper allows people who only have the use of one hand to chop vegetables safely and efficiently in the kitchen. Simply push down the top and the blades will rotate to chop your food into the internal cup or on a chopping board.

03330 160 000 | completecareshop.co.uk

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SOLOC

This magnetic lap belt is designed for one-handed use to promote the independence of wheelchair users with a range of functional impairments. It can be attached for right-handed or left-handed users and is designed to support people with hand tremors, limited strength and dexterity and those with visual impairments.

6

soloc.org

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RODEM

This innovative indoor mobility aid is designed to help people transfer between beds and chairs more easily. Its robotic style offers independence in the home and allows users to undertake daily living activities independently, from accessing the bathroom or getting out of bed to watering the plants or cooking in the kitchen. tmsuk-uk.co.uk

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THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SHOW...

Access over 80 hours of free CPD Learn from world-class speakers and experts in their field Network with thousands of colleagues and peers Get practical advice and share best practice Update knowledge across all therapy areas Research and source new products and services Hear industry and regulation updates Have fun. Be inspired

Register for your FREE place now: www.theotshow.com/OTMagazine

www.theotshow.com

The OT Show

The Occupational Therapy Show

27th and 28th Nov 2019 NEC Birmingham www.theotshow.com

@theotshow

@theotshow

L-R: Dawn Hales, Expert Witness & Independent OT • Colin Jones, Independent & Lead OT • Ruth Gwynn-Thomas, OT Intermediate Care

S PACES Meet the occupational therapists tackling compulsive hoarding without so much as a pair of Marigolds in sight.

Occupational therapists and brains behind Coventry-based occupational therapy-led service Enabling Spaces Yvonne Singleton and Jo Dowdeswell want you to know right off the bat that they are not Kim and Aggie. As OTs working in the niche field of compulsive hoarding, Yvonne and Jo don’t don marabou-adorned Marigolds and play horror movie music as they explore the recesses of cluttered home; rather they are there to help those psychologically who live with hoarding disorder to regain control over their homes.

Compulsive hoarding is a behavioural pattern which sees people develop strong emotional attachments to items which others may consider “useless” or rubbish.

It can be anything: clothes, books, old newspapers and magazines or refuse, for example. For those who experience chronic compulsive hoarding, it can lead to their home becoming completely overrun by the items they hoard. This can mean that entire sections of their houses are cut off from them, that they’re unable to access bedrooms or use kitchens, resulting in them not being able to sleep in their beds or eat properly.

The knock-on effect of the condition can be that hoarders can become susceptible to illness and danger: they will stop family and friends visiting them and get into conflict regarding the clutter, which can result in both a negative impact on their mental health and a real physical danger due to risk of fire, falls or infestation.

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Enabling Spaces “Compulsive hoarding is now a recognised mental health disorder included in the DSM-5 and in the ICD-11,” Yvonne told The OT Magazine. “It was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2018 in the UK, which is really helpful for other professionals or other people in general who say it’s a lifestyle choice.

needing the kind of help Jo and Yvonne provide could not grow fond of them. They’re full of enthusiasm and laughter, and when they talk about the people whose lives they have changed through Enabling Spaces, there’s a real feeling that they’re extremely proud of everyone who has managed to move through their problems with the company’s help.

“It is not a lifestyle choice – hoarding is usually trigged by some sort of That enthusiasm and easy-going trauma that has happened in their nature is imperative to their work lives. It could be bereavement, – where Kim and Aggie are welldivorce, death of a child, loss of a known for the berating of the people parent, empty nest; there’s a whole who were on How Clean Is Your host of reasons. It can run in the House, Yvonne and Jo’s job is to family too – you hear a lot, ‘oh my provide a supportive environment. auntie used to do that.’ We found Jo and Yvonne’s first session with with the older generation, with the a client may not even be inside war and the ‘Make Do and Mend’ their house. Sometimes, they go for attitude that they don’t want to coffee first, break the ice with a chat throw anything out in case it’s useful.” and a few jokes, then get down to business. It’s better to start this way Yvonne and Jo, both students at so that “they know we’re not awful Coventry University each had a people – we’re not going to take contemporary placement at Orbit, their stuff away and mock them,” a social housing provider, during the pair say.

“We take a holistic and the final years of their respective client-centred approach, listening courses. Through their care and to their story and setting achievable repair department, Orbit found that goals and interventions with them they were coming across a lot of that address the psychological people affected by hoarding, and aspects of this disorder as well as the so through a knowledge transfer practical.” partnership arranged by the university, Jo helped to create a toolkit for an OT-led approach, so that those on the frontline could address the issue appropriately. Two years later, Yvonne would take the same placement, but found that the business-led model being used wasn’t ideal. In 2015 Yvonne and Jo returned as qualified occupational therapists to set up the hoarding service with an OT-led model.

When the time comes to start discarding items that have been hoarded, they start with a small area of the house to see how the client copes. The OTs are always there with them while this happens in order to manage anxiety. While a decluttering firm can be hired to clear out a room for their clients, they don’t take the client’s feelings into account much of the time. Clearance companies are indiscriminate, and if they’re told to clear a room, they don’t leave a lot behind. On the other hand, Jo and Yvonne work with the clients to ensure they’re comfortable, as free from anxiety as possible and let them and their belongings feel valued.

After 18 extremely successful months of working with them, Jo and Yvonne took a leap of faith and established their own practice.

“Yvonne rang me up one Saturday morning and said ‘I’ve got a name for the company! Enabling Spaces,’” Jo remembers fondly. “I said I’m with you, let’s do it! And Enabling Spaces “We have to be respectful,” said CIC was born in February 2017.”

Yvonne. “We may be going into a place the living conditions are It’s difficult to see how anyone 40

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just awful, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to respect that this is their home, so we go in with a non-judgemental approach. We go in with unconditional positive regard – a good OT phrase! That, I would say, is one of the foundations of the work that we do. A lot of the people we work with have had professionals work with them previously, but might have had a bull in a china shop approach – ‘this is awful, how can you live like this?’ – a very dictatorial approach. Ours is completely different in that we work with them and get to know them, and they get to know us.

“At the end of the day, this is their home. Even if it’s in a terrible state and there’s mouse droppings everywhere, this is their home, and it’s up to us to work with that person

Compulsive hoarding is now a recognised mental health disorder to change some of their behaviours, so they can change how they’re living. Some of them do want to change, but they feel embarrassed by their situation. When we arrive, they often apologise repeatedly, but there is no need and we reassure them of that. What they want is their house, their environment, to be turned back into a home.”

They tell about one of their clients: a gentleman who lost his daughter, and struggled emotionally with the loss. He was only using 5% of his three-bedroom home. When they went to the upstairs hallway, they were unable to access it.

With items he had hoarded, their client had sealed off his daughter’s

Enabling Spaces emotional replacement.

How then do they go about helping clients like this one? Despite the pair being open books, they keep their methods close to their chest. “We’ve found a niche market,” Yvonne says, “because we’ve worked in it for some time now, it’s a bit like Kentucky Fried Chicken, isn’t it? No-one knows the secret ingredient. There’s a protective element!

“We do however provide hoarding awareness training for those who

come into contact with hoarding either professionally or personally.”

They will divulge that their foundation model is the PEOP model, but also use the Kawa River model as a visual tool to help patients. For Jo and Yvonne, it’s difficult to give a description of how to treat a “typical” patient, because there’s no such thing. Every client is different; they may require a different model or approach to help both identify the trauma that has led them to hoard and help them get through it.

Having built solid partnerships with local authorities, mental health teams, the police, fire service, children’s services, schools and many other organisations in Coventry and the surrounding areas, Enabling Spaces are doing phenomenal work to improve the

lives of so many people by helping to establish frameworks and protocols for these services to adopt should they encounter someone who lives with compulsive hoarding. The police and fire service have even volunteered time to help declutter homes with the client’s permission to support this ongoing work.

We may never have, or struggle to make the connection between occupational therapy and hoarding in our minds, but Enabling Spaces have found a niche market in which they are thriving, and are changing people’s lives for the better. But Yvonne knows that OT and compulsive hoarding is a match made in heaven. “As OTs we look at the environment, we look at the individual and their occupational performance within that environment, where it fits and where it doesn’t, and we work on those areas. That’s what we do. OT just fits in! This is perfect! It goes hand and hand,” she says, laughing.

For more information visit enablingspacescic.co.uk

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There’s nothing more relaxing than a holiday, but for someone who has additional requirements, the world might feel quite small. If your clients are desperate to get away but aren’t sure where to turn, we’ve come up with a list of getaways that span the entire globe and are accessible for all.

