Moderate Assistance: Upper Body Dressing, Bathing, Toilet
Maximum Assistance: Meal Preparation, Lower Body Dressing, Transfers, Homemaking
The Inspiration...
Wicker Ball String Lights
The OT Goal: Improving independence and safety in ADLs and iADLs.
With this intervention...to strengthen her fingers and hands. To improve coordination and grip. To show her joy in doing something she loves that will help her continue to work in her home and be independent and active!
She does NOT like boring exercises!!
Barbara will make 10 rubber band balls over the course of 2 one hour sessions to improve her strength and independence.
The Idea: Barbara loves crafts! This could be something beautiful for her home. She could paint the balls and bands any color she wants to make it prettier and unique to her!
The Purpose: To improve strength, pinch grip, & coordination in her fingers and hands.
Different widths of the bands requires different strength to stretch and manipulate them on the ball.
The end product is fun, bright, and can be hung inside or outside of her home!
Siddharthan Chandran's Ted Talk, Can the damaged brain repair itself?, was incredibly insightful, hopeful, and empowering. I was in awe of his ability to take such complex, controversial, and complicated ideas, break them down, and make them simple and easy to understand. He reminded me of Professor Lancaster by making the strange familiar. He explained the brain, current research, medical advancement, hope in stem cell research, controversial cloning, the drug creation process, a personal client case story, and how to simplify it all to encourage understanding, hope, and progress....all in 15 minutes. Even though just about everything that he talked about was over my head, daunting, and unknown to me, I felt that I was able to follow his thoughts to understand the possibility of brain repair and finding cures to devastating neurological conditions. I think it is incredibly fascinating that our body, including our brain, can repair itself. It was created to heal itself. In the brain, as Dr. Chandran mentioned, it just doesn't repair and heal itself fast enough. If we can find ways to speed the process, then there could be incredible possibility for major brain damage repair across many diseases and conditions. I am so thankful for our incredible bodies, our absolutely wondrous brains, and for people like Dr. Chandran, who have the gift and belief in hope that motivates him to tackle complex conundrums, and find ways to make life changing differences through medicine, research, and education.
Chandran, Siddharthan. (2013, July). Can the damaged brain repair itself. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/siddharthan_chandran_can_the_damaged_brain_repair_itself#t-971032
I presented my case study on Allie Calhoun, the beautiful girl from The Notebook book and movie written by Nicholas Sparks, who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, which is a form of Dementia. We discussed her story and experience with Alzheimer's, the importance of her caregiver, who is her husband, Noah, and the things that give her joy and comfort. She is already living in a nursing home, and she is in the later stages of the disease. Her greatest goals through OT, are to find quality of life, peace, comfort, and joy. It is also incredibly important for OT to give those interventions of peace and comfort to her husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends, as well. It is an incredibly difficult experience to watch someone you love so dearly slip away. There needs to be hope, acceptance, and a space for memories to be remembered, and a peace present to help give comfort in the day to day process of Alzheimer's disease.
Trevor Conklin is a boy from the movie, The Fundamentals of Caring. He is 18 years old, and has been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a rare genetic disease; one of the 9 types of Muscular Dystrophy (MD). It is caused by a genetic mutation, preventing the body from producing dystrophin, which leads to muscle degeneration. He was diagnosed at the age of 3, and at that time, he lost his father's presence, as well. His mother is incredibly protective and they keep a strict schedule and routine. Trevor depends on his schedule. He loves the news, roadside attractions, pranks, waffles, sausages, and slim jims. He could benefit from OT due to a recent move from the UK to the US, with feelings of isolation and confusion. He is also at risk for depression, and needs to be educated on his disease while being encouraged to be part of social participation, and increasing independence.
Heather Alimossy is 19 years old, and she has been diagnosed with Huntington's disease. Her mom and brother have this disease, and it is strongly hereditary. If you have a parent as carrier, then you have a 50% chance of being diagnosed with the disease. She is a caregiver to her mom, she loves riding dirt bikes, and she is pursuing a Master's degree. Huntington's disease is characterized by deterioration of nerve cells and basal ganglia. There will be physical and cognitive deficits. Since she has experienced the effects of Huntington's in her family, and she knows she is destined to walk the same road, she is trying to fight the symptoms now! She doesn't want to wait. So, OT will work with her to battle, enjoy, and embrace each day.
An article was published online by Mandy Chamberlain, an occupational therapist who advocates and educates through Seniors Flourish. She has a passion for education and for providing resources for occupational therapists working with senior adults, their caregivers, and families. She believes in giving the best possible care to those we serve.
