The OT Magazine – Jan / Feb 2022

KNOW OUR NEWEST COLUMNISTS FROM THE ABLEOTUK TEAM

OT EMILY SCOTT EXPLORES THE IMPACT OF OCAIRS WITHIN THE SETTING

THE “I” WORD 27 50 50

THE TEAM

EDITOR ROSALIND TULLOCH ASSISTANT EDITOR KATIE CAMPBELL DESIGNER

FIONNLAGH BALLANTINE PRODUCTION

DONNA DEAKIN

CONTRIBUTORS

Kate Sheehan, AbleOTUK, Emily Scott, Sandy Walsh, Alice Hortop, Jonathan Fisher, Esther Hepple

TOUCH

2A Publishing, 20-23 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QL 0141 465 2960 OT-Magazine.co.uk The OT Magazine @OT_Magazine @TheOTMagazine Enquiries@2APublishing.co.uk

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 2023 © 2A Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. ISSN-2056-7146

elcome to the 50th issue of The OT Magazine! To celebrate this milestone we have given the magazine a new look for 2023, and we hope you will agree that it looks sleek, modern and reflective of the incredible OTs that read and contribute to it.

We have some more exciting news to start this year, too. The team at AbleOTUK have come on board as our newest regular columnists. Each issue this year will include an article from AbleOTUK, tackling topics that relate to the disabled OT community and educate the wider community as a whole. Meet the founding members of AbleOTUK on page 14 and find out more about the work this amazing group does.

Alice Hortop explores the meaning of the word “independence” in a personal and thought-provoking article on page 27. We hear from Emily Scott, an OT working in perinatal mental health, who is using the OCAIRS assessment tool in her practice on page 22, and we look at a health and fitness app that has been

designed for and by disabled people on page 48.

We also explore the value of spoon theory on page 46, looking at where the term came from, and how it can help people living with chronic illness to explain to others how they are affected by an energy-limiting condition.

We hope you enjoy the 50th issue of The OT Magazine, as always if you would like to share your work please send us an email to Ros@2APublishing.co.uk

The OT Magazine, Editor

FIVE-OH

in Sheffield City Council

Wiltshire Farm Foods is part of the apetito family, providers of award-winning meals to hospitals.

WHAT’S NEW

INHS LANARKSHIRE TO PROVIDE PRIMARY CARE OT SERVICE

NHS Lanarkshire is to become one of the first health boards in Scotland to include occupational therapists in local GP practices after a series of trials throughout Bellshill and Hamilton.

Once recruitment finishes, the health board will begin placing OTs in primary health settings in spring, with the aim of ensuring all local GP practices have access to an OT by the summer.

Dr Mark Russell, medical director of the South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “This is a great investment in primary care and a real benefit for the people of Lanarkshire. This work is part of the implementation of the national GP contract, which aims to refocus the role of the GP and allow them to focus on more complex care.

“Some tasks previously carried out by a GP, will now be carried out by other members of the wider primary care multidisciplinary team (including occupational therapists) – where it is safe, appropriate and improves patient care.”

Janice McClymont, head of NHS

Lanarkshire Occupational Therapy Profession, said: “Early access to primary care occupational therapy services can support people to enhance their personal level of independence, and enable them to live their best lives before their condition becomes chronic or longterm in nature.

“Occupational therapists can assess the impact of both mental and physical health conditions on a person. They see beyond diagnoses and limitations to hopes and aspirations, and they look at the relationships between daily activities or ‘occupations’, alongside the challenges individuals are experiencing, and the environment in which people live and work. By recommending practical and realistic adjustments tailored to each person’s needs, occupational therapists can help people to make positive changes to maximise their potential in everyday life.”

Dr Tyra Smyth, secretary of the Lanarkshire GP Sub-committee, said: “I’ve seen first-hand the benefit of occupational therapy support in practices. This is a really positive step for practices in Lanarkshire. GP workload is reduced by providing the holistic care, support and empowerment that helps people transition back from being patients, into people.”

OTS TACKLING INEQUALITY IN SPORT

Sport for Confidence CIC is leading the way in providing inclusive environments that encourage disabled people and carers to engage in sports and physical activity.

Sport for Confidence has a network of 12 community venues across Essex and London, and their team of occupational therapists use their unique skills to tackle inactivity and engage people in sports.

Jake Turner, operations director for Sport for Confidence, commented on the success that they are seeing in engaging previously disengaged groups in sport and physical activity:

“Our team of occupational therapists take a holistic approach in understanding the relationship between the person, environment and activity which then supports people to reach personal goals and removes barriers to tackling inactivity. Our model of practice sees beyond diagnoses and limitations, focusing instead on hopes and aspirations. Our team looks at the relationship between everyday activities– occupations – alongside the challenges faced and the environment. Delivering this support in a mainstream environment in partnership with the leisure centre workforce can make a real difference, giving people a renewed sense of purpose and belonging, opening up new horizons, changing the way they feel about the future and providing a safe place for people to return – sport and physical activity used therapeutically and meaningfully.

“Now more than ever, we need to support the NHS and health and social care sector by encouraging the use of meaningful physical activity in supportive and safe environments which will combat rising waiting lists and pressure on primary and secondary services. Our team builds positive and healthy relationships with participants. Working together they build plans which support the individual in their pursuit of happiness, health and fulfilment.”

MICROSOFT ADDS SIGN LANGUAGE VIEW TO TEAMS

Microsoft has added a new accessibility feature to their popular video calling platform Teams, which will now offer support for a new sign language view.

Developed by their accessibility team using feedback from their community, the new viewing option will ensure that users who have the option enabled remains in the centre of the program and is viewed at the highest possible resolution. The option also allows the user to pin other people present in the call without their video

taking priority over the sign language view.

The option removes the need for users to pin the sign language view or turn on captions at the beginning of each meeting, with these preferences being remembered by the program upon startup to save the user the need to constantly have to enable them.

The feature is currently being rolled out, with further improvements based upon community feedback - such as increasing the limits on the number of spotlit video feeds - will be added in the near future.

BUSIEST OT SHOW TO DATE

November 2022 saw the biggest ever Occupational Therapy Show take place at the NEC, Birmingham.

The team from The OT Magazine were delighted to be part of the exhibition floor, which boasted over 180 exhibitors. Being a part of the OT Show is an important date in our diary every year, and 2022 was an outstanding collaboration of OTs coming together to network, learn, and knowledge share.

We were lucky to meet many of you over the two days of the event and want to thank each of you for coming over to our stand to discuss your role, to sign up to the magazine, and to talk about getting involved. If you missed us at the show, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at Ros@2APublishing.co.uk to talk about getting involved.

We look forward to meeting you all again at the next OT Show on 22-23 November this year.

RCOT JOINS CALLS FOR NATIONAL REHABILITATION WORKFORCE PLAN

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has jointly written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, with over 30 other members of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance to discuss the government’s need to invest in the rehab workforce.

The letter draws attention to how the inclusion of the Alliance’s workforce can help “tackle patient flow and the elective backlog - reducing the revolving door into GP, A&E and social care services, and getting the nation back to work.”

Karin Orman, RCOT’s Director of Practice and Innovation said: ‘We

know the pressures that face the rehabilitation workforce all too well.

Our survey of over 500 occupational therapists working in rehab earlier this year gave us a worrying insight, with 82% of respondents reporting an increase in demand for their support and over 70% of our rehab worker respondents indicating that their teams were not sufficiently resourced to meet demand.

‘We need a workforce plan for rehabilitation that can increase staffing levels and ease the pressure on an exhausted workforce.

Occupational therapists working, not only in the NHS but also in social care, are vital in getting people out of acute settings and supporting people in their communities. Safe staffing levels are therefore essential to provide effective and timely rehabilitation to those that need it.’

AMAZON LAUNCHES ALEXA FOR “SENIOR

LIVING”

Amazon has launched a new version of its popular Alexa smart technology range designed specifically for older people and people living in care home settings, which aims to enable easier communication with family, friends and carers.

The Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living is designed with the needs of older people in mind and is designed to be integrated into residential settings to enable easy-to-use smart home technology that can control the space around them using their voices to issue commands, like lowering blinds or adjusting the thermostat, and connecting to care staff or family members via video call.

“We believe the intuitive and accessible nature of voice and Alexa has the potential to help and delight customers in many scenarios, in and outside of the home,” said Meryem Tom, Amazon’s Alexa Enterprise EU director. “We’re excited to extend the experiences that customers already love to European care homes and assisted living facilities, and give providers new ways to support their staff while delivering personalised care for their residents.”

Martin Green, CEO of Care England, commented: “We in the care sector need to invest resources in innovation in order to provide the best possible experience for residents and to thrive in the current environment where our clients demand the best service possible.

“Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living reminds us all that it doesn’t matter what age you are, voice technology is a powerful, easy-to-use tool. There is so much potential to integrate Alexa Smart Properties for Senior Living with property services, care planning and other care and operational systems that it could revolutionise how care providers provide best quality care.”

THE BIG FIVE-OH

Looking back on fifty issues of The OT Magazine

Our first issue of a brand new year and we’ve already hit a tremendous milestone! In fifty issues of The OT Magazine, we’ve had the privilege of bringing some truly phenomenal projects, stories and insight from occupational therapists from around the world to our readers. We couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished, or the support we’ve received from our phenomenal readership, so come with us on a trip down memory lane to revisit the issues that shaped us.

ISSUE 1 (NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2014)

There’s no better place to start than at the beginning: this first issue of The OT Magazine saw the very first column from Kate Sheehan, who we’re very grateful and proud to say has been with us since the magazine’s inception!

ISSUE 34 (MAY/JUNE 2020)

Written early in the pandemic, this issue includes a phenomenal article from OT Chloe Kitto, who lead a team of AHPs at the Nightingale Hospital in London that aimed to support its staff with what they called “psychological

OCTOBER 2017)

This issue highlighted how we as an editorial team are never ones to shy away from difficult topics with our cover story on PTSD, and an exploration into the condition, as well as the OT’s role in supporting people living with PTSD.

DECEMBER 2017)

Featuring one of our most stunning and recognisable covers, this issue celebrated the profession’s centenary, and explored the humble beginnings of occupational therapy, as well as RCOT being given permission by Queen Elizabeth to become a Royal College.

ISSUE 24 (SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2018)

In this issue, we explored the world of cannabis-derived medications and their uses (making for a really cool cover), and interviewed OT Jo Southall about how her lived experience with a rare condition informs her fantastic work as an occupational therapist.

New year, new look, same passion for occupational therapy. We chose a gold phoenix for the cover of this issue to capture a concept close to OTs’ hearts: the concept of renewal, rebirth, and regeneration.

Whatisapressuresore?

PatientA

TheCaribbeanTurningBedhasliterallytransformedour lives.Previouslyweweregettingupmultipletimesduring thenighttore-positionhim,andthatwasseverely impactingbothhisandourwellbeing.Fromthefirsttime hesleptintheCaribbean,hesleptallnightwithno requeststobemoved,andhascontinuedtodoso. It'sgivenhimsomeindependencebackintermsofbeing

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

THE IMPACT OF EQUIPMENT PROVISION

Do we consider the psychological impact of equipment provision on our clients?