Asia Japan What: Tailor made 11-day tour of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka Price: From £3,330 Visit: responsibletravel.com In anticipation of the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Japan is getting even more accessible.

This trip from company Responsible Travel is tailor-made for wheelchair users. Bask in the weird wonder of the Tokyo Megalopolis, visit the ancient temples of Kyoto, meet the deer of Nara and marvel at the beauty of Mount Fuji up close.

Vietnam What: Half-board tour of Vietnam Price: Available upon request Visit: disabledaccessholidays.com Vietnam is steeped in rich and incredible history, and boasts some of the finest and most underappreciated food and cuisine in Asia. Take in the country’s varied history from its many museums, enjoy the French Quarter in Hanoi, the city deemed the Paris of the East, check out some water puppetry and enjoy authentic bánh mì or pho.

China What: Seven-day tour from Beijing to Shanghai Price: Available upon request Visit: easytourchina.com Since Beijing hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008, accessibility has improved phenomenally. This tour between the historic cities of Beijing and Shanghai takes in some of China’s most incredible sights, including the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu Great Wall. Top off the days with some incredible food from one of the world’s most renowned culinary nations.

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image (left): Flickr – Squeakymarmot image (middle): Flickr – Garrett Ziegler image (right): Flickr – Reggiepen

Accessible Holidays

Africa Egypt What: Villas at the Mercure Le Sphinx Hotel Price: Available upon request Visit: enableholidays.com This five-star hotel in Cairo lies directly in the shadow of one of Egypt’s greatest draws: the Great Pyramids of Giza. The hotel boasts easy access to the Sphinx too – hence its name – and offers superb access, with spacious and well adapted rooms complete with roll in showers and stunning views on offer to prospective guests.

South Africa What: A 12-day tour of the Kruger Safari and Capetown Price: £1,325 Visit: disabledaccess.com

The Americas United States What: Seven nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Price: From £1878 Visit: virginholidays.co.uk

Spend 12 extraordinary days in stunning South Africa.

Hang out with lions, pet a wild cheetah and make friends with Jessica the Hippo before heading for a traditional boma dinner. Take a trip to Robben Island to learn the history of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, and taste the fruits of a few local vineyards’ labours.

The Happiest Place on Earth is also one of the most accessible, with the park and its hotels offering adjustments for many impairments. Animal Kingdom Lodge is the most highly rated of all its hotels, featuring a stunning 11,000 ft2 pool and a whole host of animals who live alongside guests in the kraal-inspired hotel.

Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana

Barbados

What: Luxury seven-day safari and trip to the Victoria Falls Price: From £1,995 Visit: 2by2holidays.co.uk The Western world became aware of the Victoria Falls, known in Lozi as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke that Thunders, when David Livingstone laid eyes upon it in 1855. This seven-day trip is the ideal opportunity to take it in yourself, as well as a cruise on the Zambezi River and a few sun-soaked days in the Chobe National Park.

What: Holiday in the Accra Beach Hotel Price: From $129pn Visit: accrabeachhotel.com Walk from the front door of this Barbados hotel and you’ll find yourself standing on a stunning beach. Accra Beach Hotel is invested in inclusive tourism, and is accredited for meeting standards regarding guests who require adjustments, including wheelchair users and those with visual impairments.

Mexico What: Tailor-made stay in Cancun Price: Available upon request Visit: disabledaccess.com This stunning beachfront hotel is the height of luxury, sitting upon an untouched and unsullied peninsula in Mexico’s beautiful Cancun region. It offers a host of options for disabled people, including accessible rooms with a large amount of equipment to be hired by guests. The adult-only resort ensures a tranquil vacation. image (top-left): Flickr – Alex Lang image (bottom-left): Flickr – Christopher Michel image (top-right): Flickr – Pedro Szekely image (middle): Flickr – Shrie Bradford Zangler

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Europe Amsterdam and the Netherlands What: Five-day coach trip through Amsterdam Price: Starts from £1129 Visit: limitlesstravel.org Limitless Travel has gone above and beyond to make this trip accessible for almost any impairment, prioritising the needs of their disabled guests. Enjoy a beautiful cruise down Amsterdam’s main canal, a trip to nearby De Rijp and explore one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe at your leisure.

Oceania Australia

Berlin

What: An eight-day cruise along the Great Barrier Reef Price: From £3,825 Visit: leisureoptions.com.au

What: A city break in the heart of the German capital Price: Available on request Visit: enableholidays.com

Enjoy a cruise around one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions: the stunning Great Barrier Reef.

Regardless of age or impairment, this cruise has something for absolutely everyone, and can be adapted for any requirement. Spend days gazing at the stunning Reef and evenings enjoying the luxuries that the cruise has to offer.

Overlooking the Spree, which meanders through the heart of the city, and well-placed on Friedrichstraße in the centre of Mitte’s shopping district, the amazingly central Melia Hotel provides a hugely accessible starting point to explore the incredible history of Germany’s capital city before getting in some retail therapy.

Revitalise What: Nurse-led care welcoming disabled people and carers Price: 10% discount with code OTM95 (T&Cs on page 47) Visit: revitalise.org.uk Cruise across England’s largest lake, marvel at London’s skyline from floor 68 of the Shard or be inspired at some of the finest museums in the country. The choice is yours at Revitalise. Providing expert nurse-led care you can be safe in the knowledge that all your client’s needs will be catered for. They boast a unique package of accessible excursions, live entertainment and activities, combined with CQC-regulated care support.

Hawai’i What: A stunning cruise including all four Hawaiian islands Price: Available upon request Visit: disabledholidays.com When passengers aren’t chilling in the luxurious Norwegian Cruise liner, the Pride of America, they’re exploring the four islands that make up the beautiful sunshine state of Hawai’i. Gaze into the 3,400 ft deep Waimea Canyon, saunter along the stunning beaches, and see the rainforests, volcanoes and waterfalls that make Hawai’i famous before eating some authentic ahi poke.

New Zealand What: 20 days taking in the sights and sounds of New Zealand Price: Available upon request Visit: accessiblenz.com Start at the northern tip of Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, working your way down through New Zealand’s most beautiful attractions and best locations. Spend time with Māori people and learn firsthand about the traditions and cultures over a traditional Hangi meal, explore the beaches and wines of the stunning country. image (top): Wikimedia – Queensland image (bottom): Flickr – Tambako

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BABICM Event

Crisis, What Crisis?

The unmissable BABICM Annual Conference 2019

Join BABICM at its headline, sector-leading annual conference this June to spot, avoid and manage a crisis for your ABI clients.

If you’re new to case management, considering moving into the sector or looking to stand out above the rest as an occupational therapist, then the BABICM Annual Conference this June is an ideal place to learn, network and develop your practice.

Join us at the stunning VOX Centre in Birmingham on the 25th and 26th June 2019 for two days of incredible

speakers and experts who have one goal: to help you prepare, avoid and cater for complex and critical issues that affect the rehabilitation, care and wellbeing of individuals with an ABI.

PROGRAMME Highlights: EXCLUSIVE KEYNOTE: The Relationship Between The Court Of Protection & Case Managers: Her Honour Judge Hilder, Senior Judge to the Court of Protection Changes in Deprivation of Liberty & the Mental Capacity Act: Alex Rook, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors Clinically Assisted Nutrition & Hydration: Celia Kitzinger Preventing & Managing Problem Behaviour In The Community: Dr Rudi Coetzer, North Wales Brain Injury Service New For 2019 - Workshops On: • Exploitation • Staff & Support Worker Issues: ‘Slap The Rat’ • Death & Dying • Managing Risk: Spotting, Avoiding & Managing … and much more!

With thanks to our Headline Sponsors:

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Ideal FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS! Many of our members have an occupational therapy background and our unique conference has been crafted to ensure practitioners can arm themselves with relevant, effective, creative and professional approaches to supporting clients with an ABI – whether that be in their role as an OT, case manager or care provider.

Join us this June and reap the rewards of our powerful network and specialist community!

To view the full programme and to book, visit the events page on our website: babicm.org/events/

WHAT DOES

RESPITE MEAN TO YOU? Respite is a word that means different things to different people.

To Revitalise, a charity providing much-needed breaks for disabled people and carers, respite – the chance to get away from one’s daily stresses and strains and enjoy a reenergising change of scene – is as fundamental as the air we breathe.

Read the story of one family who have all benefitted in very different ways from the vital respite holidays that Revitalise provides:

first stroke. It was very hard on her but I’m so proud of her.”

The hardest part for Steve was to give up his much-loved job as a London bus driver. He loved meeting lots of different people each day and chatting to his customers, but since becoming ill, he spends a lot of time at home by himself.