The article was about a book by Kathryn Harrison, Weeds in Nana's Garden. This book was written from personal experience, when Kathryn's mother was diagnosed with dementia. After watching the impact the disease had on her kids, how her kids were "empowered" through education in how to care for their Nana, and through understanding the nature of the disease, she was inspired to write her book.
It is a picture book that explains dementia and the effects it has on the life of those who are diagnosed with it. She saw that the more her kids understood, and the more they were exposed to their Nana's reality, the more confident they felt in how to care for her and love her best.
This reminded me of my husband's grandmother. He is incredibly close to his grandparents, and his grandmother has suffered with dementia for most of his life. She is now in the final stages and her time here could end at any moment. I have only been in the family for six years, but I have come to love them very much. It is difficult to see someone you love suffer confusion and frustration, feeling like there is little you can do to help. It is also hard to watch those that they love endure the sadness and loss of the wife, mother, grandmother, and friend that they once knew. As an OT, and as a member of the family, I want to help grandmother Grace. I want to help the family members that care for her day after day, and I want to help her loving husband by her side understand the love she has for him, even though she doesn't recognize who he is. I want to feel that I can provide insight and encouragement, if nothing else. It is a difficult experience, especially for children, and I think we could all benefit from learning more about how to best care for those with dementia, and for their caregivers and family.
F. (2016, July 08). OT's Role in Helping Kids Understand a Grandparent's Dementia. Retrieved May 16, 2017, from https://www.seniorsflourish.com/kidsanddementia/
I have loved this course! And, I have loved having you as a teacher, Professor Lancaster. You are intentional, organized, strategic, and you value our knowledge and reflection. This course truly made me feel like I had started OT school, and that I was really beginning to understand OT. I am looking forward to diving deeper into the content that we began in this class. I loved ending with the Conceptual Diagram. I would have never created something like that on my own, but now that I have, I am so glad that I have it! The same goes for the blog challenge. At first, I was somewhat dreading the blogging, but now that I have done it, I am so thankful! Thank you for all that you have done to make this class a wonderful experience!
"I felt lost. I realized I couldn't be without football." -Brandon Cox
Brandon was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) when he was 15. He was the starting quarterback for Auburn University. Football, education, and family were Brandon's priorities. He struggles with vision and fatigue. Continuing to do well in football was important to him. He wanted to feel confident in his abilities and in control of MG. Occupational therapy could assist Brandon in energy conservation and fatigue control. Adapting to his vision will be important, especially in driving. Stress reduction can be done with deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and meditation.
I really have been thinking a lot about what I want to do as an occupational therapist, and in my life in general. I am a day dreamer, reflective, and I really want to create a beautiful life, not only for myself, but to share with others. I really think I would love to do OT in the school system. I would love to work with children with special needs, learning disabilities, and with any one who needs some encouragement or guidance. I was thinking the other day, about the special education and inclusion program at my high-school. I think they have a wonderful program, and the kids that are a part of it mean so much to me and my husband. However, their classrooms are located at the very end of our old building campus, somewhat tucked away from everything else; their own hallway behind double doors. My husband and I talked about that, and I wondered if there was anything that could be done to make them a little more visible, even if it was only located so that other kids could walk through their hallway, that they could have common space, creating more opportunities for interaction in the day to day school life. To lessen the division of their area, from the rest of the school. My husband thought maybe there were laws or policies that regulated how their classrooms had to be placed. When I went to the Internet, I found this Ted Talk, and I thought it was really interesting. The speaker felt concerned that "special" had become to mean "separate". Are we doing enough to make children with special needs and their families feel a part of the whole community, or do we put them in a "special" corner, with "special" events and opportunities. It reminded me of the lecture in class about universal design. It differs from handicapped accessibility in that universal design is designed not only for those with a disability, but to be used by everyone. It's given me a lot to think about.
Going along with these ideas, I have heard of a coffee shop in North Carolina, Bitty & Beau's Coffee, and its design and mission has truly impacted me. I love the idea of creating a place that can be a work space for those with disabilities, and for those without. You can see how special this coffee house is, because of the community atmosphere and opportunity for everyone to experience the gifts each person has to offer.
I've had a crazy idea, and it has stuck with me for a few months. I would love to create a space like Bitty & Beau's. I would love to help be an "includer", to bring people together and facilitate opportunities for relationship, learning, growth, inspiration, and encouragement. I have a desire to give back to my community back home, in Lexington, TN. It has always been a place that has supported me and shown me love and kindness. However, through the loss of my sister, my family and I have experienced overwhelming love and care, and I want, even more, to give back in someway. To say thank you.