As therapists, we are often in the position of recommending equipment to enable people to participate in the activities they choose to do that add meaning and purpose to their lives. However, when discussing potential equipment do we ever ask, “how do you feel about having this equipment in your home or on your person”, or “how do you feel about using this equipment?” It is critical that we discuss the psychological impact that equipment provision can have on our clients, as it can have a significant impact on its acceptance and use.

This has never been so evident to me than in a recent personal experience: after a number of conversations over a few years, my husband told me I never listened to him. As you can imagine there were counter-arguments that it could be the other

way around as well as the fact that he had a family history of hearing loss. He went off to be checked, returning with a gleeful look in his eyes and stating his hearing was absolutely perfect.

After a lot of badgering, I went to have my own

hearing checked and was informed I had significant to profound hearing loss in both ears, and that I would need to wear hearing aids from now on to enable me to hear much better and to reduce any further loss. How did I feel when the audiologist told me? The shock of discovering I would need to use equipment was massive, and I left the hearing aid test centre quite distressed, and if I am completely honest, tearful.

Upon returning home, I realised that delivering messages about needing to use equipment can cause anxiety and distress, and we need to be open about how they feel and acknowledge that change. Acceptance can have a huge psychological impact on a person’s own wellbeing.

The audiologist recognised my distress, disbelief and amazement, and called me later that day to make sure I was okay, inviting me in to discuss my hearing loss further and the options available to me. I am now the proud owner of two hearing aids and am having them slowly increased in volume so my brain can adjust to the changes. It’s

been a revelation to discover how much I was missing: I can now hear the birds singing and my husband’s mumbling, both of which are a huge joy. I will be able to switch them on and off with an app, change the venue settings to conference, theatre, restaurant or a multitude of other environments, and I will be able to answer my mobile through them. The features and benefits are astounding.

What has this experience offered me? I have recognised two very clear learning outcomes:

1 Always speak to your client about how they feel about the equipment you want them to consider using, discuss the benefits and the drawbacks, and give them the choice and control over their lives.

2 We should treat our hearing as we do our eyesight and teeth, get tested regularly, and just as importantly, discuss this with our clients and encourage them to go and have their hearing tested.

Life can be enhanced by equipment of any type, we just need to learn that psychological acceptance is just as important as physical.

THE SHOCK OF DISCOVERING I WOULD NEED TO USE EQUIPMENT WAS MASSIVE, AND I LEFT THE HEARING AID TEST CENTRE QUITE DISTRESSED, AND IF I AM COMPLETELY HONEST, TEARFUL

ABLEOTUK

We are delighted to welcome AbleOTUK as a regular contributor to The OT Magazine for 2023. Each issue this year will include an article from AbleOTUK addressing important topics relating to the disabled OT community, from ableism to sexual health. This first issue introduces the founding members and explains what AbleOTUK is all about

What is AbleOTUK?

AbleOTUK is a volunteer-led occupational therapy network and advocacy group for occupational therapy staff and students with lived experience of disability and/or longterm health conditions. The concept of such a support group was felt needed by the founding members, due to experiences of ableism within the profession. Its aim is to provide a voice and safe space. We also have a significant passion for addressing ableism in the profession, both to benefit our colleagues and people who use our service.

During the launch the founding team members set the following objectives:

• Challenge the culture of ableism within services and organisations.

• Share stories and lived experiences of occupational therapists with disabilities.

• Advocate for those with lived experience of disability both in the occupational therapy community and the general public.

• Bridge the gap in current culture and encourage value-driven practice.

• Promote the lived experiences of disability as an asset to the profession including: unique perspectives, skills,

knowledge and experiences.

• Campaign for a more inclusive and supportive culture that welcomes those with lived experience of disability or chronic ill health.

• Develop and facilitate: CPD events, and open discussions that help tackle the status quo.

• Provide resources for occupational therapists with lived experiences of disability to seek support and advice on topics such as placement, disclosure, reasonable adjustments, access to work, admissions into the course and HCPC registration.

When was AbleOTUK formed?

AbleOTUK officially launched on 27 July 2021. July was picked for the launch as it is Disability Pride Month, an international annual event that celebrates disabled people and the diversity of the community.

How did it come about?

Twitter and other social media platforms have long been a place that the profession has used to connect with each other. After the brutal murder of George Floyd in America, a movement for change began to grow over social media platforms, including within the occupational therapy community, questioning and challenging the professional bodies (RCOT) response to this event and to highlight the need for more acknowledgement of difficulties faced by those within the profession who are from diverse communities. This resulted in an advocacy and networking group for occupational therapists who identify

as being of Black, Asian or minorities heritage called BAMEOTUK. Shortly following this, a group called LGBTQIA+OTUK was formed to offer similar support to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual, and asexual. Taking inspiration from this, AbleOTUK was developed and began to explore what was needed in our profession to feel a sense of belonging and support for those with lived experience of disability and/or longterm health conditions, mainly using Twitter to connect.

What support do you offer disabled occupational therapists?

During 2022 we set up a monthly support session, open to any occupational therapy practitioners or students with lived experience of disability and/or long-term health conditions. It has been running on the third Thursday of every month over Zoom. In 2023 we plan to continue this support

MEET THE FOUNDING MEMBERS OF ABLEOTUK

session but run it on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons in alternative months. All dates and how to book on to these support groups for 2023 will be on our website.

We have presented at a number of events and conferences to address and explore issues that those with disabilities have, such as experiences of ableism, we also promote positive ways to address this.

We offer one-toone support for occupational therapists and give advice on where to go for help. On our social media platforms we share best practice and links to support which can be found on our website. We also host a blog on our website which is open to guests who want to share experiences or ideas.

How do occupational therapists become members?

Our network is free to join, and can be found through our website. Here you can join our mailing list, sign up

to monthly support sessions (via Eventbrite) and see how to connect with us on social media. Currently we have a Facebook group and are active on Twitter and Instagram.

What plans do you have for 2023?

1 Continue to create and support a culture of anti-ableism within the profession.

ANNE-MARIE FADARE (SHE/HER)

Anne-Marie has over ten years of clinical experience working within community rehabilitation, orthopaedics and

2

Host outputs on the theme of sex and sexual health with other affinity groups. 3

Submit abstracts at a range of conferences. 4

Continue to work with RCOT EDB colleague Ketan Davies (via steering group) to provide strategic influence within our profession. 5

Host more #OTalk chats. 6

Increase our membership and spread the word of AbleOTUK!

Please note that all of this is dependent on the health and energy levels of our volunteer team.

neurology. She has a great passion for supporting and advocating for neurodiverse people and people with disabilities, working closely with the sickle cell community and assisting with awareness of the condition. Anne-Marie is a founding member of AbleOTUK and the chair of RCOT AbleOT Collaboration group. She would describe herself as hard-working and family-orientated.

Twitter: @AmerieOT

KALIMAH IBRAHIIM (SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Senior Lecturer, BSc Occupational Therapy Course Leader and Admissions Lead at the University of East London

Kalimah identifies as neurodiverse with a long-term health condition. Kalimah has worked in various clinical areas within the NHS, social care and prisons, with interests in public health, health justice and policy. Current doctorate student with research in the transition from prison to community.

Current voluntary roles:  RCOT Council Member for England and Chair of the England Board.

Twitter: @KalimahOT

GEORGIA VINE (SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Huddersfield

Before qualifying in 2021 I established my award-winning blog ‘Not So Terrible Palsy’ to explore my experiences as a disabled occupational therapy student. Now through AbleOTUK I get to use my experiences of cerebral palsy along with others and their lived experiences to challenge ableism in the profession. I am currently writing my debut book to dismantle ableism within occupational therapy practice and healthcare. I strive towards disrupting the profession and love working collaboratively with other founding members of AbleOTUK to do so. I am also Head Ambassador for CP Teens UK.

Twitter: @GeorgiaVineOT

ROSILAND

BROOKS (SHE/THEY)

Job/Position: Currently setting up as an Independent Occupational Therapist

Qualified in 2021 with an MSc in Occupational Therapy. I am setting up as an independent OT, developing the Strength Based Support Plan I developed while doing my MSc, to help people reframe their disability in a positive way. I am autistic and I have Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I have written and delivered autism training, co-created videos about autism with Purple Ella and prior to my MSc I co-facilitated a post-diagnostic support group. When not advocating for and supporting neurodiverse and disabled people, I enjoy writing poetry, creating art and reading romance novels (particularly those with neurodiverse main characters).

Twitter: @bobalind

KIRSTY STANLEY (SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Independent Occupational Therapist at Occupation4Life Ltd

Qualified in 1999, experience in physical rehabilitation, community neurology and falls, academia and a multiple sclerosis service. Left the NHS due to ill health. Cumulative disability from long COVID, ADHD, dyspraxia, severe asthma,

underactive thyroid, depression and probably things still to be diagnosed. Now run my own independent business with all the challenges that poses, doing lots of work in the long COVID field and working with supporting neurodivergent folks to get the support I wish I’d had as a late diagnosed individual. Also write a bit on the side.

Twitter: @Occ4LifeLtd

SUSAN GRIFFITHS (SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Team Lead for Children’s Therapy Services at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Qualified in 2007 with 15 years’ of experience working in adults mental health, social services, specialist schools and paediatrics. I am profoundly deaf from birth and taught oralism - communicating using speech and lip reading rather than sign language. I became a disability activist in 2020 when I experienced significant challenges with communication due to face masks. I campaigned successfully for clear masks to be available in the NHS. I am passionate about raising awareness and challenging ableism within the OT profession. It is through this that I met up with other disabled OTs and AbleOTUK was born.

Twitter: @SusanGriffiths5

RACHEL BOOTH-GARDINER

(SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Lead Occupational Therapist for Adult Mental Health Acute In-Patients and Rehabilitation services for TEWV NHS Foundation Trust

I have 18 years’ experience working within acute, rehabilitation, and forensic mental health settings. I’m active within the wider occupational therapy community, with voluntary roles including; treasurer of the RCOT Northern and Yorkshire

Committee. #OTalk team member helping to run a weekly Twitter chat about occupational therapy. I describe myself as neurodivergent, born with cerebral palsy (right hemiplegia), I’m dyslexic, and have experienced episodes of depression. Now I live with long COVID after an extensive hospital admission and recovery journey. I have written a blog Exploring the Art of Occupation since 2013 which focuses on my thoughts and journey as an occupational therapist with lived experience of disability.

Twitter: @OT_rach

SAM PYWELL (SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Social Prescribing Unit coordinator, University of Central Lancashire

Qualified in 2005, with 17 years’ experience (eight as a community OT in the NHS), Sam identifies as a neurodiverse OT with dyslexic thinking skills. Sam has challenges with anxiety. Her passions are innovation, personalised care and health equity (she is a Personalised Care Institute Ambassador for 22-23), and all things digital. She regularly blogs for the DigiLearn sector (see the reasonable adjustment of dialling in). Sam is an #OTalk volunteer.