“I miss my work as a bus driver and being at work generally,

just feeling useful. I miss having people around me. I’m a very positive person, but I get very lonely when Karen’s out at work.”

It was Steve’s social worker who first told the family about the benefits of a Revitalise holiday. Steve now takes regular respite at Revitalise Jubilee Lodge in Chigwell, Essex.

“Revitalise gives me a great sense of life. I get to see so many things and I love meeting people. I really care about people. I meet an incredible mix of volunteers. We’re together like a family.

Karen can catch up with things and go places with Natalie while I’m away. I love that they can do what they want to do. When I come back I feel much more alive.”

Steve lives with his wife Karen and daughter Natalie in Orpington.

Six years ago, Steve suddenly and unexpectedly had a stroke, which left him a full-time wheelchair user with a weakened left side and limited mobility. For Karen, she has found it difficult to adapt to their new life.

“The illness was so sudden. One minute he was driving a bus, the next he was in hospital. It had a huge impact on our lives. He was the main breadwinner. We’ve lost all that. Natalie was doing her GCSEs at the time Steve had his

Revitalise create revitalising holidays they love, or take their own break, for disabled people and carers. secure in the knowledge that their Everything you’d expect from a loved one is happy and being well holiday, backed up by excellent looked after. nurse-led care and an army of * To get 10% off your first Revitalise brilliant volunteers. The national holiday, get in touch with our charity has designed a unique friendly team on 0303 303 0145 package of accessible excursions, and quote OTM95. live entertainment and activities, Alternatively, you can email combined with CQC-regulated bookings@revitalise.org.uk care support. And the three fully or visit revitalise.org.uk. accessible holiday centres, situated *Discount is available for disabled in Chigwell, Southampton and people and their carer/companion.

Southport are designed with guests To book a break guests must be ease and comfort in mind. over the age of 18. Discount not valid during Christmas or New Year Carers are welcome to accompany weeks. Contact us for full terms and those they care for to Revitalise conditions. and enjoy quality time with the one -magazine.co.uk

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CETEC

WEARABLE DEVICES Firas Sarhan, Director of Centre of Excellence for Technology Enhanced Care, explores the benefits of wearable assistive technology There are key major challenges facing the health and social care sector in the coming years closely linked to the increasing number of elderly individuals with multiple long-term conditions. Furthermore, the cost of care is on the increase at a time when the country is facing austerity measures to become more efficient in funding allocation and service redesign of care pathways for individuals. In addition to this the health and social care sectors are facing major challenges in recruiting health and social care professionals that will be able to deliver care.

The need for assistive technology is increasingly becoming more important as it is being used as a tool to identify problems and prevent its development by allowing early intervention based on the data being collected regarding the individual’s wellbeing.

The evolving use of assistive technology such as wearable devices and sensors for those with long-term chronic conditions gives

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professional access to address and review their activities of daily living, wellbeing and quality of life based on already established valid and reliable electronic assessment tools linked specifically to their medical condition. Wearable assistive

DID YOU

KNOW?

19 In 2017

%

of UK residents owned at least one Fitbit or Apple Watch

technology has started playing a major role in individuals’ lives as the number of people using such technology is on the increase. In 2017 19% of UK residents owned at least one of these devices; either Fitbits or Apple Watches.

These assistive technology devices can collect data independently and freely without any bias or manipulation. Wireless, implantable sensors can continuously measure key vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, motion, and blood pressure. The continuous measurement can inform professionals of the wellbeing status of the individual which allows early intervention to address any health or social care related problem, as well as allowing individuals to be engaged within their own care, ensuring they are better informed and empowered to manage their own condition.

Further benefits of these wearable assistive technology devices is

that they allow people to maintain wellbeing through increasing activity and mobilising within their own homes. Furthermore, wearable devices can identify and recognise signs of stress and anxiety among individuals with long-term conditions which could be used effectively by professionals to implement early intervention to address any mental health condition that develops because of a longterm condition.

DAILY INFORMATION Advanced assistive wearable technology can be used to accurately track the daily living activities of individuals. This information could be used to engage and develop a remote rehabilitation programme for individuals to allow better recovery post-discharge from hospital or to develop a remote programme to maintain wellbeing and prevent medical problems developing, such as limited mobility, poor nutrition, muscle wastage and development of pressure ulcers. The application of such programmes using wearable assistive technology would allow and facilitate engagement and motivation of individuals with longterm conditions to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle through adherence to remote rehabilitation programmes.

DOMESTIC MONITORING The evolution of advanced wearable technology allows for domestic environment monitoring for safety and enables professionals to recognise any changes in an individuals’ daily routine. It can also assist in maintaining a comfortable living environment through sensors that can monitor home temperature, humidity and alert appropriate services if there is any fire or floods within the home. The wearable technology could also have an added

value for the individual’s personal safety by limiting entry into the property or by locating individuals who have wandered out of their own home alone without a carer or family member. The application of such technology will allow a focused and structured approach to assess signs of any deterioration of the individuals medical condition and allows early intervention.

Further examples of how wearable assistive technology can help are:

1 MONITORING OF PERSON-CENTRED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BY

USING A WRISTWATCH OR STEP ACTIVITY MONITOR This offers the ability to accurately measure physical activities and assess the physical performance of individuals, linking it to their medical condition and establishing the appropriate decision-making process for early intervention to maintain safety and wellbeing.

2 PARTICIPATION AND EMPOWERMENT OF INDIVIDUALS The use of wearable technology allows the individuals to be more engaged with their own life and situation. Being empowered in your own care and life situation reduces the risk of social isolation.

3 REST AND SLEEP QUALITY The use of advanced technology can assess the duration, pattern and quality of sleep linking this to the individuals’ health and wellbeing, such as low moods, fatigue and cognitive function decline.

4 AUTONOMIC BODILY FUNCTIONS It allows the measuring of vital signs which could be used as a reference point for any future changes with the individuals medical condition and allows proactive management to prevent complication development. Bodily systems that could be monitored using wearable assistive technology include, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and sexual dysfunction, and problems with thermoregulation.

The key issues that need to be considered when using wearable devices are: who owns and has access to the data that’s being collected? And who is responsible for the protection of such data from being misused or mishandled?

Furthermore, the implementing organisation should have the legal and ethical framework well established parallel to the professional guidelines on using assistive technology to protect individuals using it and professionals who are prescribing such a new method of care.

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New initiative The University will welcome its 1,000th apprentice in the next academic year

New DAWN FOR EDUCATION? A

Education, like occupational therapy, is ever-evolving.

Occupational therapy is a constant learning curve that moves seamlessly with advancements in technology, changes in procedure and developments in the workplace and healthcare arena. New pilots are constantly being launched to help OTs and future OTs reach their full learning potential, and one university is to debut a new and exciting programme to keep up with the changing faces of education and OT. Sheffield Hallam University is to become the UK’s first institution to offer degree apprenticeships in occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

The scheme, which began in April, allows current and aspiring occupational therapists and physiotherapists to have the opportunity to work towards their degree whilst working. Approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, it comes as part of Sheffield Hallam’s National Centre of Excellence for Degree Apprenticeships, which sees apprentices attend up to six, two-week study blocks per year within the university’s award-

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Sheffield Hallam University is to become the UK’s first institution to offer degree apprenticeships in occupational therapy and physiotherapy winning teaching facilities whilst the remaining time will be spent applying their learning within the workplace.

The intensive 30-month courses, which include the integrated End-Point Assessment, have been designed in consultation with employers from primary and secondary care, local government and the private sector across Yorkshire and the Humber, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

New initiative their existing workforce.”

Ruth Allarton, head of Sheffield Hallam’s department for allied health professions, said: “These new degree apprenticeships are an exciting development for the physiotherapy and occupational therapy professions. The fact Sheffield Hallam is the first university in the country to run these courses is an example of how we can use our extensive expertise in healthcare and longstanding partnerships to provide employers with an additional route to train registered health care professionals or attract new talent to the healthcare workforce.”

In our last issue, we reported that Suffolk was announced as one of the first areas in the country to develop brand new OT degree apprenticeship positions.

Suffolk County Council Beccy Hopfensperger, cabinet member

for adult care, told the East Anglican Daily Times: “We have seen real challenges across the board in recruiting trained occupational therapists, and with this groundbreaking new initiative, we are working in collaboration with our health colleagues to address these challenges.

“We are working jointly with our colleagues in health to develop our apprenticeship programme.”

The programme is set to provide an alternative route into an occupational health career, supporting those who cannot access university education.

What do you think of this new route into the profession? Would you be keen to be involved as an educator or student? Let us know your thoughts! Email colette@2apublishing.co.uk with the subject line “OT Apprenticeships”.