My town is wonderful, but I feel it could use more resources and opportunities. I feel like there is room for change, for art, language, creative space, and cultural exposure. I would love to bring home some of the things that I have seen and experienced away from home, and let others experience it, especially those who do not have the opportunity to go and experience it themselves. Is it possible that I could create such a space? Do such a thing? Could I somehow find a way to work with kids at school, and maybe even have them work at a small shop like Bitty & Beau's to learn skills and be a more active part of the community? Could I make it a place where people can find inspiration and wisdom through books, music, art, relationship, community, and learning new things? Could I create a space where kids can come and study or tutor outside of the classroom or their home? Could it feel like you are home? Have family dinner? Game night. Movies. Birthday parties. Worship. Could I create an opportunity for someone to learn a new skill, how to cook, speak Spanish, dance, play an instrument, work a register, rock the ACT, or experience how wonderful Jane Austin's art is, or the Andy Griffith show?
Is it possible? Can I do it? Is it crazy, unrealistic, or irrational?
I just know that I want to create a space, in my home and in my community, that is special, and I don't want to keep it to myself. I want others to experience it. In a small way or big way. My family, my friends, my community. I am not quite sure what it is going to look like yet, but I can't wait to be a part of it.
Spotlight TEDx Talk: Why separating kids with disabilities from their peers hurts instead of helps. (2015, May 28). Retrieved May 12, 2017, from https://tedxinnovations.ted.com/2015/04/02/spotlight-tedx-talk-why-separating-kids-with-disabilities-from-their-peers-hurts-instead-of-helps/
It's More Than A Cup Of Coffee. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2017, from https://www.bittyandbeauscoffee.com/
Steve Gleason is an incredible story of fighting a good fight. He is 40 years old, a husband, a father, former professional football player, and he battles ALS. He has a foundation, Team Gleason, to help advocate for those that also have ALS. He has a documentary, "Gleason", and he has helped to bring about a new technology through Microsoft that allows him to control his wheelchair and speak using eye-gaze technology. This is not something he wanted for himself alone, but for others, as well. Steve wants to be a good father, husband, and have as much independence as possible. He seeks to not just survive, but thrive. He is passionate about finding a cure and raising awareness for ALS.
We were created for relationship. This is something that truly hit home for me when I moved away from home. I was desperate to feel comfort, familiarity, and assurance that I was not alone and that I was going to make it. I needed encouragement and kindness. I needed to be accepted and intentionally sought out and cared for.
Intentionality is another reality that became so important to me when I moved away from what was normal, comfortable, and known. Intentional relationship is so incredibly important to have and to give.
In occupational therapy, we use a therapeutic relationship to make our clients feel comfort, familiarity, and acceptance. If I do not take the time to not only speak intentionally, but also to listen intentionally, then I am doing a disservice to my client. This is a skill not only meant for work, but for every interaction and relationship in our life. How we empathize, how we listen, speak, relate, and love...it matters greatly. It requires thought, effort, reflection, planning, and intention.
This morning did not go as planned. As I was about to head out the door to class, I realized my keys and wallet were not on their normal hook. I went back inside to look around, and I was struck with the realization that my keys were in my husband's car! In Southaven, Mississippi. Short story shorter, I was stuck with no way to get to school. Thankfully, a friend came form Oakland to get me, and took me to class. However, before she got to my apartment, I had time to go through a devotion and quiet time. I had been putting it off day after day, and I felt that whatever I was about to read and experience was incredibly needed. If I wasn't going to slow down for it, God had me stuck where He made sure that I did. My attention was heightened. The heading of the devotion was "I must always remember the grace I am daily given and extend that grace to the people in my life." I am so often in need of grace, forgiveness, understanding, and mercy. I fall short time after time. As much as I am in need of grace, forgiveness, understanding, and mercy, I must give that back to others. The closing verse of the scripture I read was:
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32
I needed this reminder for many reasons. It made me thankful to be a part of a profession that is rooted in grace and understanding, in empathy, kindness, and compassion. As an occupational therapist, I am called to a standard of service and relationship. Being kind matters. Being understanding matters. Seeing beyond the issue, looking deeper, it matters.
When I finally made it to class, we were discussing the therapeutic use of self. How to build relationship. How to listen, speak, and care for those we serve.
I hope to grow everyday into a more empathetic, compassionate, and grace-giving student, practitioner, and woman.
Today, I was thankful, even through the crazy and with everything that went wrong, I was thankful to be a part of this program, this profession, and this life long journey. I am indebted to grace, and it is only fair that I pass that along, never withholding that kindness from others. That is my job. That is why I love OT.