Twitter: @smileyfacehalo

CONTACT DETAILS:

Email: AbleOTUK@gmail.com

Twitter: @AbleOTUK

Instagram: @AbleOTs

Facebook Group: AbleOTUK

Website: AffinOT.co.uk/AbleOTUK

YouTube: Search for ‘AbleOTUK’

NATALIE HICK (SHE/HER)

Job/Position: Third Year BSc Occupational Therapy Student, University of Central Lancashire

I am a mature student, coming into occupational therapy through my lived experience of disability by Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos syndrome. I’m a parent carer as this is genetic and two of my children have EDS and are also autistic, as this is a common comorbidity. Prior to studying I volunteered with the Hypermobility Syndromes Association (HMSA), Fibro Action UK (FMAUK), and I created and ran a local chronic pain support group.

Twitter: @nataliehixy

PRODUCT FOCUS

01 SILENT NIGHT

This TempleSpa sleep aid kit is designed to help rid you of tension and restore your equilibrium, so you can drift off for a good night’s sleep. The set contains six items that come in a reusable tin, including a velvety soft eye shield, silicone ear plugs, a sleep mist and a cooling balm for legs and feet.

TempleSpa.com

02

RAVENCOURT BUTTON CLOCK

This talking button alarm clock is simple and intuitive, it supplies the time, day and date at the touch of a button and can also be used to set alarms on demand. It only needs two AAA batteries and it can be placed anywhere in your home to be easily accessed at any time.

Argos.co.uk

ANGLED AID

Active Hands are specialists in gripping aids and they have just launched a new angled aid to allow users to hold racquets at an angle comfortable to them. This aid is designed to be strapped around the hand allowing you to fit it at the perfect angle to play tennis, table tennis or baseball, or even to hold a hammer when you are tackling some DIY.

ActiveHands.com

04

FRED MILL COMMODE

This commode chair is designed to look like part of the furniture in any home. It is made from solid oak wood and features an engineered leather cushion that is waterproof and easily wiped clean. It is available in different sizes to accommodate different transfer heights, and it also comes in a variety of different colours.

FredMill.com

05 BOOK STAND

This cushion is the ideal companion for anyone who wants to read a book or use their iPad without having to hold them. Books and devices can be heavy and difficult to hold, especially for anyone with limited dexterity, weak grasp or living with conditions such as arthritis.

Amazon.co.uk

TALKING SCALES

These modern talking scales have a clear, easyto-read jug perfect for measuring wet or dry ingredients. The scales announce the weight in a clear male English voice, and they have a tare function that allows users to zero the scales before adding more ingredients. There are clear tactile buttons and a large LCD display, and the jug has an easy-grip foam handle.

Shop.RNIB.org.uk

07 BATH STEP

This bathroom step has a large pale blue platform that is designed to be slip-resistant, keeping users safe in the bathroom. It is lightweight and has rubberised feet for increased safety. It is 100mm in height and can be stacked with additional steps to increase the height in 50mm increments.

0345 121 8111

HealthcarePro.co.uk

08

COMFORT GRIP

CUTLERY

This stainless steel comfort grip set of cutlery is designed for anyone who has reduced hand movement or a weak grasp. The large handles have innovatively designed rubber handles for superior grip and the set includes a knife, fork, spoon and teaspoon. This stylish set will look at home on anyone’s dining table too.

Amazon.co.uk

WORKING IN PERINATAL CARE

Emily

shares the impact of using the occupational circumstances assessment interview and rating scale (OCAIRS) within a community perinatal mental health setting

My name is Emily Scott and I work as a specialist perinatal occupational therapist in a community perinatal mental health team. We offer OT support to people referred to the team with complex and severe mental health conditions in the antenatal and postnatal period. Currently, we offer 1:1 OT assessments and interventions for clients we support as care coordinators and for those referred by other care coordinators (mental health nurses and social workers), psychologists and psychiatrists within the team. We are also offering group intervention – an OT-guided antenatal group using a virtual platform and an in-person postnatal group.

As OTs, we work holistically, and I personally feel that one of the most holistic tools we can use is the occupational circumstances assessment interview and rating scale (OCAIRS). Although a timeconsuming assessment, we can utilise this for the individuals we support through multiple sessions as required. I have most frequently used this scale to provide a therapeutic tool to get in-depth information about the client I am working with, but also to individualise future work. Although, as the name suggests, this is a piece of work used

PARENTHOOD

for assessment, I believe it can be used as part of intervention-based work and allows our future work to be person-centred throughout. I am making our clients aware that this is a piece of assessment, but I have been most frequently using this tool part of their way through the journey under the service.

As with every OT assessment and intervention, there are certain aspects which are likely going to be the most beneficial; for many of our service users, it has been personal causation – determining what our clients are proud of through their life and the goals section – which considers longer-term goals and how clients could achieve these.

I personally feel that

Scott

IS A PERIOD OF TIME WITH IDENTITY SHIFTS AND CHANGES

talking about future goals – whether they are one, five or 10 years in the future is particularly helpful for those women in the perinatal period as they often do not consider what their life will look like without their child being a new-born, or when they are no longer pregnant. For every person, this will look slightly different, parenthood is a period of time with identity shifts and changes in

routine and roles due to the extensive life change.

One lady that I work with is a high achiever, she struggled with severe post-natal depression following the birth of her child and struggled to come to terms with parenthood. She has provided me with consent to share parts of her story, as well as feedback on the work using the OCAIRS.

This lady found it difficult to remember ‘before pregnancy’ and felt a complete loss of identity, she was not sure where to start in regard to our work together, she spoke about longterm goals, such as finishing her PhD, finding a meaningful and successful job and publishing a book. I spoke to her about the concept of OCAIRS and explained that although this is a piece of assessment work, I believed it would be able to show in-depth areas of her life and how we can best support her.

While completing the OCAIRS we spoke in-depth about her

past and she could recognise and reflect on memories – both positive and difficult throughout her life and how she believes this has shaped who she is today. When we completed the goal aspect of the OCAIRS she spoke about feeling that she could think about the future and how she might feel once her child is older. She explained that noone in their care had asked about the future in five to 10 years, she found it a positive overall experience and then decided to consider her future with her partner in their own time. We also set goals for the following week and fortnight and she found that manageable. Meaningful goals were extremely beneficial for her to have something to aim for, this included caring for her baby for the evening without support, and completing a keeping-in-touch day at work. When this lady succeeded in managing these thought-through and achievable goals she found her mood improved.

The feedback that I received from this client shows how beneficial this piece of OT intervention in the form of an assessment document was for her, she has provided consent for this to be shared: “Emily helped me through some really useful goal setting, over a couple of sessions. She helped me come up with two different types of goals—personal/

family and professional/ academic—to align with how my life is organised and how I’m thinking about and planning things. She followed up with me at our next session, checking in on how I’d managed to approach each goal, and how I felt about them, which was self-affirming and felt like such positive progress. She was exceptionally kind throughout, and very gently encouraged me to set attainable goals, and not to overreach and risk getting disheartened. I’ve found it so helpful, and good for building up more confidence and enjoyment in my day-to-day life and responsibilities.”

I have been offering the OCAIRS forms to be completed over two to three sessions, particularly for our service when clients have children whom they are caring for, this will need to be altered for each individual service as appropriate.

I have also completed the OCAIRS with other care coordinators who have other professional backgrounds and the ladies that they support, this helps provide identification for meaningful occupations to support recovery, alongside determining any future OTspecific intervention.

I hope that I have encouraged other OTs to use the OCAIRS for assessments but also for therapeutic intervention ideas for longer-term work.

I’VE FOUND IT SO HELPFUL, AND GOOD FOR BUILDING UP MORE CONFIDENCE AND ENJOYMENT IN MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE

Timed for the beginning of Disability Pride Month, Disability Expo will be Europe’s largest event solely focused on people with lived experience of disability. During a packed 2 days we’ll be hosting a series of discussion panels looking at every aspect of disabled living, celebrating disabled talent & fashion, educating & advising, as well as showcasing the latest and greatest products & services.

Improve outcomes for your clients by discovering the latest innovations on the market in our Exhibition Hall. Our interactive accessible home installation will feature off the shelf products and specialist equipment for you to try out in a realistic home environment.

Increase your knowledge and awareness of disability issues with our series of panels.

Featuring panelist Mike Cowan-Jones, OT and Managing Director of ARMS Rehab Limited. Learn more about access to work, routes to funding and much more to assist you in helping your clients.

We are more than just an event. Our I Matter CIC is a campaign and movement that delivers a person-centred approach to equipment provision, supply, funding and accessibility. Follow the #IMatter movement on social media and subscribe to our mailing list to keep in the loop with developments. www.bit.ly/imattersub

DAY LIFE IN THE

OF...

SANDY WALSH

What is your current role and how long have you been in it?

I am a senior occupational therapist at Sheffield City Council. Although I am part of the wider occupational therapy service, I am based with, and work alongside the First Contact teams. Currently, I am the only OT working directly with First Contact. The First Contact teams are the people who offer the city’s residents a comprehensive initial point of contact for all adult social care matters. The team provides a wide variety of innovative support, which includes signposting to appropriate services, offering prevention services to bolster people’s independence, and developing person-centred social care assessments and support plans. The team is focused on responding to individuals’ unique needs and building support around their own networks to ensure that strengthbased outcomes are achieved.

First Contact has been running since 2016; prior to then calls to the council were answered in a call centre that sent messages to the various services across the council. Now calls are answered by social workers and other adult social care practitioners who will respond to the residents’ queries and requests directly.

I’ve been working with First Contact since the beginning. My role has expanded recently, and I offer a service to other teams both within and outside the council, such as the sensory impairment team and Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind (SRSB).

I have also been training and supporting the social workers and adult care practitioners to measure, order and evaluate a range of rails and equipment so that people get timely service and do not wait for our OT service which still has a significant wait for assessment following COVID.

Describe a typical day…

Each day varies considerably but usually, after a cup of tea, I check my emails and telephone messages and respond to these. First Contact workers also call me when they are out on visits to ask advice, talk to people, their families or carers, view a property or order equipment. I offer a flexible service.

I cannot be available for all the First Contact teams all the time, often if they have someone they would like me to contact they will pass on their contact details via the council’s case working database for me to respond directly.

The rest of the day is usually spent either contacting and assessing people, writing up assessments and making orders, all in line with The Care Act 2014. As I’m the only OT in First Contact, I am limited to the number of home visits I can do as I prioritise my time so I can offer a service to as many people as possible.

What is the hardest thing about your role?

Sometimes I’m contacted by people who are terminally ill, who are asking for adaptations such as a level access shower, and I know that we will not be able to provide this before they die.

What is the best thing about your role?

There are so many positives about what I do - being able to work with a wide variety of people, voluntary or charitable organisations like the SRSB or other council workers. I like the problem-solving aspects of what I do, I have the freedom to be creative, and I also have opportunities to continue to learn, either from my OT colleagues but also from the people I work alongside in the office or in the community. Most of all, I love when something I initiated, whether a big adaptation or a small rail, makes a positive difference to a disabled person.

Sandy is a senior occupational therapist working alongside the First Contact team in Sheffield City Council, providing OT support to the team directly.

...I LOVE WHEN SOMETHING I INITIATED, WHETHER A BIG ADAPTATION OR A SMALL RAIL, MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TO A DISABLED PERSON

AKW Rise & Fall Bidet

The clinical features and benefits of the AKW Rise & Fall Bidet help to promote dignity and independence for clients with a range of requirements.