As part of a far wider overall project, the inclusion of OT and physiotherapy will see the University welcome its 1,000th apprentice in the next academic year which is on target to host over 2,000 apprentices by the end of 2020.

Director of the NCEDA Conor Moss, commented: “Degree apprenticeships provide more routes to success for more people, particularly in regions with traditionally low productivity. Our courses are designed to address skills gaps in priority sectors - helping to drive regional and national economic growth.

“At a time when the health sector faces a workforce crisis, these two new degree apprenticeships in physiotherapy and occupational therapy are a unique opportunity for health sector employers to recruit new, career-ready professionals or develop the skills and capabilities of

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Patients with extra wide or feet? recommend

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We offer a range of FREE resources for health professionals including: CALL

Copies of our catalogue and catalogue holders Information leaflets Samples of our footwear, socks and hosiery for display or demonstration purposes

01458 447275 OR VISIT cosyfeet.com/prof

Why

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Leading OTs recognise stairlifts are not suitable for all clients or for all types of homes. Many are now considering Stiltz Homelifts as an alternative.

A Stiltz Homelift is available in the wheelchair-accessible 3-person Trio+ model (shown), or the more compact 2-person Duo+ model.

The Stiltz OT service level promise means our assessment, customer service and installation teams will work with OTs and healthcare professionals to provide exceptional service and support at all times.

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

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

CHAMPIONING BEST PRACTICE in moving and handling people

Moving and Handling training has been mandatory for all professionals for years. After attending countless courses on current legislation and standard moving and handling practices, it can be difficult to get enthused about attending more updates. And often, professionals leave feeling they need more.

Personal development in this area needs a blended approach.

Practitioners need to understand updates in legislation and policy, learn from evidence established from research, see and try new products available, problem solve with peers and try techniques for themselves in a safe and nurturing environment.

Development should enable the practitioner to develop their own thinking, not just provide information.

The DLF has been running its annual Moving and Handling People

conference for over 25 years. This one-stop-shop offers professionals, such as Occupational Therapists, the latest thinking and participation in practical sessions with the latest equipment while networking with peers.

Moving and Handling People 2019 has been designed to meet specialisms from paediatrics through to end of life care. Professionals attend a mixture of practical and theoretical sessions with some of the UK’s top practitioners some speaking exclusively for M&HP 2019. We also have the pleasure of welcoming back our esteemed Moving and Handling People Alumni, who have been working tirelessly for years to develop techniques and best practice in the industry and have presented at many of our previous conferences. This year they will be on hand to answer questions and support the moving and handling experts of tomorrow.

The conference focus will be on “working together” and the opening plenary welcomes back Michael Mandlestam to look at what we have learnt over the years in moving and handling. We will be running workshops in the popular areas of bariatrics and behaviour that challenges and will offer chances

DLF Training to see both paediatrics and adult equipment and techniques.

Moving and Handling does not always follow prescriptive solutions and as practitioners, we often have to think outside of the box. We use risk assessment to ensure that solutions are reducing risk and not increasing it. As this is a large part of our roles, we have invited Susanna Marsden to deliver a workshop based around risk assessment techniques and ergonomic assessment. We will also hear from Dr Val Noble about occasions when standard moving and handling practices are just not appropriate as she discusses end of life care.

This year’s conference is on August 7th and 8th in Windsor with optional new product workshops on the build-up day. With an a new venue, expanded exhibition area, all-new speakers and sessions it is a great option if you only want to attend one event in this field.

Clare Barber is Training Services Development Manager at the DLF, a qualified OT she specialises in equipment provision and is leading the development of the charity’s equipment-related training for healthcare professionals.

You can find out more about the Moving and Handling Conference here https://training.dlf.org.uk/ moving-and-handling-peoplesouth-2019/ Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019-20, and part of the Shaw Trust since 2014 the DLF offers a range of impartial information and advice services for the public including the product comparison site Living Made Easy, our quick online self-assessment tool AskSARA and the forum Youreable.com. Our services for healthcare professionals include DLF-Data the subscription tool for prescribers of equipment for impendent living and a range of equipment-related training courses and conferences. For more information call 0207 289 6111 or email training@dlf.org.uk. DLF is part of Shaw Trust a charity registered in England and Wales 287785 and Scotland SCO39856.

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All the latest from the world of paediatrics

Paediatrics

SECTION arly mobility and playtime is of the utmost importance when it comes to children with disabilities. Little ones are naturally curious and often mischievous, which helps to build their foundation for learning and development. Encouraging young children to play and interact with different types of toys can help fine motor skills, social skills, language and coordination – not to forget it can bring joy and smiles to the children themselves and to the parents and carers too.

great free scheme on page 56.

Newlife is a charity that provides disabled children and their families with the equipment they need and they are now offering a loan scheme with their play pods. These play pods are packages that contain an array of toys and games to stimulate children with additional needs. Find out more about this

As always we have a collection of great products that could be useful for your younger patients and we are always on the look out for more, so if you would like to recommend anything that you think could benefit young people please get in touch by emailing ros@2apublishing.co.uk.

E

If you work with any young amputees who have started gathering a collection of old prosthetic legs that they have outgrown and they are unsure what to do with them, we could have a great option for you. Legs4Africa is a charity recycling outgrown and unwanted prosthetic legs by sending them to be used by amputees in Africa who don’t otherwise have access to a prosthetic. Check out page 59 to find out more about how to get involved.

Read on to find out more...

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Newlife Charity

THE POWER OF

Disabled children’s charity Newlife discusses the importance of play in a child’s development Playtime is the highlight of the day for most children. The chance to run around with friends, get lost in a world of imagination and creativity, and grab a box of toys and tip the entire contents on the floor. Play is such a crucial part of a child’s wellbeing; the United Nations even decreed it a basic human right.

While the benefits of play for all children are clear, they can be even more important for a disabled child who may not have the same opportunities to access play environments and resources.

Play can help improve the way a child communicates either through speech, sign or in other ways, reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improving gross and fine motor skills, coordination, motion and balance.

Access to ‘play materials’ is vitally important to a child’s early development as is interaction and engagement with a parent or carer

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– yet this is often harder to prioritise and achieve if you have a child with a physical or cognitive disability.

Newlife, the charity for disabled children, works closely with play therapy specialist Lucie Maddox to put together a suite of Play Therapy Pods, specially selected collections of toys designed specifically to engage children and young people in play. Each pod contains around £400 worth of specialist toys and are devised to include toys suitable for a child’s age or development stage, and additional sensory options to stimulate and encourage the development of important lifelong abilities.

Each pod also contains its own set of ‘interaction ideas’ developed with input from Lucy; providing inspiration on how you and your child or siblings can play with each of the toys to creatively learn new skills and help improve understanding. Some toys are great for teaching a child how to

take turns, cause and effect and improving fine motor skills while others can help a child learn how to communicate and develop relationships.

Newlife has received incredible feedback from families; 87% said the toys improved their relationship with their child, and 82% said they now felt they had a better understanding of their child’s needs. Families also report that the pods have encouraged siblings to play together for the first time.

There have also been reports of significant changes to harmful behaviours and routines - in some instances a child has spoken for the very first time.

Carrick Brown, Senior Manager for Newlife’s Care Services said: “Newlife is the largest charity provider of essential equipment to disabled children. We believe that every single child, without exception, should have the opportunity to explore and develop their own skills and understanding in order to be the best they can be, whatever the starting point may be, and play is an essential activity.”

Newlife Charity

PLAY THERAPY PODS

GRAYSON 11-month-old Grayson has Down’s syndrome. As he is so young his family aren’t yet sure of the extent of his needs, but his parents, Helena and Adam, were looking for fun and creative ways they could encourage his development. They applied for a Newlife baby Play Therapy Pod in the hope that something might catch his interest. Helena said: “Grayson is very laid back – he hadn’t really shown much interest in toys so we were hoping the toys in the pod might spark his interest.”

The family weren’t disappointed and Grayson instantly took a liking to the black and white toy basket that contains a selection of animal characters and fabric squares.

Helena said: “It would never have occurred to me to buy black and white toys – but Grayson was instantly drawn to them – particularly the little black and white cat – he was absolutely fascinated. He also really liked the mirror and it

encouraged him to reach out for things, something he hadn’t done before.”

Families can apply for a pod online at newlifecharity.co.uk/ apply and once a pod is available, it will be delivered via courier at a mutually convenient time. After 12 weeks, Newlife collects the pod ready for it to be professionally cleaned, serviced and sent out to another family. There’s no limit to the number of pods a child can have, so it’s good to encourage families to keep applying for different ones.