After watching a TedTalk by Mileha Soneji, Simple hacks for life with Parkinson's, I felt refreshed by her sweet simplicity and ingenuity. After her uncle was diagnosed with Parkinson's, she wanted to help him feel independent and enjoy simple pleasures of his life from before. She designed a coffee cup that would allow him to drink without spilling, due to tremors. He had stopped drinking in public due to fear of embarrassment. The coffee cup was not only usable for those with Parkinson's, but could be used by everyone. Universal design. She also designed a way for him to walk on flat ground with the same smoothness he had when he walked up and down stairs. Constant motion gave him smoothness that he did not have in normal walking with his walker. So, she designed an illusion. A rug like pathway that can go from room to room throughout the house that gives the illusion of walking on stairs. When he walked this illusion, his walking was smooth and fluent. She mentioned that her vision was to take complex problems and break them down. She could have went much more high-tech and advanced in her designs, but instead she kept them simplistic and basic in technology, purposively. I love seeing how life-changing assistive technology design can be. I also loved that this was something un-intimidating and feasible for just about anyone. Universal, simple, effective, encouraging, empowering.
Soneji, Mileha. (2015, February). Simple hacks for life with Parkinson's. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/mileha_soneji_simple_hacks_for_life_with_parkinson_s#t-404440
Culture encompasses values, beliefs, spirituality, language, traditions, and behaviors. We encounter culture everyday, and we need to be reflective in how we perceive it and in how we receive it. We need to be open to new ideas and willing to learn. Being open to and educated on another's belief, does not mean you adopt their way of thinking. It means that you respect their point of view and way of life. We can all learn so much from each other and our life experiences. Culture plays a huge role in molding who we are.
As occupational therapists, our attitude towards cultural differences can effect the therapeutic relationship with our clients, and can even affect their treatment and recovery. It matters. Be reflective and honest with yourself about biases, prejudices, and stereotypes. Try to refine your behavior and conversation to one of respect, empathy, and understanding.
Aging in place and home modification is an emerging area of practice, according to AOTA. I think this is really interesting and incredibly needed by our growing population of "baby boomers", and for generations beyond. I have a strong interest in pediatrics and school system occupational therapy, but I also have a heart and love for geriatric service.
My grandmother had to move out of and sell our beautiful and, to me magical, family home when I was in middle school. My grandfather had passed away, and the house was too big for her to keep up on her own. At the time, none of her children lived close enough to be consistent help. It was heartbreaking seeing her have to leave her home and move into an apartment.
Even more recently, I have had this passion for seeing my husband's grandfather be more active and increase his quality of life. He is living with my husband's aunt with his wife, Grace, who is suffering from the last stages of dementia of the Alzheimer's type. He stays by her bed in a chair, day in and day out. He doesn't want to leave her, but he rarely gets out and does anything. It is a beautiful love and faithfulness to see, but unfortunately, by the severe inactivity he has had in the last few years, his health has declined rapidly, as well. He can not walk well, he has back problems, and he is not engaged or involved. I would love to help him find quality of life and purpose in this stage of his life. I would love to see him get stronger and be able to go out and do things with his family, even make new friends.
Aging in place is so interesting to me because it allows people to stay in their home, which most have worked for and nurtured most of their life. A home is a special place. I know I would not want to leave mine after a lifetime of memories, work, and love. It encourages people to find meaning, purpose, and activity. To feel involved, included, and capable, in the place that means so much to them, their home.
AOTA has created their Vision 2025, and it states: Occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living. AOTA also lists several emerging areas of practice within occupational therapy. I chose to learn more about A Broader Scope in Schools. Within this area of practice, therapists are encouraged to use scientific-based research to address learning disorders and needs within the school population as a whole. The practitioner may be advocating and working within different areas of school life such as: safety, mental health, and social justice. There is so much opportunity and possibility in the school system and that excites me! This area of practice relates directly to the Vision 2025. In the school system, every therapist should be seeking to serve in the "health, well being, and quality of life for" everyone in the school: high functioning, low functioning, and in between. Every student is important and has potential to make a difference. I think it is important to bridge the gap between the general population of students and the students who are different and unique, those with various disabilities. I think the school should be a community where all students, work together and learn to value and appreciate the gifts, the challenges, and the abilities of each other. I would love to work in the school system and be a part of encouraging, influencing, and seeking potential and talents within students that they may not yet see. I would love to be a part of finding ways to include everyone and lessen the divisions that are sometimes created.
Michael J. Fox is a a father, son, husband, actor, producer, author, and activist. He is founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease. His passion for this cause comes from his personal battle with Parkinson's Disease. He is working hard to stay independent and he is using his drive and motivation to not only help himself, but to help others. His talents and platform have given him an incredible opportunity to make a difference and be a voice for the millions of people who are facing this challenge.
(Multiple Sclerosis) in her mid-30s