If you would like to discuss this product with your local AKW representative call 01905 823298, email marketing@akw-ltd.co.uk or visit www.akw-ltd.co.uk/contact

Scan this QR code to see a video of Kate Sheehan, Director of The OT Service, expertly demonstrate the use of the AKW Rise & Fall Bidet

THE “I” WORD U

Independence is a concept at the heart of occupational therapy, but should it be? Alice Hortop explores the personal journey that led her to question what independence means, and how the language of occupational therapy can alienate and hurt the people who it aims to help.

ntil recent campaigning, The Royal College of Occupational Therapy (RCOT) website

promoted a definition of occupational therapy (OT) that concluded “Everything we do is focused on increasing independence and wellbeing.” The emphasis on independence alongside wellbeing appears innocuous at first glance, admirable and aspirational even. It is only in recent years that I began to question if independence should beat the heart of our practice. My epiphany that my OT practice, our OT practice, needed to drastically change began in earnest when my life fell apart. My tolerance of living with the daily sorrow of being unable to have children ran out. It’s hard for people to understand the magnitude of trying to live with constant grief; not only having an unmet child wish, an intense, unrelenting longing, but also feeling on the outside cusp of every social interaction. Involuntary childlessness is commonly referred to as a slow-burn intense trauma (Tufford, 2009): the hopelessness loop pulling you through its continual cycling through hope, despair and repair (Glover and Parry, 2008). Fertility Network UK (2019) reports 42% of involuntarily childless people feel suicidal and 90% depressed. You get to a point where hope is

intolerable, too close to the precipice of despair and too far from the hard work of repair. It was in despair, unable to get out of bed, off work, not wanting to live, that I began to question everything, initially my life, and later OT practice.

I was raised by an OT who passionately believed in independence. I’m neurodivergent, predominantly ADHD, and forty years ago the understanding of ADHD in girls was limited. I didn’t speak until I was five, then had a debilitating stutter; I was always injured and constantly had school reports saying I could do well if I applied myself, like my brilliant older sister. My mum drew on her OT education training me to be independent and resilient, and encouraging me to be more like my peers in the belief she was protecting me. I learned independence and to hide my differences. My parents had a difficult divorce and both remarried when I went to university, subsequently neither wanted me home. I understood their need to prioritise their new relationships and the adult expectation to stand on my own two feet. As soon as I qualified, I began work, taking extra jobs to afford my own place. In years I didn’t have a boyfriend I spent Christmases alone, whilst a little lonely I processed these times as opportunities for selfcare. After all, Christmas is only one day a year and certainly is no need to cause a fuss. None of this was consciously an issue until I couldn’t have children. The depression of involuntary childlessness wasn’t immediate, the sadness crept in as my friends became unavailable

IT WASN’T JUST NOT HAVING CHILDREN: IT WAS WANTING TO BE IN A FAMILY AGAIN, A DEEP NEED TO BELONG.

in their relationships with their children. It took decades to realise I didn’t want to be independent at all. I was alone, on the outside looking through windows at everyone else’s cosy families.

And it hurt.

On reflection, I was hyperindependent. Picking over the wounds of infertility through autoethnography, it wasn’t just not having children: it was wanting to be in a family again, a deep need to belong. The opposite of belonging is fitting in. That surprised me initially as I’d thought, as many do, it was exclusion. This resonated with me. My training to be more like my peers - in essence, less neurodivergent, less me - had indirect consequences of feeling lesser and always hustling for selfworth. The danger with teaching inauthenticity is that not only is it exhausting for the person to constantly pretend, but also it is confusing and isolating. On some instinctive level I held the hope, that I would belong with my children, always hold worth to them. In my literature search exploring living with involuntary childlessness, isolation was a recurrent theme, exclusion from the mummy club from shared experiences, languages, and activities.

There is a risk in being too independent that you have no expectations of anyone because you believe you should need no-one. Where do you place your boundaries when you have no expectations from anyone? Combined with a sense that you do not authentically belong?

If you do a dictionary search for the antonyms to independence you will find descriptions of dependence, weakness, reliance, inadequate, impotent, subordinate, helpless and even being a parasite. Who would want to identify with those words? Throughout my OT career, I approached people living with human differences and challenges offering independence, without considering the implication that is what everyone should aspire to be. I often hear vexed OTs complaining that a client won’t accept a care package or equipment, won’t raise the alarm when they fall, or does not share when they are in pain or

struggling. Are we really surprised? We approach hailing the virtues of independence and to accept anything less creates an internalised ableism of feeling lesser. I feel shy if I’m even offered help, I’ve done ridiculous things alone like get a three-seater sofa home from Ikea and into my house, politely declining offers to help. Even when challenged you bounce back, by yourself as much as you can, back to the pride and safety of coveted independence and away from criticism, being dependent, vulnerable, and a burden. But when you can’t, as I couldn’t, that magnifies the feelings of inadequacy. I didn’t know how to ask for help in any real way.

You may be reading and thinking it’s only a word. The mere exposure of older people to words associated with negative stereotypes during pre-cognitive testing reduces their cognitive performance and test scores (Hess, Hinson, and Statham, 2004), whilst older people exposed to words with positive stereotype association had increased walking speed and greater gait stability (Hausdorff, Levy, and Wei, 2015). Words evoke associations, feelings and ultimately action tendencies. Consider the connotations of the two words elderly versus elder? Elderly commonly depicts frailty and vulnerability whilst elder inspires wisdom and authority. Even if you can be emotionally detached from words why not use better choices such as control, choice, and autonomy?

I questioned where this idea of independence had come from that had gripped our profession so fervently. The answer is complex but highly influenced by the political idea of neoliberalism, more commonly referred to as new capitalism. Neoliberalism believes a high degree of self-reliance and self-responsibility makes a good society, a productive society. Thatcher believed the welfare state created lethargy, entitlement and worse, dependency rather than hard work, competitiveness, and personal initiative (Davies, 2022). Davies (2022, p 23) cites an interview with journalist Butt where Thatcher states, “Economics are the method, the object is to change the heart and soul”. Malfitano, Whiteford, and Molineux (2021) state the adoption of neoliberalism influenced the

practice of OT changing the core professional paradigms,  language, and values of our focus. OT has mirrored the westernised government’s focus on creating independence and practices in an individualised way, arguably supporting byproducts of disconnection, isolation, exclusion, and ableism (Yao et al, 2022). Earlier when I said independence beat the heart of OT, that was exactly what Thatcher hoped for, health professionals reflecting her priorities of independence, individualism, productivity, and function.

It is time for us to reevaluate the direction of our profession again. We cannot continue to be part of the problem, using language that creates internalised ableism and disconnects people. Whalley Hammel (2014) has been calling OTs to explore occupations that support belonging and connection for over a decade, we need momentum. In my recovery, I researched wellness internationally, finding interdependent communities prioritising co-regulation, belonging and emphasising autonomy rather than independence were healthier. Communities with traditions that create successful belonging such as the Māori’s Whakapapa, Blackfoot First Nation’s community actualization and perpetuity, Okinawan’s Moai groups, Scandinavian wellness cultures of ‘Lagom’ and ‘Hygge’, and Africa’s ‘Unbuntu’. There is an abundance of evidence supporting humans’ need to connect, and having safe, reciprocal relationships.

During lockdown, I found my people. I live on the coast and the start of lockdown prompted a return to the sea to cope with the constant screen work at home. My solo daily swim collided with other people’s daily swim and before long, faces became familiar, and then friends. Years on we are a tight-knit group who not only frolic in the sea daily but take annual sea swimming holidays together and encourage each other to rise. My depression left with my inauthentic masking, belonging ridded me of my antidepressants about two years ago. I am not independent, I never was, none of us are, and I was miserable trying. Why would we approach someone with a life challenge with ideas of independence, when they need their belonging most? There is complexity and challenges in

harnessing belonging, but I genuinely believe the benefits could blow our minds.

I’ve been finding commonality in these ideas and presenting these findings; it’s tangible OTs and other health professionals are hungry for a healthier practice focus. I’m proposing we shift to ‘belongingcentred practice’; this is the focus of my PhD that the Elizabeth Casson Trust have kindly supported. Belonging-centred practice antithesises individualism, sees we are inherently connected in complex relationships which need to be visible and honoured in practice. A main calling of the approach is to shift our thinking beyond the individual, to consider the belonging relationships and how they support wellbeing. I’m

particularly interested in a concept discussed by Wall Kimmerer (2013) called species loneliness, the idea that humans have become so detached from our natural world relationships that it is increasing their isolation and losses. There are exciting ways in which we could consider connection and belonging more broadly that could have significant implications for imperative issues such as sustainability. I have begun a belonging movement to develop the ideas, and share resources and collect examples of good practice: we have a Facebook page called ‘The Belonging Movement’.

Join The Belonging Movement on Facebook: facebook.com/ groups/413305136789304

I AM NOT INDEPENDENT, I NEVER WAS, NONE OF US ARE, AND I WAS MISERABLE TRYING

WATER TREAT

Some people living with dementia may find that they are at higher risk of experiencing dehydration, which, per the Alzheimer’s society, can result in headaches, urinary tract infections, constipation and confusion, all of which can worsen the symptoms of dementia. Our sense of thirst

changes as we get older, and some people living with dementia may find it difficult to recognise that they are thirsty, or find it difficult to get themselves a drink.

Inspired by his late grandma Pat, inventor Lewis Horby created Jelly Drops as part of his innovation design engineering programme at the Royal College of Art. He observed

Images: Courtesy of Jelly Drops, by Lewis Horby

people living in a care home, and noticed that residents might find it difficult to consume a plate of food placed in front of them, but would “light up” in the presence of a box of chocolates being passed around, intuitively interacting with the treats. With this in mind, he created Jelly Drops using a similar format.

Jelly Drops are made with 95% water with added electrolytes. They come in an assortment of natural flavours - strawberry, raspberry, lemon, lime and so forth - and are sugar-free to prevent a laxative effect. They have the appearance of sweets, looking like large and colourful water droplets, which are easy to pick up and more easily seen against the stark white backdrop of the box.

While you might expect biting into a Jelly Drop to be similar to eating a sweet with a

liquid centre, they’re actually solid, and have a similar texture to a traditional jelly according to their website. They’re easy to chew, but are texturally more familiar to older people. Jelly Drops also don’t have to be stored in the fridge, although it won’t do them any harm, meaning they can be kept beside someone to snack on throughout the day with no fear that they’ll “turn bad” so to speak, allowing for additional hydration over the course of the day.

Jelly Drops come in two types of packaging: a larger tray that’s visually similar to a box of chocolates, or smaller snack pot varieties that contain five drops per pot, and are easier to hold. If you’re interested in learning more about them, you can visit the Jelly Drops website at JellyDrops.com, where the product is also available to purchase.

An effective hydration solution for people living with dementia, Patterson’s Jelly Drops are a sugar-free way to encourage fluid update

There are three million deaths annually worldwide associated with the use of alcohol, and an estimated 35 million people experience drug use-related disorders (WHO, 2022). Addiction and dependency are associated with wideranging inequalities including increased risk of premature death, insecure housing and homelessness, worse physical health outcomes, untreated or unrecognised mental health illness, poverty, relationship breakdown and isolation, stigma and insecurity in vocation (Department of Health and Social Care, 2017). The use of substances is ubiquitous throughout many societies (acknowledged or otherwise) and

across the life course; socially sanctioned or prohibited, regularly featuring in law enforcement and public health approaches (Johnson et al, 2021).