If you think a family you work with could benefit from a Play Therapy Pod, visit newlifecharity.co.uk or email nurse@newlifecharity.co.uk.

The pod has had an enormously positive effect on the whole family, giving Grayson and his 10-year-old brother, Zak, the chance to play together properly for the first time, bringing the whole family together through play.

Helena said: “Having the pod has made him more aware and interested in toys in general – it has almost kick started his desire to play.”

Having the pod has made him more aware and interested in toys in general

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“I have always found Smirthwaite to be caring. They care about the needs of my clients, they listen to what I need and they care about providing the child with the very best solution�

Claire, Occupational Therapist South West

At Smirthwaite, we help enhance the lives of children with additional needs with a range of lovingly created specialist equipment.

To find out more visit smirthwaite.co.uk or call us on 01626 835552

Giving a LEG UP

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If you work with young amputees who are outgrowing their prosthetic legs regularly, Legs4Africa could help recycle them and ensure they continue to provide independence to amputees in Africa.

Have you ever had to research what to do with a patient’s outgrown prosthetic legs? It may not be the most common question asked of you, but if you work with young amputees who are constantly growing and therefore accumulating prosthetic legs, Legs4Africa could be a great alternative to storing these outgrown prosthetics under beds and in attics.

Legs4Africa is a charity that has been set up to collect outgrown and unwanted prosthetic legs from donors in the UK and send them to Africa for amputees who are in need of a prosthetic leg. It started from just one random act of kindness by founder Tom Williams and has grown into a unique and worthwhile charity that repurposes prosthetic legs and sends them to be used by people who need them in Africa.

Young Ambassador One young ambassador, Euan Murray, is leading a campaign to encourage young people to donate their outgrown legs to this incredibly worthy cause. As we all know children grow like weeds and new prosthetic legs are required regularly to keep up with their

growth spurts. When Euan and his mum Amy discovered the charity a few years ago they were delighted to get involved to donate Euan’s outgrown prosthetic legs and they are one of the lucky few who have been able to track down where those legs have ended up.

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A little girl in Africa called Wudeh is just a few years younger than Euan and she lost her leg when a car ploughed into a restaurant she was in, sadly several of her family members were killed and Wudeh was incredibly lucky to survive. Thanks to one of Euan’s donated prosthetic legs Wudeh is now back at school, back playing with her friends and enjoying life the way a seven-year-old should be able to.

Euan commented: “I feel proud because I was once wearing these and now I’m giving them to people that really need them.”

Where it all began “In 2013 I took a trip to the Gambia, it was just a normal holiday for a week just to grab some sun. I didn’t really think much of it but I suppose I got more than I bargained for when I got out there because I met a really nice family who took me under their wing and really showed me what it’s like to be a Gambian.

“Having got quite close to the family during the course of the week, the father of the family was actually an amputee, he had lost one of his legs 12 months earlier to diabetes. I got to know him quite well and I could see that he was relying on everyone else in the family to support him and he had kind of lost hope, there was no chance for him to get a prosthetic leg in the Gambia and I suppose it kind of opened the window for me. This guy was in quite a desperate situation, he had lost quite a lot of his dignity, he had lost his independence. I had quite a lot of sympathy for the guy and when I left I said I would do my best to find him a prosthetic leg.

“He had already managed to get some measurements of his stump from the local hospital where they do have a prosthetic mobility centre but they are very limited in what they can provide because they are simply left with components to build prosthetic legs. I brought the basic notes back to the UK and spoke to some people. Although my background is not in healthcare or prosthetics, I actually got talking to a prosthetist from 60

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down in Portsmouth called Karl Ives and he is an amputee himself and when he heard that I was looking to help this guy in Africa he jumped on the opportunity and he built the leg at no cost to myself or anyone, he just did it off his own back. And within a couple of months I was back on a plane, without the family knowing that I was coming, I just remembered my way to their compound hut and just walked up one day holding this prosthetic leg.

“It was very emotional, he cried, I cried, there were quite a lot of tears but there was a lot of excitement as well and we probably had one of the best parties of my life that evening and it’s something that I will never forget.”

This first connection left its mark on Tom and when he journeyed back to the UK, his random act of kindness was picked up by the press and

before he knew it amputees from across the country were sending him their unwanted prosthetic legs to take to Africa. He discovered there was no other way for people to recycle their outgrown or unwanted prosthetic legs, and it was clear that individuals were delighted to finally have some way of repurposing them.

With some help from friends and family Tom managed to start Legs4Africa as a charity and today they work with over 20 hospitals in the UK who donate their returned prosthetic legs and they are contacted by many people throughout the country wishing to donate outgrown limbs.

If you work with any young amputees who are looking for a good cause to donate their unwanted prosthetic legs to simply visit legs4africa.org to find out more.

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CALIBRE

AUDIO LIBRARY

Calibre Audio Library brings the joy of audiobooks to those unable to read print because of sight problems, dyslexia or another disability that prevents them from holding a book.

This means people can read by listening to books, when this pleasure would otherwise be lost.

Audiobooks and wellbeing 1 Reading has many recognised health benefits; from reducing stress and helping to combat memory loss, to boosting mental health. Books provide companionship, adventure and pleasure, and audiobooks extend these benefits to include those who cannot read printed books.

2 Negative thoughts about a condition can effect a person’s overall wellbeing, with physical

problems leading to depression and anxiety. However, research has shown audiobooks can help counteract this and have a positive impact on mental health in the elderly (ref. ncbi.nlm.nih. gov).

3 It can be overwhelming learning to adjust to a disability and life’s simple pleasures, such as enjoying a good book, can seem out of reach. Calibre Audio Library bridges the gap to independence, allowing people with disabilities the opportunity to live a life filled with enjoyment, not just managing their condition.

“It is hard to express how grateful I am to Calibre for the contribution the audiobooks made to my mother’s quality of life; as she became increasingly immobile physically, she was able to travel mentally and intellectually as much as ever.

And as her memory began to suffer she simply listened to them over again.”

Calibre Audio Library 1 Calibre has around 11,000 audiobooks; all are unabridged, recorded by professionals and available for unlimited borrowing by our members. Books can be borrowed via our free postal service on MP3 CD and memory stick, streamed online or downloaded using Calibre’s free app. We also sell accessible memory stick players that are easy to use with simple controls.

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

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Kids

DIFFERENT IS AWESOME

A great children’s story about a young boy and his older brother who only has one hand, this brilliantly illustrated book is ideal for children with amputations or living with a family member who has one. It helps normalise it and allows children to see what you can do with an amputation. amazon.com 2

2-IN-1 FAMILY TOILET SEAT

For children learning to use the toilet, or those who are nervous when using the ‘grown-up’ toilet, a two-in-one seat can reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Attached to a normal toilet seat, it creates a smaller seat for small children to use, helping them support themselves. It is made of white plastic and is nonslip and secure.

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DURAGADGET COLOURFUL KID’S KEYBOARD

With keys double the size of a standard keyboard which are clear and bright, this keyboard enables easy identification and use for children or teenagers with additional needs or impaired vision. All keys are colour-coded to aid in recognition of vowels, consonants, numbers and function keys with the traditional UK layout. A USB or PS2 connector is required to connect easily to any computer. amazon.com

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CHILDRENS TRAVEL BIB

Parents of disabled children often have to carry a number of things with them when they leave home, so having a product that is as portable and convenient as possible is paramount. This travel bib folds into itself for easy transport and is ideal for children who need assistance eating. It also comes with a spoon that can be stored inside the zip pouch when not in use.

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CONVERSATION CUBES

These clever cubes come as a set of six and feature 36 different questions that help encourage children to speak out and engage in conversation in a fun and interesting way. They also encourage listening skills, help to build language and spark imagination among little ones.

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CONSTRUCTION PLATE AND UTENSILS

Encourage children to eat up all of their dinner with these great construction-inspired utensils and plate. Kids will love mealtimes using the bulldozer pusher, forklift, and front loader spoon to scoop up all of their dinner and they feature textured, easy-to-grip handles to aid grasp. uncommongoods.com

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CPD tips

My aim in this CPD column is to highlight the opportunities available for occupational therapists to take up advanced practitioner roles.

Formal qualification in the masters in advance practice is available at many universities across the country. These courses offer a range of professional and clinical modules to enhance practice skills and improve the evidence base for professional roles.

Words by Yvonne Thomas

Masters in advanced clinical practice are multidisciplinary programmes relevant to a wide variety of roles.

For some NHS staff, these courses are funded, however these courses are generally inexpensive and a good investment if you are looking to further your career. Gaining this qualification together with advanced practice experience in a range of clinical specialist, generalist and leadership roles will provide recognition of advanced practice status and opportunities for employment in advanced clinical roles.

