An Occupational Therapist working in mental health may work in several areas. These setting will vary and may include working with people across the lifespan of their engagement with mental health services. Some of these areas include:

• Maternal mental health
  • During pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum.
• Children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
  • For the first 18 years of a child’s life – this may include both inpatient and community-based work.
• Adult mental health services
  • This includes everyone from the age of 18+. This may include work in a forensic setting, acute/subacute, community or a mixture of these.
• Older persons
  • This work may be done with people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, people with dementia or other memory and cognitive issues while working with families and carers.

Occupational Therapists work with people and their families to increase / maintain engagement in meaningful activities to help promote mental wellbeing. An OT will conduct an assessment with the person and their family / carer if relevant. Following on from the assessment,  the OT will jointly develop a range of goals with the person.

Depending on the area and goals of the person, this can include a wide range of activities. Some of these activities may include – social engagement, arts/crafts, schooling, sports, memory tasks, puzzles, reading, gardening, yoga, meditation and sensory experiences.

An occupational therapist may conduct a variety of assessments and use a variety of models and frames of reference to assist the person to become more self-empowered.

Throughout the process an OT may work with the person on their own or as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Some other professionals may include social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapist, nurses, art therapist and play therapist.

If you or someone you know is looking for more details on the work an OT can do in this area – contact your local OT who works in this area to discuss.

When sitting or lying for long periods of time there is significant pressure on the bony prominences in the body. This can be different depending on someone’s seating or lying position.

One key aspect of pressure care for people who are at high risk for developing a pressure injury is for them to change their position on a regular basis. This should be done at least every 4 hours*.

Occupational therapists play a key role in a variety of ways to help assess, monitor and help reduce the risk of pressure injuries from occurring.

• Assessment – the assessment determines the persons risk of developing a pressure injury – some factors which are considered include a persons daily routine, seating position, lying position, BMI, any continence issues, skin type, sensation sex and age.
• Monitor – monitoring occurs alongside the person, the family, carers and other health care professionals. If there is any change to a person’s seating position, daily routine etc. a reassessment may need to take place
• Reducing the risk of pressure injuries – this includes education on factors which increase and/or decrease risk factors, providing training to the person or their family/carer or providing advice around suitable products/equipment. Equipment which may help to alleviate these risks include – proper seating, pressure care cushions and mattresses, heel/elbow protectors etc.

If you have a question or concern in relation to pressure care and how it may be affecting you or a someone you care for – you can contact your local OT.

*According to NICE guidelines (National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2014 and Pressure Ulcers: Prevention and Management (Clinical Guideline).

Diagram courtesy of Nurse Key.

Great question! Occupational therapy helps patients in four main areas:

1. With fine motor skills (smaller movements such as picking up objects between the thumb and finger),
2. Visual-perceptual skills (the brain’s ability to make sense of what the eyes see),
3. Cognitive skills (thinking), and
4. Sensory-processing problems (over sensitivity to things in the environment).

The following disabilities and conditions can benefit from occupational therapy treatment:

• Birth injuries or defects
• Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
• Developmental delays or learning problems
• Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
• Spina Bifida
• Chronic illnesses and pain
• Autism or sensory processing disorders
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Mental health or behavioural problems
• Hand or foot injuries
• Memory disorders
• Broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
• Cancer

This is not an exhaustive list but it should give you an idea of the depth and breath of the assistance that an Occupational Therapist can provide.

An occupational therapist home assessment is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional to assess an individual’s living environment and determine its suitability and necessary modifications to improve their functional independence and quality of life.

There are five key reasons for getting an occupational therapist to carry out a home assessment. Read the following list and identify and list those that would have a positive impact on your life.