Increasingly, our occupational lens turns to further our understanding of occupational participation that is not seemingly health-affirming, socially sanctioned or adequately explored (Twinley, 2020). The use of alcohol and

other substances can be associated with significant occupational imbalance and disruption. Use has also been conceptualised as

Jonathan Fisher explores the role of the occupational therapist in supporting people who are experiencing or recovering from addiction and dependency

meaningful occupation (Wasmuth, Crabtree & Scott, 2014; Helbig & McKay, 2003) with occupational therapists practising in settings with those affected by ‘problematic’ substance use for decades (Hossack, 1952).

Still subject to social stigma across the world, substance use has been found to provide wide-ranging meaning to individuals’ lives, far more expansive than the need to ‘self-medicate’.

Participation in the use of substances has been described as providing individuals with a sense of belonging, social connection, control over one’s life, and organising time and one’s identity (Wasmuth, BrandonFriedman & Olesk, 2016). Applying our occupational perspective to those with needs arising from addiction or dependency, we can reframe views around those who ‘lack motivation’ and challenge the stigma that still persists.

A recent scoping review of occupational therapy in substance use settings (Ryan & Boland, 2021) found interventions most commonly focused on developing life skills and supporting re-engagement in meaningful routines. Whilst many current treatment approaches may be considered holistic through the application of the biopsychosocial model, occupational therapy literature suggests that the distinct value of our intervention is borne from our focus on ‘mastery’; applying the skills and

knowledge gained from conventional treatment to natural, true to life environments and situations (Jarrard et al, 2021; Wasmuth, Crabtree & Scott, 2016; Wasmuth et al, 2015; Gutman, 2006).

Increasingly, research in the field of addiction and substance use is evidencing that a perceived sense of purpose in life may

needs and goals further than abstinence or reducing substancerelated harms. Wielding our core skills to understand the nuanced meaning behind occupational performance and participation, we may be in a position to work collaboratively to craft new meaning to occupation as part of recovery rather than efforts to simply

nurturing new occupational routines and identities could provide a sense of selfefficacy, purpose and control arising from coproductive therapeutic relationships (Vegeris & Brookes, 2021; Jarrard et al, 2021). The outcome? Increased participation in occupation and hopefully, improvements in quality of life and wellbeing.

WE CAN REFRAME VIEWS AROUND THOSE WHO ‘LACK MOTIVATION’ AND CHALLENGE THE STIGMA THAT STILL PERSISTS

provide some element of protection against the temptation to drink and alcoholrelated harms (Kang et al, 2022; Roos et al, 2015). This shares common findings with a systematic review and meta-analysis of ‘relapse factors’ from the past two decades of literature on ‘alcohol use disorders’. The systematic review and meta-analysis found that a supportive social environment, a higher sense of ‘self-efficacy’ and a perceived ‘sense of purpose’ and meaning in life were protective against relapses (Sliedrecht, Waart, Witkiewitz and Roozen, 2019). All elements that as occupational therapists we are very familiar with. As purveyors of meaning through doing, surely this is an area we can further demonstrate our value?

To be clear, individuals have occupational

substitute occupations with activities.

If we are personcentred holistic practitioners, then our focus could be on working alongside individuals to develop insight into their substance use from an occupational perspective which can take time. This may be what is required to support individuals to begin to consider making adjustments in their life that promote opportunities for new states of occupational balance. Through careful consideration,

Jon Fisher is an occupational therapist working within Aneurin Bevan Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service. Prior to qualifying as an occupational therapist, he worked in various community substance use services throughout the UK. Since qualifying, he has worked in varied mental health roles until bringing together his knowledge and experience in this new role. For responses or to find out more, please contact via Jonathan. Fisher2@wales.nhs. uk or Twitter at @FisherAddiction.

PRODUCT FOCUS

01 HAND THERAPY BALLS

These therapy balls come as a set of three and each has a varying resistance; soft, medium and firm. They are designed to build strength and dexterity in wrists, hands and fingers, as well as relieve stress. They can be a great solution for assisting in rehabilitation following surgery.

Orthotix.co.uk

02

FLEX COLLECTION

MAKE-UP BRUSHES

Make-up brand Kohl Kreatives have a flexible brush collection that has been designed with disabled people in mind. Ideal for users who struggle with upper limb mobility, the Flex Collection provides brushes that stand on their own, and have comfortable, easy-grip handles and bendy brush heads for greater precision when users are applying make-up.

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03

IMEDIC ARTHRITIS GLOVES

These fingerless compression gloves are designed to help prevent joint swelling and reduce pain for anyone living with arthritis. As they are fingerless they allow the wearer to still go about their daily activities with ease while keeping their hands warm and protected.

Amazon.co.uk

04

DUO CUP HOLDER

This innovative cup holder is designed to be used on everyday cups, mugs, glasses and bottles. The ergonomic handle helps to increase grip and stability for those with weak or limited grip, reducing the risks of spillages. The wraparound style will protect hands and fingers from hot mugs and the clip-on design makes it easy to put on and off.

MobilitySmart.co.uk

05

SHERWOOD FOLDING PERCHING STOOL

Perching stools are an ideal solution for anyone who needs a little support when they are standing. This stool can be a great tool of support when users are cooking in the kitchen, doing the dishes at the sink, or even brushing their teeth in the bathroom. It is a folding stool so can be stored easily when not in use.

0345 121 8111 / HealthcarePro.co.uk

06

T ROLLS

These T Roll cushions are used to help achieve optimum posture and positioning of the body when lying in a supine position. They come in a variety of sizes to ensure every user has the correct diameter for their positioning needs. Designed to be used with patients who have limited ability to change position themselves, T Rolls can help in the prevention of contractures, deformity and pressure ulcers. 01424 853 331 / CandS-Seating.co.uk

07

NON-SLIP TRAY

An ideal solution for carrying drinks and food from room to room in the home. The tray has a fold-away handle to allow it to be carried easily and the handle can then be folded out of the way so the tray can be used without obstruction. The nonslip mat ensures the items won’t slide around and helps avoid spillages. Amazon.co.uk

08 PILL SPLITTER

This innovative pill splitter from Pivotell features double stainlesssteel blades and a centring device to give your pills perfect halves with every cut. The angle of the blades prevents them from ever dulling or being sharp to the touch. This innovative pill splitter will split even the largest pills with ease and accuracy.

Pivotell.co.uk

GREEN SPACES

I’ve truly had many positive and fulfilling experiences working as an occupational therapist within the adult and older adult mental health sector since graduating

aims to connect people who have a diagnosis of early onset or early-

has been impressive given the heat wave this year. Opportunities to develop a variety of horticulture related knowledge and skills have been taken up by the peers, for example learning what to grow when, how to take plant/herb cuttings, and preserving corms and seeds. A key component to the sessions is learning from each other and learning together, and one of the peers regularly reflects about the enjoyment he gains from imparting his gardening knowledge to others.

The Dementia Hub peers are committed and proud to generate funds within and for the group, and

are now self-sufficient in terms of funding horticulture activities and materials. This is done by various means, such as independent fundraising, making wreaths and growing and potting-on plants, which are then sold to hospital staff and more recently at a local Christmas market. Most importantly, the Dementia Hub peers have embraced new roles created by this journey and confidence levels have clearly blossomed. An obvious sense of pride in growing and then selling produce has been evident.

The Hub has regular and committed peer attendance and a newly formed

‘committee’ where longstanding peers are planning to attend for the duration of the pilot to help welcome newly referred people to the group, and explore interests to promote their engagement. It is hoped this will be beneficial to both newcomers and the committee with there being opportunity for further uptake of roles and responsibilities.

At the first session peers completed standardised GreenSpace questionnaires to provide a baseline on a variety of measures including roles and responsibilities, function, connectedness with nature and frequency of access to GP services. Questionnaires have been repeated at the sixth session and at three months. With consent, data is shared with GreenSpace and their partners for their evaluation and to evidence the impact the Hub is having on people’s health and wellbeing.

I’ve gained immense satisfaction from the opportunity to utilise my OT skills and help people to identify strengths, personhood and roles, irrespective of any diagnosis. It has been a privilege to offer people opportunity to engage with meaningful and purposeful activities, connect with others and the environment.

Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects to being part of the Peer Support Dementia Hub has been observing the relationships between the peers develop. Interactions have naturally evolved at the garden to include life stories, sharing their dementia journeys, and the challenges peers are facing and, of particular importance, ways to manage these. The support and empathy that the peers provide each other has truly been wonderful to see and evidently a key aspect to maintaining and enhancing health and wellbeing. What the future holds for the Dementia Hub beyond this pilot phase is unclear due to limited funding, however the hope is to continue building evidence to show how social and therapeutic horticulture impacts mental and physical health for people living with dementia.

A new year is upon us again, a time to reflect on the last one and ask ourselves what we want to achieve in 2023. This is not an article about unrealistic and unattainable New Year’s Resolutions, rather a time to take stock of what is important to you in your personal and professional life.

As OTs you are well aware of the benefits of goal-setting practices. Having something to work towards can improve focus, give purpose and increase confidence. Setting goals for the coming year in both a professional and personal capacity could lead to more opportunities, achievements, job satisfaction and improved wellbeing. Here are some ideas to get you started in 2023.

#OTalk hosts conversations every week on Twitter. Each week a new topic is hosted by an OT or other healthcare professional and opened up to the OT Twitter community to discuss. If there is something you would like to see discussed in this setting, why not approach #OTalk and offer your knowledge and expertise to host a talk. These conversations are always really informative and communicative, and offer a great way to interact with your peers.

Want to get more involved in raising the profile of the profession and fostering more international communications with OTs? Perhaps you should consider becoming a member of the World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT). Becoming a member of the WFOT can open up doors into research projects, funding, educational programmes, international networking and member discounts for attending conferences across the world.

Do you know when the practice of occupational therapy began? Do you know who the trailblazing OTs of the twentieth century are? Knowing the history of occupational therapy can have a real impact on how you perceive the practice and it can inform how you approach your role as an OT. There is a great Twitter account called OT History Matters that shares some amazing historical facts about OT, follow them at @HistoryOT to get your daily fix of OT history.

Have you always toyed with the idea of putting pen to paper to tell others about the work you do? Sharing your experiences and reflecting on your practice can benefit others as well as you. Writing about your role can be a cathartic experience, allowing you to process what you have learned through your practice and share your knowledge with other OTs, it’s also great for your CPD portfolio. Why not get in touch with us to share your work by emailing Ros@2APublishing.co.uk

In order to take care of others you must first take care of yourself. It is vitally important to look after your own physical health and wellbeing. Workplace stress and personal demands can take their toll on all of us, so it is important to ensure you take time for yourself, whether that is going for a run, or reading a book, having a bath, or catching up with friends and having a glass of wine to destress. Life can get very busy, so make sure you set aside time for you every week.