Health Education England (HEE) defines advanced clinical practice as characterised by a “high degree of autonomy and complex decision making� and the ability to manage complex clinical care in partnership with individuals, families and carers.

Masters level qualifications underpin ACP recognition and encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research. The multi-professional framework for advanced clinical practice in England (HEE 2017) sets out the educational standards and principles for developing advanced clinical practice roles in England.

Outside the NHS, OTs frequently take on advanced practice roles, as private practitioners and case managers.

OTs are clearly recognised for their expertise in providing expert advice and interventions to people who

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If this document is in any way symbolic of the level of recognition of our professions advanced practitioner’s roles, I am sorry to say but I think our particular contribution to the future plan may have been somewhat overlooked. have complex life situations. Indeed it is in dealing with complexity and co-morbidity that our profession excels. We can work with people holistically, in person-centred ways that truly responds to the physical, psychological, social and emotional needs of individuals. In these roles we can work to improve the function and quality of life of individuals by addressing the individual, the family or community as well as the environmental barriers that inhibit meaningful occupational lives.

Within the NHS service there are undoubtedly increasing opportunities for OTs to work in advance practitioner roles providing frontline services that ensure that our clients get the highest quality of provision at the earliest opportunity.

Or are there? While I am keen to promote individuals to enrol in further education and in particular to explore the masters of advanced practice as a means to achieve both qualification and recognition, I am increasingly concerned that the role of advance practitioner in OT is yet to be properly recognised.

The NHS Long Term Plan (2019) sets out the way in which health in the UK will be delivered in the next five years, with a specific goal to provide a service model that ensures “patients get more options, better support and properly joined up care at the right time in optimal care settings.” The strategy to achieve this is based on increasing investment in community and primary medical services to support people in their own homes and avoid hospitalisation. In addition to enhancing partnerships with social care to speed up discharges from hospital for people with major trauma, stroke and other conditions, there is a commitment to preventative interventions with specific mention of people with long term mental health problems, people with

learning disabilities or autism, people experiencing homelessness, and on helping people with severe mental illness to engage in employment.

Given the aims of this plan, it was somewhat surprising to note that there is no specific mention to OT in the Long term Plan. Reassuringly, 16 references to Allied Health Professionals implies that OTs are included. The long term plan identifies clear roles in expanded neighbourhood teams, where health professionals, GPs, the social care and voluntary sector will provide enhanced services, further supporting the local Sustainability and Transformation Plan’s (STPs).

Increasing the numbers of AHPs through education is seen as part of the remedy to meet growing demand and improve patient flow by increasing the focus of an integrated care system. The Chief Allied Health Professions Officer has overall responsibility to further develop the AHP role through the national AHP strategy-AHPs into action.

I am not sure whether the specific mention of OTs in the NHS plan is necessarily an issue that the profession should be concerned about, although it does raise some important questions. One that should be addressed urgently by the profession is what OT advance clinical roles are recognised by local, national and indeed professional governing bodies? If this document is in any way symbolic of the level of recognition of our professions advanced practitioner’s roles, I am sorry to say but I think our particular contribution to the future plan may have been somewhat overlooked.

Am I becoming professionally paranoid, you may be wondering?

Afterall, we know there are many OTs working in advanced roles and gaining specialist qualifications. There is no debate that OTs have a unique set

Heading here

of skills and knowledge that enable us to work in the broadest range of services, with people from across the life span and with almost any number of complex conditions or indeed with those that have no diagnosis. Surely we could not be overlooked as a vital part of the future health system?

Further investigation of the Long Term Plan shows of all the professions, GPs and nurses feature most, with 31 and 29 references respectively, with an emphasis on increasing and training the nursing workforce to work effectively within GP practices.

However pharmacists are mentioned 16 times, physiotherapists seven, paramedics five, radiographers, podiatrists and speech and language therapists are each mentioned twice and chiropodists and dentists are mentioned once. It is interesting to note then that along with OT, social workers are not mentioned at all.

So what can we do about it? I believe many more OTs must become advanced practitioners if we want OTs to be recognised as important contributors to neighbourhood networks and integrated teams.

Completing the masters of advanced practice is the recognised route for other professions and if there were more OTs and other AHPs on these courses, there would almost certainly be greater recognitions of our advanced practitioner potential. At the same time we need to become more visible and noisy about our advance practice skills and what they will achieve for our communities.

Especially at a time when people are living in the community with increasingly complex combinations of conditions and occupational needs.

So this is not only a call for more OTs to enrol in masters of advanced clinical practice as part of their CPD, this is also a heartfelt call for the profession as a whole to become more vocal about the importance of advanced practitioner OT roles across a broad range of practice areas that meet the identified needs of our future health service.

Acknowledgement; Thank you to Jenny Raven, an OT and recent graduate of the masters in advancing practice at University of Worcester who helped me write this article.

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new

WALK THE WALK Paris-based start-up Wandercraft have been showing off the incredible prototype of their exoskeleton Atalante, designed to help get patients walking again.

If you passed on the European Neuro Convention in March, maybe to attend Naidex instead, you may have missed a cool and promising new product from French start-up Wandercraft.

The firm have developed a pioneering new exoskeleton named Atalante, which is hands-free and doesn’t need to be used in tandem with crutches, allowing it to be used in a natural and unobtrusive manor. The aim of Atalante is to assist healthcare professionals who work in rehabilitation who are helping individuals who live with reduced mobility.

The exoskeleton was designed with assistance from a number of noted academic facilities which study and recreate humanoid walking skills in robotics, including the University of Michigan and Caltech in the United States, and MinesParisTech and CNRS-LAAS in France, and their research is guided by a team of physicians who consult in both the clinical and technical aspects of the Atalante.

What makes Atalante different is that it doesn’t rely on the user to control its balance. Rather, the Atalante makes use of a disruptive technological advantage in the algorithms of dynamic robots to control its own balance – in layman’s terms, the user doesn’t need to worry about controlling the balance of the Atalante, because the exoskeleton itself monitors and corrects it.

The user doesn’t need to worry about controlling the balance of the Atalante, because the exoskeleton itself monitors and corrects it

Immitating the human gait is a deeply difficult task, but Wandercraft states that it’s the first company who have ever mastered the algorithms which recreate the 12 degrees of freedom seen within the human walking motions.

This allows the patient using it to experience the full gamut of regular walking positions without assistance from crutches or walking aids except the exoskeleton.

According to Wandercraft, the Atalante addresses the need held by thousands of rehabilitation centres worldwide to assist patients who may be relearning to walk after a stroke, for example. By helping a person with impaired mobility to stand naturally and walk without crutches, it forms an integral part of both physical therapy and confidence boosting in the patient. The Atalante also helps users who may need to relearn

their walking gait and path do just that, in a natural and controlled way.

Matthieu Masselin, president and co-founder of Wandercraft said: “We are proud to have built a fantastic team that works around the clock around one mission: bring autonomy to wheelchair users. We owe it to the patients and the therapists that have joined us for seven years! Together, we developed an innovative solution on the leading edge of robotics and medicine.”

Wandercraft’s cutting edge robotics will soon be available to rehabilitation centres while the company continue work on the personal model of the exoskeleton.

They are also planning a children’s version of the Atalante in the future.

Visit wandercraft.eu for more information.

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Priory Group is now the leading independent provider for behavioural care in the UK. We are recruiting now for:

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Lead Occupational Therapist

What we can offer you:

Priory Hospital Burgess Hill is recruiting now for a Lead Occupational Therapist with proven experience working within a Mental Health setting. The Hospital is located in beautiful West Sussex with easy access to London and Brighton with on-site parking, meals provided whilst working, free use of our onsite gym. What's not to like?

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You will work alongside our multi-disciplinary team to provide our patients with the highest quality of care. We offer a comprehensive orientation and training programme to equip you will the knowledge and skills required.

We don't just talk about putting employees first. We know that Priory wouldn't exist without their combined energy, expertise and effort. So, not only do we offer a fantastic rewards and benefits package, we invest heavily in training and development through our Career Pathways Programme, provide first-class support,

• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays at commence of employment • Free car parking on site • A Group Personal Pension Plan (GPPP) • Private Medical • Great opportunities to develop and for CPD • Employee Assistance Programme • Flexible benefits (including preferential rates and access to schemes such as gym membership, IT, private healthcare, Shopping discounts) • Plus much more!

If you want to make a difference to someone's life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, text PRIORY BURG to 66777 or to apply, visit jobs.priorygroup.com/vacancies and search ‘Burgess Hill'. (Texts are charged at your standard network rate)

Event Benefits

EVENTFever Making the most of the exhibitions and events on offer this year.