1. Expertise in Assessing Functional Abilities: Occupational therapists specialise in assessing an individual’s functional abilities and how they interact with their environment. They are trained to evaluate a person’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities, as well as their specific needs and goals. This expertise allows them to identify potential barriers or challenges within a home environment that may affect an individual’s independence and safety.
2. Personalised Recommendations: By conducting a home assessment, an occupational therapist can provide personalised recommendations tailored to an individual’s specific needs. They consider factors such as mobility, accessibility, safety, and activities of daily living. They can suggest modifications, adaptive equipment, and strategies to improve the individual’s independence, safety, and overall quality of life within their home.
3. Maximising Safety and Independence: The primary goal of an occupational therapist is to promote independence and safety. By assessing the home environment, they can identify potential hazards, such as tripping hazards, poor lighting, or inaccessible areas, and provide recommendations to mitigate these risks. They can also suggest modifications to improve accessibility, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, which can enhance the individual’s ability to move around safely and independently.
4. Enhancing Quality of Life: Occupational therapists understand the impact that a well-designed home environment can have on a person’s overall well-being and quality of life. Through their assessment, they can identify ways to optimize the home environment, making it more functional, comfortable, and supportive. This can include recommending modifications to facilitate hobbies, leisure activities, social interactions, and other meaningful occupations.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in a home assessment conducted by an occupational therapist can be cost-effective in the long run. By addressing potential barriers and hazards proactively, individuals can prevent accidents or injuries that may result in costly hospitalisations or long-term care needs. Additionally, the recommendations provided by the occupational therapist can help individuals make informed decisions about home modifications or assistive devices, optimising their investment and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

It is important to note that the specific benefits of a home assessment may vary depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances. Having said that, there is no doubt that involving an occupational therapist in the process can lead to a comprehensive evaluation, personalised recommendations, and improved safety, independence, and quality of life within the home environment.

If you are purchasing a product such as a stairlift privately, you do not require an OT assessment but it is always advisable to get one.

An Occupational Therapist can identify key areas where you may need assistance that may not be evident. During an assessment, the OT will identify what changes are required to help complete personal tasks to remain independent and safe. This is done by analysing how you interact in your environment and the OT can often spot potential problems that may not be evident yet, but that may be a problem in the future. This is vital as it can not only save money, but it will also make your home safer and ensure you don’t need to experience unnecessary inconvenience. 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (Physios) can sometimes be confused as both professions can work with similar groups of people.

Physiotherapy focuses on improving a person’s movement. Physios are movement experts as they have the knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the affected area – including muscles, tendons, joints, range of motion, strength etc. Physios help improve the lives of people who have movement issues. This is done through

• Providing hands-on care
• Prescribing specific movement exercises
• Education – on the affected area of the body
• Prescription of certain mobility aids – Zimmer frames, tri walkers, rollators, etc.
• Individual or group work – goals can be achieved through individual therapy or group therapy depending on the physio you are working with, your injury and the expertise of the physio.

In comparison to a Physio – an OT is focused on improving people’s ability to perform specific tasks or activities they want to complete in their normal everyday lives. An OT will work with the person to understand their abilities and goals, then the OT will develop a treatment plan based on this information. These goals can include both physical and mental/cognitive tasks. To help people achieve these goals an OT may use one or a combination of techniques. These include:

• Person – the OT will work with the person, and their family or carers (if relevant), in building or maintaining the skills needed to engage in their desired activity. This may include practical exercises, providing equipment, education etc
• Environment – the OT will work with the client to adapt the environment to allow the person to engage – this may include house/home adaptions, grab rail installation, re organisation of rooms/areas, understanding the social environment and supports/barriers present.
• Occupation – finally an OT may look at adapting the occupation or activity the person is doing.

An OT and Physio can regularly work together for a variety of reasons. Engagement in your regular everyday activities or occupations generally require movement. Likewise, movement generally helps enable engagement in everyday activities. Both an OT and Physio may be involved in equipment prescription (riser recliners, hoists, mobility aids, daily living aids, pressure care, etc.).

Overall, an OT and Physio aim to improve a person’s life by helping them to achieve their goals. If you would like to know which profession would be more suitable for your situation you can contact our resident OT to find out.

Occupational therapists can work with children and their families on the development of skills for everyday life. Skills may include dressing, eating, handwriting, riding a bike. It may also include assessing seating, enhancing a child’s self-confidence and independence, mental health concerns and liaising with schools, GPs, family members, carers and other healthcare professionals. Some examples of how an OT would work with children and teenagers are outlined below.