If you are not doing something that scares you a little, or pushing the limits of what you think you are capable of, you will never reach your full potential. This should be the year that you should step out of your comfort zone and put yourself forward for something that scares you. Push yourself professionally and look to take on more responsibility to forward your career, you will soon realise how much you are capable of.

Joining an OT group can be very beneficial for a number of reasons. Being part of an OT group can open up great networking opportunities, it can provide a supportive community that can act as a sounding board for help and advice on all things OT. Consider joining a specialist section RCOT group for expert knowledge and resources to support your practice. If you are a student, get involved with your university’s OT group, if they don’t have one, consider starting one yourself.

If you have been thinking about starting a project to help a group of patients that you work with, there is no better time than now. Make a plan, discuss it with the relevant powers that be and put the wheels in motion to make it happen. Or, if you have been considering starting a blog, or an OT-specific social media account, take that first step and launch it now. You have no idea how many people you could help by taking that first step.

NAIDEX CELEBRATES 50 YEARS!

Registration for Naidex, the flagship event for the disability community is now live. The event will take place 22-23 March 2023, at the NEC, Birmingham

National Accessibility, Inclusion & Disability Expo (Naidex) is the largest, and longestrunning disability event in the UK, with the 2023 event celebrating 50 years.

Naidex is for everyone, and welcomes anyone who is living with a disability, as well as anyone caring for, or supplying to the community. The event falls across two days so there is enough time for you to discover all that Naidex has to offer! With content, products and features covering mobility, employment and work, health and wellbeing, independent living,

family, sports, rehab/ care, relationships, entertainment, food and drink, there is something for everyone.

Exhibitors include Hidden Disability Sunflower, eFOLDI, Rollz, Neo-Walk, Cyclone Technologies, Therapy Gyms, Motability and many more. Additionally, Naidex are partnering with Disability Horizons to bring to you the Naidex Marketplace, where you can source smaller and affordable daily aids, tools, and resources for your clients. There will also be an OT lounge running alongside live demonstrations showcasing mobility and assistive tech,

care, education, occupational therapy, sports and lifestyle, and accessible living solutions to help you improve your client’s quality of life.

The CPD-accredited content programme will look at how occupational therapy promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, how to make use of assistive technology to benefit functional capabilities, improving access to education, work, and leisure opportunities, improving patient experiences, and personalised care.

We also have some fantastic speakers across the show, with our recent announcements including Ellie Simmonds OBE (five-time Paralympic champion, fourteentime World Champion), Tommy Jessop (multiaward-winning actor, best known for starring in Line of Duty), Steve Thompson MBE (former England rugby player and World Cup winner) and Lauren Steadman MBE (professional athlete and Paralympic champion), who you can catch on the Main Stage.

There are also two other theatres: Accessibility and Care Theatre and Lifestyle and Leisure Theatre. Accessibility and Care will feature seminars drawing upon lived experience of caring for disabled people and the latest assistance technologies and adaptations that are enhancing care and independent living. Speakers include Charlie Beswick who is an author and blogger, and Sally Chalk who is CEO and founder of Signapse. Lifestyle and Leisure is designed to promote improvement

of daily living and overall wellbeing, including sessions from sports to dating and sexual wellbeing, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy in this theatre.

The Naidex team can’t wait to welcome you to the NEC once again for what is set to be a fantastic event!

Register for your free tickets at Naidex.co.uk

Image: Courtesy of Naidex

THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OT LOUNGE RUNNING ALONGSIDE LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS

KEEPING COSTS DOWN WHILST EATING WELL

The microwave was an accidental invention back in 1945 – these strange metal boxes that could somehow cook food initially drew significant consumer suspicion. However, with the rise in household freezers and ‘ready meals’ in the 1980s, microwaves became a must-have piece of kitchen equipment. Now, more than 93% of households in the UK have a microwave1, but the negative perceptions of microwaves remain ever present.

Some believe that microwave cooking has a negative effect on the overall nutritional value of foods. Whilst it’s true that some vitamins and minerals are sensitive and break down on heating, microwaves often cook foods quicker, and therefore can do a better job of maintaining their nutrient density.

By reducing the amount of water used when cooking, you can further minimise the availability for vitamins and minerals to leach out into cooking water. Steaming and microwaving as

methods of cooking tend to be more effective methods of micronutrient retention than boiling or frying.

The UK is currently living through a ‘costof-living crisis’, with reports indicating that this will continue to affect households well into 20232. Many are looking for new ways to save money, with some keen on finding more energy-efficient ways to cook their meals. Microwaves are a great option in this instance, as they tend to use less energy than ovens and hobs. They are also much smaller spaces to heat, reaching temperature much quicker than their alternatives.

Aberdeen-based David Jones shared how beneficial he has found pre-prepared ready meal options, and reflected on how innovative texturemodified meals would have been invaluable to him when he was living with swallowing difficulties (also known as dysphagia) following his stroke decades ago:

“As someone who lives alone and doesn’t do a huge amount of cooking, the ability to pop a meal straight from the freezer into

the microwave is hugely convenient. Spaghetti is one of the most challenging meals for me to eat, so the Wiltshire Farm Foods Level 4 Pureed Spaghetti Bolognese is a revelation! It’s tasty and appropriately textured which eliminates any worry around choking whilst I’m eating.”

People can become socially isolated for many reasons – it may be through becoming older, or family moving away, but it can also arise as a result of a disability or illness. Many stroke survivors like David may return home from hospital with a long recovery ahead of them – part of this process may require them to have texture-modified meals due to a newly diagnosed swallowing difficulty.

When blending foods down at home, equipment such as blenders and sieves are often required – it can take a long time for someone to prepare a meal that both tastes and looks good, and is also safe for them to eat with

dysphagia. Many won’t have the strength or ability to prepare a meal for themselves, which may increase their risk of becoming malnourished. For many that have an illness or disability, preprepared meal options are a convenient way to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal.

By having ready meal options, individuals don’t have to spend time shopping and cooking, and can instead have a nourishing dish ready in minutes. With many delivery services, drivers can even place meals in the freezer for customers, eliminating the need to spend money travelling to supermarkets. For those living alone, this moment of interaction can be a really important daily touchpoint. As David notes:

“My driver Gordon is great company and I enjoy our chats when he delivers my meals - he always takes the time to stop and see how I am which in this day and age of delivery drivers is a rarity indeed.”

Wiltshire Farm Foods’ dietitian Maia Fergus-O’Grady explores the cost-effective solution of microwave cooking

Images: Courtesy of Wiltshire Farm Foods. Photo of David Jones

Age UK research indicates that over 2 million people in England live alone, with around half of those people saying that sometimes more than a month goes by where they don’t have any contact with their friends or family3.

There is evidence to suggest that social isolation has a significant impact on dietary intake. Individuals may be less inclined or motivated to shop and prepare meals for themselves, with older adults living alone more likely to have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to those living with others4.

Whilst pre-prepared meal options may not be for everyone, they can be a great solution for many, particularly those living alone or with a health condition. Customers should also feel confident popping meals into their microwave, knowing that this appliance is in fact an excellent, costeffective way to cook meals that then retain their nutrients.

REFERENCES

1. Statista. Percentage of households with microwave ovens in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1994 to 2018. 2022. [online]

2. Wearden, G. UK Inflation eases slightly to 10.7%, but cost of living grinds on – as it happened. The Guardain. 2022 Dec. [online]

3. NHS. Loneliness in older people. 2022 Aug. [online]

4. British Dietetic Association. Loneliness and Malnutrition. 2022. [online]

MY DRIVER GORDON IS GREAT COMPANY AND I ENJOY OUR CHATS WHEN HE DELIVERS MY MEALS

SPOONFUL

A SPOON THEORY

Spoon theory is a way of explaining the ways in which living with a chronic illness that limits the amount of energy a person has to draw from over the day, and can also be applied to people who experience something similar due to their disability, neurodivergence or mental illness. If you’ve ever heard a person describe themselves as a spoonie, this is where the name originates!

The concept was created by Christine Miserandino: one day, she was sitting with her best friend enjoying some food, when she was asked by her friend if she could explain what it was

like to live with lupus. Christine explained the medical aspects of her condition, but her friend explained that she wanted to know what it was like to live with lupus; not so much the physical aspects of it, but what it was like to be Christine. Trying to find something to explain in simple terms, Christine grabbed a handful of spoons from other tables, and created a visual metaphor for her friend to better understand how living with a chronic illness affected her energy reserves, and thereby her ability to do the things her friend could in a day. She asked her friend to list things she does in a day - getting ready for work, chores and so forth - she explains that each action costs a spoon to perform.

While her friend had a seemingly unlimited supply of spoons to

draw from, Christine explained that living with lupus places limits on the number of spoons she can draw from to perform activities throughout the day. Her friend may spend six spoons waking up, showering, eating breakfast and heading to work and might think nothing of it, but for Christine who perhaps only has 12 spoons to spend throughout the day, that’s a significant amount of energy expended. She explained that while she could perhaps accrue more spoons by borrowing them against the next day’s reserve, this would have a detrimental impact on Christine the next day, leaving her with fewer spoons for the day; she also explained that while sleeping may restore spoons, poor quality sleep, flare-ups and other things might impact the number of spoons that could be

SPOON THEORY IS A WAY FOR SOME PEOPLE WHO LIVE WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS AND OTHER ENERGY-LIMITING CONDITIONS TO EXPLAIN ENERGY RATIONING IN SIMPLE TERMS

drawn from in a day.

Christine’s spoon theory is a simple, effective way for some chronically ill people to explain the intricacies of energy management throughout their days - and by extension, their lives. It’s a simple way to explain ego depletion, opportunity cost and fatigue without using medicalised language, and offers people a way to create a visual metaphor from their lived experience, which can help them explain to anyone, be they a medical professional or friend, how energy rationing, expenditure

and conservation affects them.

A community has also formed around the concept that offers support and guidance for people who again have lived understanding of what a chronically ill, disabled, neurodivergent or mentally ill person may experience, and provide a compassionate and empathetic group of like-minded people to relate to. People get tattoos of spoons; they buy stickers and pin badges, and name their blogs with spoonbased puns. Christine’s idea has taken on the

most incredible life of its own, and grown staggeringly large as it offers a sense of togetherness and an easier way to explain what it is a person is feeling.

the aspects of her condition that cause pain and fatigue, which is not the case.

Below: Christine’s website butyoudontlooksick. com

Spoon theory may not work in practice for everyone, however. Writing for The Mighty in 2016, Jennie notes that while spoon theory works for some people as a basic way to explain life with a chronic condition, she cannot embrace it as it lacks a degree of nuance for describing her life. Jennie agrees that, while spoon theory is “fantastic,” it gave people in her life the idea that the pain she experienced would reset, allowing her to plan activities, and gave the impression that she had a degree of control over

Alternatives to spoon theory exist, such as the tightrope concept (which compares chronic illness to walking on a tightrope) and the phone battery theory (this sees chronic illness likened to a battery which cannot be charged to 100%, versus a battery that can), but they don’t enjoy the popularity that spoon theory does, even though some people may find them more appropriate. Regardless, understanding why spoon theory is such an important concept to some people can help improve interactions with the people you support as occupational therapists.

To read Christine Miserandino’s full article on spoon theory, visit ButYouDontLookSick.com.