Throughout the UK there are an abundance of events, exhibitions and conferences that take place during the course of the year. From small meetings specifically for OTs to attend, to large-scale exhibitions that incorporate seminars and workshops and a huge range of independent living products and services.

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Discovering Innovations Exhibitions dedicated to independent living are held throughout the UK so you can generally find one that is not too far from wherever you are based. There are specific shows like The OT Show and the OTAC events which are specifically for occupational therapists and offer great opportunities to discover products and services on offer.

However, there are a multitude of independent living shows that cater for disabled people and healthcare professionals alike, and here you can spend your time discovering products and daily living aids, as well as learning about accessible holiday companies, sports initiatives, children’s products and much more.

Exhibitions are fantastic places to add to your CPD, many offer CPD-accredited seminars and workshops, and it is great to have the chance to talk to the companies that are displaying products to get demonstrations and find out more about how they can help your patients.

Networking Events and exhibitions offer great networking opportunities. The OT Show hosts the largest number of OTs under one roof in November each year and this creative and inspiring environment is the perfect place to meet like-minded OTs, to share thoughts and ideas, and to discover innovative practices and projects that are going on in the profession. Attending seminars and lectures on different areas of OT can reignite your passion for the profession and even motivate you to take up your own research or look into a new service or project that could benefit your patients.

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Recognition The OT Show Awards are celebrated at the show every year and they recognise OTs who have gone over and above in their role. This is a great platform to be recognised on for your hard work, dedication and innovative practice, it comes with a monetary prize to be used on CPD opportunities and it will get your name out there for all the right reasons.

The OT Show also run OT of the Month where you can nominate a colleague for their efforts and unwavering dedication to the OT profession, you can enter at theotshow.com or through their Facebook page.

Make sure you make the most of the events you attend this year by gaining CPD, finding out about new products and services available and networking with your peers, you never know what doors these events may open for your career.

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Independent OT

ROADTO INDEPENDENCE THE

Keeley Varey shares her reasoning behind becoming an independent OT straight after completing her university degree in occupational therapy.

Occupational therapy struck a chord with me. I needed to act, to change to make life better and increase my personal health and wellbeing and to adapt using the skills that I already had. This is what we as OTs do - we ask people what they want and what they need to improve their lives and their wellbeing, find out their backgrounds and what skills they have and help them adapt to reach their goals. I wanted to be part of this world as I felt I understood it. It was important to me.

hours each wee y t r ken thi k dw r hen you are o w f l hi w als tse o i o wo in week at a pla r lt u ce ho m ty

Ih a dif d t cu

To understand why I decided to become an independent OT, it is important to understand my background. I worked in central London for a private bank whilst working at the weekends as a community-based senior carer.

Whilst sat at my desk one day, I decided to look up courses which related to healthcare and I started reading about occupational therapy.

I knew straight away that this was for me. When I told people that I was giving up a good job in the City most replied asking why I would want a job in human resources and one member of my family thought I was going to be a doctor!

s wa ch ng i rk t en

a f or

As I left university, the majority of my peers had decided that rotations or positions where they work closely with an experienced OT would be beneficial for them. However, I decided to take an alternative route and become an independent OT. I have often been asked why I decided to do this rather than having the constant support of an OT team.

These questions and concerns were not just by my OT peers but also by others who feel that I jumped too soon without fully understanding my reasoning.

As a mature student with a mortgage, the course was a lot tougher than I had expected. I had to work thirty hours each weekend which was difficult in itself when you are also working a forty-hour week at a placement. I obtained a 2.1 BA Honours in Media Writing six years previously so I was not worried about the studying initially however; the differences between what was expected in my first degree compared to the OT degree were overwhelming at times.

With just a few months left of my degree and with the added pressure of my peers already securing jobs, I felt that it was time to focus my job

hunt. With previous experience in working with people with learning disabilities and a new-found love of OT within a mental health setting, I decided that LD was where I wanted to be and I managed to find a position as an independent OT working with those with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour on an assessment and treatment unit.

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Heading here

I was not actively looking for a position as an independent OT however, as the opportunity had arisen, it seemed foolish to turn it down. Whilst at university, I had opted to complete a role emerging placement offering occupational therapy to students who had mental health problems and were seeking some guidance with their health and wellbeing. Based on research I have conducted, I understand that this is not a necessity for all students but with the opportunities within OT being so vast, I would always suggest that students complete a role emerging placement. Be brave, it really is worth it!

Being an independent OT is amazing – it allows me to organise my own diary and has allowed me to build my skills quickly as I am having to make a lot of the clinical decisions by myself. I am constantly reflecting in practice, wondering if I could have changed something or amended something which could have improved someone’s quality of life.

This just pushes me to be a better OT. I personally feel that I would have relied too much on others should I have been in an OT team and not challenged myself, so being independent was the best option for me.

There are obviously challenges which come with being a lone OT. One of which was ensuring that I had role identity. However, this in itself has allowed me to develop the service on the ward showing people what an OT can achieve and how it is achieved. Another challenge is not having OTs to speak to on a daily basis which means there is a heavy reliance on supervisions and

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supervisors. This has almost forced me to complete evidenced-based practice within my role which has vastly improved my knowledge.

Due to the area of work I am in, I get to see a patient at the beginning of their journey and follow the OT process right through to discharge.

I can celebrate their goals and achievements with them – these are my ‘moments of magic’ and push me to continue my career as an OT.

I would always suggest that students complete a role emerging placement. Be brave, it really is worth it!

When thinking about becoming an independent OT – it is important to think about your personality. You have to be strong, confident and brave in relation to your decisions, the families you work with and the team you work alongside. If we youask people what they want and what they need to improve have these attributes, then a career their lives and their wellbeing, find out their and what skills they have and help them as an independent OT couldbackgrounds be adapt to reach their goals. the path for you. The opportunities are vast with regards to working with patients, service development, working with families and career development. I have recently secured a band 6 position which I do not think I would have achieved after only six months of being qualified without being an independent OT.

Elderly man

Wheelchair woman

Occupational therapists

AKW Trade Counter

4

6

Paul gets everything he needs in one order from AKW

Stan’s bathroom is completed on time. Stan and Joy are very happy

2 Joy, Stan’s OT, helps him decide what he wants

AKW Builder

3 Occupational therapists

Wheelchair woman

Elderly man

Both Stan and Alison would like their bathrooms adapted

Paul chooses from over 4000 products which are in stock at AKW

non-AKW Builder

3

Wheelchair woman

Elderly man

5

AKW Trade Counter

Paul, Stan’s builder, uses one supplier, AKW

1

ONE STOCK

Occupational therapists

Mike, Alison’s builder uses multiple suppliers

5 MULTIPLE SUPPLIERS

AKW Trade Counter

Mike gets stressed driving around trying to find compatible care products

AKW Van

2

namow riahcleehW

lanoitapuccO

nd Save arou job £100 per g when usin AKW One

Ben, Alison’s OT, helps her decide what she nam ylrewants dlE AKW Builder

4

6

Mike wastes time looking for products from multiple suppliers

Alison’s bathroom is still not finished. Alison and Ben are very unhappy

AKW Builder

You can now specify everything you need to complete your bathroom and kitchen adaptations from AKW One. non-AKW Builder

AKW One. The only supplier you need.

01905 823 274 marketing@akw-ltd.co.uk otmag.akwone.co.uk

non-AKW Builder AKW Van

Delegates receive FREE lunch and Refreshments at OTAC

Visit the Handicare Moving & Handling Theatre at OTAC events in 2019

Proudly Sponsored by AKW Van

Handicare’s National Patient Handling Advisor, Mark Ripley RGN, will be presenting two Ethos Education workshops in the dedicated ‘Handicare Moving & Handling Theatre’ at OTAC events during 2019.

OTAC Events 2019 • Cambridge

Wednesday 12th June

• Reading

Wednesday 10th July

• Southampton

Wednesday 11th September

• Newcastle

Tuesday 22th October

• Kent

Wednesday 6th November

• Cardiff

Wednesday 4th December

Media Partners

naV WKA

10:00 – 11:00 In Bed Management

14:30 – 15:30 The small things

After completing this CPD accredited workshop, participants will be able to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the management of an individual in bed. With a focus on ‘Single Handed Care’, this workshop will include best practice whilst looking at posture and positioning when profiling / sitting up in bed, moving across and up the bed and turning and repositioning an individual in bed. From activating and enabling the more independent individual to solutions for the more passive person, participants will gain an understanding of a range of equipment and solutions that will assist healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care that their patients receive.