CHRISTINE’S SPOON THEORY IS A SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE WAY FOR SOME CHRONICALLY ILL PEOPLE TO EXPLAIN THE INTRICACIES OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT THROUGHOUT THEIR DAYS

ACCESSERCISE

The first ever complete health and fitness app designed and created specifically for disabled people by Paralympic powerlifter Ali Jawad. If you are working with disabled clients who are looking for a way to keep active at home, this could be the solution you are looking for.

You may know the name Ali Jawad from his career as a British Paralympic powerlifter. Ali has been powerlifting since he was 16 years old and his talent and determination has led him to securing

World and European champion titles, breaking world records and, securing a silver medal in the -59kg category at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, as well as bronze medals in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Ali is a double leg amputee and he also lives with Crohn’s disease, and as an athlete he has a keen interest in health and fitness. During the pandemic Ali recognised the lack of resources available for disabled people

Top

looking to workout independently in their homes. His research led him to identify this gap in the health and fitness market, and he decided to use his lockdown experience to develop an app to tackle the imbalance he discovered in this

marketplace.

We spoke to Ali to find out more about the Accessercise app and how it is transforming the lives of disabled people who are using it to keep fit at home.

Where did the idea

Images: Courtesy of Accessercise

Left: Accessercise app

Left: Ali Jawad, ParalympicsGB 2022

of Accessercise come from?

Being born as a double leg amputee and becoming a Paralympian, I grew up in gyms. However, I never asked the question of why I was the only disabled person in the gym, or what barriers were stopping disabled people accessing gym facilities? Also, there were no fitness tools for me to access to allow me to train independently, I had to rely on non-disabled people to guide me. I later found out that there are over 70,000 health and fitness apps available, but none fully catered specifically for disabled people. So Accessercise is the world’s first complete integrated fitness app, especially designed for the disabled community.

How do you use the app?

The app has three key features:

is constantly making improvements to make sure it’s adaptable and flexible too!

How long did it take?

1

A unique impairment specific video exercise library tailored to the user’s impairment. Video exercises are performed by exercise demonstrators of the user’s disability, allowing users to create their own training programmes that best suits them

Incredibly, we managed to get the app live in the UK one year after the first initial idea, which we were so proud of, as we were in a lockdown due to COVID-19 and everything had to be done virtually.

2

A Social Hub where users get to share, like, comment and follow user’s fitness journeys to create a real sense of community

What do you hope people get out of using the app?

3

A unique accessibility rating scale where users get to rate the accessibility of gyms and local sports facilities in their local areas

How did you go about developing it?

To develop an app, it was important to think about what features would allow the app to achieve its aim of making exercise truly accessible. However, thinking about features is only part of it, as you need to think about the design, flow, usability and efficiency too. We also needed app developers that understood our vision and aligned to our values. We were lucky to have outsourced the app development to a team that has produced a robust, fully functioning app with the tight deadlines we set for them. The app

The ultimate hope is that disabled people will finally be able to exercise and stay fit on their own terms without relying on other people to guide them. Also, I wanted to challenge the fitness app industry to become more accessible and stop neglecting a community that deserves as much attention as everyone else.

Aside from Accessercise, what’s next

for you?

To grow Accessercise is my biggest aim, but I am studying a part time PhD at the University of Birmingham too! I like to keep busy!

Join Accessercise

If you are looking for an app that will give you exercises tailored to your own specific impairment and allows you to create your own workouts, and take everything at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, then this is the one for you.

You can download Accessercise from the App store or Google Play store, or visit Join.Accessercise. com. You can follow on Twitter @Accessercise or follow Ali @AliJawad12

Automatic Pill Dispensers and Medication Reminders

Our products are widely used by Health and Social Care professionals for vulnerable older people and those with learning difficulties who need to be reminded of essential daily tasks such as taking their medication.

Find out more today: pivotell.co.uk

BIGGEST OT SHOW EVER THE

DID YOU ATTEND THE BUSIEST OT SHOW TO DATE IN 2022?

Images: Courtesy of The OT Show 2022

familiar feel to this year’s event.

The great expectation of The OT Show was not only met, but in a lot of cases even exceeded. The highly anticipated event reiterated just how important and rewarding the inperson experience is to the entire OT community.

The OT community was officially brought back together at the NEC Birmingham for the return of the Occupational Therapy Show on 23-24 November. Across the two-day event, thousands of occupational therapy professionals gained expert insight, witnessed the latest innovations and networked with some of the biggest names in the industry.

With a conference programme like never before, over 180 exhibitors and 100+ hours of CPD accredited content, over 90 world class speakers and six theatres. This year’s free to attend event was like no other and it was shown that this year’s event was the biggest OT show to date. The content and the exhibition worked in great unison to provide the latest in not just knowledge, but also in the technology that will transform the industry now and in the near future.

There were new additions as well as familiar ones this year including, Contemporary Practice (new stream), Innovation theatre, Showcase theatre and the much beloved Poster zone. These all ensured a new but also

“We saw 355 visitors at our stand which is double the number we saw in 2022. We had a really busy show at which all our ideas and plans came together. We also had some very good, and worn out staff at the end!” - Stephen Perry, Driving Mobility

“We had a great show, probably our busiest yet! So, thanks again. It’s

always a well organised event and a pleasure to be part of.” - Dave Bennett, Hospital Direct (Marketing) Ltd

The next edition of the show, The Occupational Therapy Show 2023, will return on 22 – 23 November 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham and attendees can register their interest today.

For more information, visit TheOTShow.com or email  OTShow@CloserStillMedia.com

Sunken Trampolines are the experts in providing trampoline solutions for schools, care institutions and families across the UK.

PAEDIATRICS SECTION

leep hygiene is something we’re very passionate about at The OT Magazine; sleep is something so important to all of us, regardless of our age or stage in life, and not getting enough of it can be detrimental to our mental and physical wellbeing. This is especially true of children, who often would rather be up and around doing other very exciting and very important things than trying to get some sleep! We’ve explored the importance of good sleep hygiene for children on page 54.

As ever, we’ve got a deluge of fantastic products for the younger people you support on page 56, with a brand-new look to go along with the rest of our redesigned magazine (which we hope you love as much as we do, incidentally). If you have anything you’d like to see featured in our paediatrics section, don’t hesitate to get in touch at Katie@2APublishing.co.uk

ALL THE LATEST FROM THE WORLD OF PAEDIATRICS

leep is very important to children and younger people: it is, of course, important for the body’s cycle of growth and repair, but studies have also shown that it helps to improve mood, cognitive performance, alertness, and in very young children can be important for memory consolidation, motor skills development, and executive attention. Sleep needs for every child are different, taking into account a large assortment of factors that include their age; some children - especially younger children - will also need to nap, and some will not.

Regardless of how much sleep a child needs, sleep hygiene can still be extremely helpful for getting children to settle and to remain asleep throughout the night. Sleep hygiene promotes good sleep behaviours, and helps provide a routine that can take some strain off of parents of younger children, too.

EMPLOY A ROUTINE

Encouraging parents to set appropriate bed times for their children. A bedtime routine is not only a great way to encourage calm in children before bedtime, but it allows their parents and guardians to have one-on-one quality time with them that can provide a sense of love and comfort to both parties. Everyone’s bedtime routine - and bedtime itself - will be different, but it might consist of a bath or shower, brushing teeth, putting on pyjamas and enjoying a bedtime story. The bedtime routine is an ideal opportunity for bonding and can help children feel safe, calm, secure, and ready for a night of rest.

do that. However, these items may be used in tandem with the sleep routine - for example, playing lullabies on YouTube with a timer setting to help a child fall asleep. If this is the case, it’s best to place the device somewhere out of reach of the child, and ensure that the screen can be dimmed to prevent errant light sources keeping the child awake.

04 FOOD AND EXERCISE

01

OPTIMISE THE ROOM

Making sure that a bedroom is just right for sleep is a great way to establish good sleep hygiene. Light levels should be taken into consideration: outside being light means it’s ok to be awake and dark means you should be asleep is a great concept in theory, but when the days become longer and shorter this can get a bit tricky. To circumvent that, sleep trainer clocks are an excellent solution: they light up one colour to show children they should

be asleep (blue, for example) and change to a different colour at a set time when it’s ok for them to be awake. They can also function as nightlights for children who may be uncomfortable in very dark rooms. Blackout blinds and curtains can also be extremely helpful in the summer when the sun rises early. Some children may also enjoy calming sleep-promoting sprays, which use natural ingredients like lavender to help soothe them, but children who are sensitive to smells may not appreciate this. Ensuring the room is a good temperature is also helpful to promoting restful sleep.

03 LIMIT SCREEN TIME AT BEDTIME

Just like with adults, using a phone, computer or tablet just before bed (or even whilst in bed) can disrupt sleep. Great Ormond Street Hospital’s sleep hygiene guide notes that the light that these items produce can suppress the production of the natural hormones in a child’s brain which help to encourage sleep. It’s a good idea not to keep electronic items in a child’s bedroom to help promote a healthy sleep environment, and reduce the temptation to get out of bed and play with them, should they be old enough to

What we eat, drink and do throughout the day can have an impact on our sleep, and children are no different. Eating a big meal before bedtime can impede their ability to drift off, as can drinking caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee and energy drinks throughout the day. It’s also helpful for children to be active throughout the day, which can promote a sense of tiredness when they wind down for bedtime. Being active can be anything from playing sports, attending after school clubs where they play active games, or getting out in the fresh air.

KIDS’ PRODUCTS

01 MINI FOOT SWING

The Mini Foot Swing has been specially designed for kids between 3-7 years old (the annoying age where your feet don’t touch the floor!). The swing sits under tables, offering kids a tactile platform to rest their feet, comfortably position themselves, swing, and stim calmly in a regulated manner.

01270 766660

RhinoUK.com

02

COSYFIT

Designed to create a safe and comfortable space out of strong and durable materials, the Cosyfit can be both a sleep area and a relaxation zone, which can be stored away when not in use. It features high sides and an open top, as well as a large viewing panel, and can be used in conjunction with a mobile hoist.

SafeSpaces.co.uk

03 HYGIENE TOILETING SYSTEM

This versitile toileting solution is designed to improve the bathroom experience of children who might need additional support when washing or toileting. Easily transportable, the HTS can also be used to make bathing more comfortable, and features load bearing footplates to allow for easier transfers, as well as a unique seat pad design to optimise hygiene. Jiraffe.org.uk

04

IBACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNICATION CARDS

This pack of communication cards is designed to alleviate the anxiety some autistic children experience when trying to communicate in school, and is especially useful for semi-verbal, nonspeaking or non-verbal children. The packs come with a pop-it keyring and a whiteboard pen, which can be used on the blank card at the back of the pack to write whatever is needed.

FidgetsAndStims.co.uk

WEIGHTED WINNIE THE POOH

Some children find weighted toys and blankets comforting, especially children who experience anxiety. Winnie the Pooh is one of Disney’s most recognisable characters, and features a removable weighted pouch (located underneath the little stitch on his back), as well as super-soft fur and gentle embroidered facial features, making this one very cute and huggable bear.

ShopDisney.co.uk

06 SEAMLESS GLOVES

These stretchy gloves are totally seamless, making them not only ideal for children who have sensory sensitivities to seams, but also for children who experience eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. The cotton viscose material means they can be worn over creams and salves comfortably, and are light-wearing and antiirritant.