This workshop will examine several moving and handling tasks and, how if we make subtle technique changes or introduce small items of equipment, we can reduce the effort required to complete the task - increasing an individual’s confidence and giving them a sense of achievement.

It is often the small things we do that can significantly assist with an individual’s enablement - enabling them to become more independent and potentially having a substantial impact on ‘Single Handed Care’.

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

www.otac.org.uk

Kidz to Adultz Exhibitions One of the largest FREE UK events supporting children & young adults up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and the professionals who support them.

Kidz to Adultz South Thursday 16th May Farnborough Exhibition & Conference Centre FARNBOROUGH Kidz to Adultz Wales & West Thursday 4th July Thornbury Leisure Centre Bristol Kidz to Adultz North Thursday 14th November EventCity Manchester

165+ Exhibitors

Free CPD Seminars

Children Welcome

Register online for your FREE entry ticket - www.kidzexhibitions.co.uk Tel: 0161 607 8200 Email: info@disabledliving.co.uk #kidztoadultz

PMG Conference 2019 15th - 17th July 2019 The International Centre, Telford The leading UK event for professionals working in the field of posture and wheeled mobility.

Prices start from ÂŁ160 + VAT; exhibition only from ÂŁ35 + VAT. pmguk.co.uk/conference

conference@pmguk.co.uk

@PostureMob

Yourevents

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

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

12 JUNE/10 JULY

15-17 JULY

OTAC Cambridge/Reading

PMG Annual Conference

Hallmark Hotel/Hilton Hotel The UK’s only free Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibitions.

At each event you will find expert seminars and exhibitors specialising in home adaptations and equipment and invaluable CPD opportunities. www.otac.org.uk 17-18 JUNE

RCOT Annual Conference IIC Birmingham 8-9 MAY

COPA Series ExCel, London Europe’s leading event for rehabilitation professionals to grow your practice and expand your professional knowledge.

The free event for OTs, physios, chiros, osteos, podiatrists and physical therapists. copashow.co.uk

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference is one of the flagship shows of the year with CPD training, research and development, alongside celebrating successes within the profession. rcotannualconference.org.uk

16 MAY/4 JULY

Kidz to Adultz South/Wales and West Farnborough International, Farnborough/Thornbury Leisure Centre, Bristol Free exhibition dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and all the professionals who support them, with over 100 exhibitors and ten free CPD seminars. kidzexhibitions.co.uk/kidz-south

26-27 JUNE

Health+Care Show ExCel, London Free-to-attend Health+Care focuses on the delivery of cultural, service, system and digital transformation that’s essential to securing the future of health and social care systems, bringing together colleagues from across the NHS, local government, care homes. healthpluscare.co.uk

The International Centre, Telford PMG’s annual conference provides an educational programme, industry exhibition and networking events for professionals working in the field of posture and wheeled mobility. The event focuses on the posture and mobility needs of wheelchair users and is beneficial for all professionals working in this field. pmguk.co.uk/conference 7-8 AUGUST

Moving & Handling People 2019 De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor The DLF celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019 and their 25th Moving & Handling People conference. All delegates attend all the keynote talks, four theatre-style seminars and four practical hands-on workshops across two full days of CPDaccredited content. training.dlf.org.uk 25 SEPTEMBER

RISE 4 Disability Kent Event Centre RISE events combine more than 100 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of innovative disability products, services, activities and advice with the RISE Ability Theatre delivering key topics from leading speakers. rise4disability.com -magazine.co.uk

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CPD

BLOG ON The internet is awash with bloggers detailing their passions of everything from their favourite football club to their top makeup hacks. You can’t move in the digital world without happening on someone’s little corner of the web where they journal their thoughts, stories, tips or ideas.

It’s not just millennials either, everyone is getting in on the act.

There’s a place in the internet for everyone (whether we like that or not). While many roll their eyes at the thought of blogging or dismiss curators as just attention seeking youngster with too much to say, have you ever considered how a blog could benefit you professionally as an occupational therapist?

A blog can be whatever you make of it, so why not use it as a fun, colourful or interactive way of ensuring you are working on your CPD? Utilising a blog opens a whole host of possibilities professionally.

Blogs are easy to set up and maintain, and can be as all singing and dancing, or minimalist as you like.

Recording your experiences and thoughts is part and parcel of the CPD experience, and by posting it publicly, you could help another occupational therapist undergoing the same task. Sharing knowledge is a cornerstone of occupational therapy practice and CPD, so why not cast your net wide and share your wisdom with your colleagues? By engaging with a blog, it also shows your willingness to put care and effort into your recordings. Your pride in your work will be highlighted in your decision to publish it and show further effort has 78

-magazine.co.uk

… have you ever considered how a blog could benefit you professionally as an occupational therapist?

been made in your CPD reflections.

Moreover, the added workload shows a great willingness to immerse yourself in your CPD and take great time and care collating your thoughts and experiences.

There is an ever-widening community of bloggers who discuss their findings, posts and other thoughts meaning there is a whole new network of colleagues you could tap into. Engage and interact with other bloggers and get the discussion growing. You never know who else might be looking into the same things as you, or how someone from a complete other sector could actually help you out.

The reflective nature of blogging goes hand in hand with CPD. Blogging is expressive and a narration of the writer’s experience. And by writing for an audience, you naturally become more expressive and detailed. You divulge more and write a more honest and colourful account of the work you have undertaken. Blogging adds an almost human element to your writing

– while you will probably retain a mostly academic tone, your pieces will hold a slight conversational edge, as if you were delivering it to someone in person or as a lecture.

Studies support the idea that blogging can assist in CPD. Academics have suggested that the act of blogging facilitates the CPD process, from the initial event, to the learning as it happens, to the reflection, and then the outcomes.

The planning put into building a blog, and then collating posts, is a careful process. Why not try it yourself and see how it can help your CPD?

Academics have suggested that the act of blogging facilitates the CPD process

CPD

TOP OT BLOGS FOR INSPIRATION

otpotential.com

theottoolbox.com

geekyot.com

abbype diatrico t.blogsp ot.com m press.co d r o .w t o gottabe -magazine.co.uk

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#RandHCS

BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR CARE SECURE YOUR FULLY SUBSIDISED PASS TODAY BY VISITING:

RESIDENTIALANDHOMECARESHOW.CO.UK

Keynote Speakers Include:

Debbie Westhead Interim Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care CQC

Part of:

David Holmes Chairman Ashcroft Care Services

PART

Paul Hayes Chief Commercial Officer Four Seasons Healthcare

Mike Smith Managing Director Trinity Homecare

Michael Hodges Director & Head of Consultancy Christie & Co

26 - 27 JUNE 2019 + ExCeL LONDON

The Residential & Home Care Show is run in association with:

Education partner:

Organised by:

PART OF:

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Innervate Ltd has been working in partnership with health professionals to develop innovative health and medical information and educational resources for nearly 20 years. Our objective is to stimulate creative thinking to encourage a partnership approach between health professionals and the public. We are proud to support the work of the Primary care and the Community Neurology Society, Community Therapists Network and the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Here are just some events we have either created in partnership or are supporting:

Managing Complex Neuro Conditions in the Community, 25th June, Birmingham

British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, 3rd Annual Lifestyle Medicine Conference 2019 Science & Art of Healthy Longevity 20th and 21st June, Cardiff

The work of these organisations and further details of these events, including online booking, can be found at: www.bslm.org.uk, www.p-cns.org.uk & www.communitytherapy.org.uk information about Innervate Ltd can be found at www.innervate.co.uk

Not All People Handling Training Providers Are The Same

Successful completion of the EDGE People or Children Handling and Risk Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate courses will provide delegates with the up to date skills, knowledge and tools to teach others in safer people or children handling skills and to conduct moving and handling risk assessments.

• Healthcare Professionals All EDGE Services Trainers are nurses, occupational therapists or physiotherapists with at least ten years clinical experience and at least ten years training experience in this field.

• Fully Accredited All our People and Children Handling Key Trainer’s certificate courses are accredited to Level 4 or above, are clinically endorsed and are officially recognised for providing continuing professional development.

All EDGE Key Trainer events comply with the following professional training standards; • The National Back Exchange Training Standards (2010) • The All Wales NHS Manual Handling Training Passport and Information Scheme (2010) • The Scottish Manual Handling Passport Scheme (2014).

Please contact our friendly office team to discuss your training requirements in more detail.

• On-line Resources and E-Learning Module Our training is supported by an extensive and informative on-line resources library and a user-friendly e-learning module designed for front-line staff.

EDGE services 01904 677853 enquiries@edgeservices.co.uk

Level 4 Award

edgeservices.co.uk

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