SensorySmart.co.uk

LIGHT UP POP TUBES

These light up tubes are a wonderful glow in the dark fidget toy. Kids can use them to stretch, twist, connect, pop and see them light up with their LED lights. Noisy, tactile and bright, they will encourage creative motor skills and imagination for young children, as well as providing a fun activity for them.

Amazon.co.uk

10 TRAVEL SIT

This supportive seating system has been designed for families to travel with. The back rest is made up of four adjustable trunk supports, two safety belts and an anatomical headrest. There are six supports which stabilise the child and can be adjusted to the width of the seat, you will also find an adaptable abductor for lower limb abduction, pelvic belts and a lounger frame for use at ground level.

01788 892 056

Baffin.co.uk

BENDABLE SPOON

This lightweight, bendable spoon can be bent to any angle to help anyone who struggles with a standard grip at mealtimes. The ability to bend this durable spoon can allow children to eat independently, reducing any strain on the wrists and hands, while also reducing the risk of spillages.

03330 160 000

CompleteCareShop.co.uk

HCPC RENEWAL

2023 IS

THE YEAR FOR RENEWING YOUR HCPC REGISTRATION, WOULD YOU BE READY IF CALLED UPON FOR AN AUDIT?

Every two years, the registration period comes around for AHPs. This year the renewal period for occupational therapists will open on 1 August 2023 and will close on 31 October 2023. This allows you three months to complete a professional declaration and pay your renewal fee.

According to the HCPC website, the renewal fee is currently £196.24 for two years. If you are a new UK graduate from an HCPC approved course, the fee you will pay for the first two professional years is reduced by 50% to £98.12. You can pay this as a lump sum or you can spread the cost over four payments via direct debit, taken from your account every six months.

For each renewal cycle, 2.5% of registrants are selected at random for an HCPC audit. If you are a recent graduate and this is your first renewal period you will not be called for an audit. If you are amongst that 2.5% you will be asked to provide evidence of the CPD you have undertaken over the last two years.

Audits themselves can be stressful experiences for many, but preparation for this, even if you aren’t chosen, can prove to be a very worthwhile exercise that can aid your own career regardless.

you will be notified by email 10 days prior to the renewal window opening. It will also be indicated on your online HCPC account.

SUMMARY OF PRACTICE HISTORY

This section asks you to describe your current role and the type of work you undertake. This allows the HCPC to ensure your CPD is relevant to your practice. Your summary can be up to 500 words and should identify your main responsibilities, any specialist areas you work in and identify the people you communicate and work with most.

A STATEMENT OF HOW YOU HAVE MET THE STANDARDS

Your statement should focus on explaining what CPD activities you have carried out, what you have learned from these activities, and how you believe these activities have improved the quality of your practice and benefited service users. Your statement can be up to 1,500 words and offers the opportunity to really show how you have met the standards set by the HCPC.

A DATED LIST OF THE CPD ACTIVITIES YOU HAVE CARRIED OUT

Just as it sounds, you need to provide a dated list of the CPD activities you have carried out since your last renewal period. This should clearly highlight the date of the activity, the type of activity, and the title of courses or events where appropriate.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

You are asked to provide evidence that shows the CPD activities you have declared, have actually taken place. This could include certificates from any seminars or conferences, case studies, critical reviews, reports, written articles, information leaflets, and many more.

According to the HCPC website, the main objective of your CPD profile is to show that the CPD activities you have engaged in have improved your

quality of work and how these benefit service users within the context of your own specific role.

It is important to include a thorough and accurate list of activities, a clear summary and statement of your learning from these activities and a comprehensive list of evidence to back everything up. The evidence you provide can also further aid with backing up the relevance and quality of your CPD and may lessen the chances of you being asked for more information later.

Failing to do any of the aforementioned could lead to you being asked to expand on anything in your profile and, if you fail to do this, could see you removed from the register. As a result, even if you have yet to find out if you are to be selected for audit, preparation in the form of record keeping and notetaking could be invaluable and timesaving in the long run.

DEFERRAL

If you are chosen for audit, but are not in a position to fulfil the requirements due to ill health, family or personal circumstances, or parental leave, you can submit a request for deferral. If you need to submit a request to defer, you can do so online, giving the reasons for deferring and any evidence if possible. Anyone accepted for deferral is automatically included in the next round of audits.

To find out more about the renewal and CPD audit process visit HCPC-UK.org

YOUR CPD PROFILE IS TO SHOW THAT THE CPD ACTIVITIES YOU HAVE ENGAGED IN HAVE IMPROVED YOUR QUALITY OF WORK

CPD TRACKING

Keeping on top of your CPD portfolio is vitally important, as it stops you from panicking when the renewal period rolls around every two years. Everyone anxiously awaits that notification of being chosen for an audit by the HCPC, and if you are unprepared for completing this audit it can pose a lot of work, or at worst a risk to your registration.

The best way to tackle your continuing professional development, is to keep an ongoing record in one place. Even consider setting aside some time every week or two to file away any CPD activities you have undertaken. This will ensure you are keeping on top of everything and if it comes to that dreaded audit, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that all your CPD is organised and ready.

CPD apps and online portals are a great way to ensure you can organise your CPD as you go. Check out some of the apps available, that could turn you into the queen or king of CPD filing.

JULIA

This CPD management tool allows you to record your CPD on the go via a mobile app, as well as email records to your account or upload records via the website. The team behind this management tool consulted with 50 AHPs on the struggles they encounter recording CPD. It has been guided by their views and as a result has created a very easy-to-use and functional tool for recording any form of CPD activity. It is designed to quickly and securely capture all of your CPD evidence in one place. The mobile app allows you to record text notes, upload photos, files, screenshots of articles or certificates from courses on the go. Once you have uploaded your records you can also utilise Julia’s reflection tools, and a report builder that can assist with audits or preparing for job interviews. You can sign up for a 14-day free trial to see if it fits your requirements.

JuliaCanHelp.com

Top right: TRAMmCPD.com website

Bottom right: CPDme website

TRAMMCPD

The TRAMm Model for continuing professional development was developed by practising OTs and stands for Talk, Record, Activities,  Monitor and measure. TRAMmCPD has been designed to reflect the five standards of CPD stated by the HCPC, providing a framework that enables registrants to meet the required criteria to maintain registration. It is an interactive model that encourages OTs to record and reflect on their CPD. You will find free resources to help encourage the process of recording CPD and suggestions of how to utilise the TRAMm Model, TRAMm Tracker and TRAMm Trail.

TRAMmCPD.com

CPDME

CPDme is another online portfolio that can be accessed both on desktop and mobile and has been praised for improving organisation and being easy and clear to use when updating and referring to. The online nature allows for greater flexibility allowing OTs to update their work whilst on the move. With an easy-toread dashboard, users can quickly see how up-to-date and balanced the CPD they have undertaken is and provides stats to ensure users can make sure they are including everything they have learned. OTs can include reflective pieces and the print function allows for easy hard copies.

CPDme.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

KIDZ TO ADULTZ EVENTS

Middle

16 Mar, CBS Arena, Coventry South

16 May, Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre

Wales & West

21 Sept, ICC Newport, Wales North Nov – dates and venue TBC

EUROPEAN NEURO CONVENTION

22-23 MAR, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

OTAC EVENTS

Glasgow

25 Jan, Golden Jubilee Hotel

Dublin

1 Feb, Hilton Dublin Airport

Bristol

15 Mar, Aztec Hotel & Spa

Llandrindod Wells

22 Mar, Metropole Hotel and Spa

Leeds

19 Apr, Weetwood Hall Estate

Belfast

10 May, The Malone Hotel

Cambridge

14 Jun, Hilton Cambridge City Centre

Chester

13 Sep, The Queen by Best Western Kent

8 Nov, The Spa Hotel

Watford

29 Nov, Hilton Watford

Cardiff

13 Dec, Vale Resort

The UK’s only free Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference and Exhibition. At each event, you will find expert seminars and exhibitors specialising in home adaptations and equipment, and invaluable CPD opportunities.  OTAC.org.uk

Free exhibition dedicated to children and young adults with disabilities and additional needs, their families, carers and all the professionals who support them, the events are packed with exhibitors and boast a great CPD seminar programme.

KidzExhibitions.co.uk

NAIDEX

22-23 MAR, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

Naidex returns in 2023 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Boasting a dedicated CPD seminar programme, a wide range of innovative exhibitors, interactive demonstrations and expert speakers, this year’s event promises to be unmissable. Nadiex.co.uk

Europe’s only trade event for brain and spine experts. Two days packed with workshops and expert industry speakers, the chance to gain free CPD, meet with suppliers and network with like-minded people that can share their knowledge and solutions to improve patient outcomes in the neurological sector.

NeuroConvention.com

UK CARE WEEK 22-23 MAR, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

This event showcases the technology, products and content that will not only enable care homes to implement high-quality, person-centred care models, but also inspire business growth as a result.

CareHomeExpo.co.uk

We take a look at the packed calendar of events and exhibitions that are lined up for OTs in 2023! Get your CPD lined up for the year and plan the events you want to attend this year.

RESIDENTIAL AND HOME CARE SHOW

26-27 APR, EXCEL, LONDON

This show is part of Health Plus Care, and the show will focus on how you can improve the quality of care you offer, workforce recruitment and retention challenges, and how social care can better integrate with the NHS, as well as covering personalised care, safeguarding, dementia, CQC inspections, employment laws and new technologies.

HealthPlusCare.co.uk/Residential

RCOT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

14-15 JUN, VIRTUAL EVENT

RCOT’s Annual Conference is now held as a virtual event to allow more OTs to access the content and opportunities available over the two days.

It is packed with interactive sessions, opportunities for informative meetings, sociable and networking sessions, exhibitor/ sponsor skills exchanges and demonstrations, and much more, inspiring discussion and involvement.

RCOT.co.uk

DISABILITY EXPO

6-7 JULY, EXCEL, LONDON

Disability Expo is a new event for 2023, and it promises to be the UK’s leading person-focused event for disabled people. This free-to-attend, two-day event will offer relevant services, products and information and the full event programme will compromise inclusive activities, performances and discussions from engaging and relatable people, sharing their experiences, skills and expertise.

TheDisabilityExpo.com

PMG CONFERENCE

10-12 JULY, THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, TELFORD

PMG’s annual conference provides an educational industry exhibition and networking events for professionals working in the field on posture and wheeled mobility. PMGuk.co.uk

COTS 2023

12 JULY, WESTPOINT ARENA, EXETER

The Care and Occupational Therapy Show is the only trade show dedicated to care home professionals and occupational therapists in the south west of England. Discover products and services on the exhibition floor, attend a variety of panel discussions and listen to keynote speakers who are internationally renowned experts in the field of healthcare.

CareExhibition.co.uk

THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SHOW

22-23 NOV, NEC, BIRMINGHAM

A vital date in the OT diary, The OT Show will return this year with an outstanding line-up of speakers, seminars and workshops. The show is dedicated to bringing OTs more CPD opportunities than any other event and the exhibition floor will be packed with organisations catering for the independent living market.

TheOTShow.com

Training

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