 Handwriting

Occupational therapists can work with your child in improving their handwriting. Some strategies used are aimed at improving:

• Sitting posture
• Postural control
• Core stability
• Shoulder strength
• Paper position
• Pencil pressure
• Letter sizing
• Direction of writing
• Reflection skills on handwriting
• Education in relation to grip of pencil/pen

 Seating

Sometime children or teenagers may require an assessment on their seating. Some examples include:

1. Assessing and helping to set up an ergonomic work environment for a teenager to study.
2. Wheelchairs – depending on the child/teenager mobility.
3. Custom seating – this can include specially moulded seats for use on wheelchairs to mobilise or as a comfort chair. Custom seating is usually required if the child has complex seating needs and/or to ensure optimal posture.

Mental Health

Occupational therapist also works in mental health settings. Here OTs work with children/teenager and their families in improve their physical psychological and social well-being. The OT will work alongside other healthcare professionals in improving function across play/leisure, self-care, activities of daily living and school.

An OTs role in working with children and teenagers is a wide and ever-expanding field. If you have any questions on whether you think OT might help you or a family member contact your local OT to get more information.

What is a Lifting Cushion and Why Would I Need One?

A lifting cushion, like the Mangar Elk, is a portable, inflatable device designed to safely and comfortably lift individuals who have fallen or need assistance getting up. It uses air pressure to gently raise the person to a seated or standing position, minimising strain on both the caregiver and the individual being lifted.

The Mangar Elk is particularly popular in healthcare settings, such as nursing homes, hospitals, and home care, as well as for individuals with mobility challenges. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and provides a dignified solution for falls management.

Why Would You Need a Lifting Cushion?

Here are some key reasons why a lifting cushion like the Mangar Elk might be essential for you or your loved ones:

1. Safe and Easy Falls Recovery
– If someone has fallen, lifting them manually can be risky for both the caregiver and the individual. The Mangar Elk allows for a safe, controlled lift, reducing the risk of injury.

2. Reduces Caregiver Strain
– Manual lifting can lead to back injuries or muscle strain for caregivers. The Mangar Elk eliminates the need for heavy lifting, making it easier for caregivers to assist individuals.

3. Promotes Independence
– For individuals with limited mobility, the Mangar Elk can help them regain their independence by allowing them to get up from the floor or a seated position with minimal assistance.

4. Portable and Versatile
– The Mangar Elk is lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for use in various settings, including homes, care facilities, and even outdoors.

5. Dignified Solution
– Falls can be distressing and embarrassing. The Mangar Elk provides a dignified way to help someone up, preserving their confidence and comfort.

6. Prevents Prolonged Floor Time
– If someone has fallen and cannot get up, staying on the floor for an extended period can lead to complications like pressure sores, hypothermia, or anxiety. A lifting cushion ensures a quick and safe recovery.

Who Can Benefit from a Lifting Cushion?

– Elderly Individuals: Those with reduced mobility or balance issues.
– Caregivers: Professionals or family members who assist individuals with mobility challenges.
– People with Disabilities: Individuals who need support transitioning from the floor to a seated or standing position.
– Healthcare Facilities: Nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers that prioritise safe patient handling.

 Why Choose the Mangar Elk?

The Mangar Elk stands out because of its:
– Compact Design: Easy to store and transport.
– Quick Inflation: Gets individuals back on their feet in minutes.
– Durability: Built to withstand frequent use in demanding environments.
– Ease of Use: Simple controls make it accessible for caregivers and family members.

If you or someone you care for could benefit from a safe, efficient, and dignified lifting solution, the Mangar Elk Lifting Cushion is an excellent choice.

It’s not a straightforward task to list the benefits as each patient (child, young adult, adult, senior adult) will require a programme of treatment tailored to their unique circumstances. Having said that,  in general, the treatment programme will improve the abilities of the patient in a variety of ways, depending on their individual goals. The occupational therapist may provide:

• Help with motor development to improve the ability to dress, shower, eat, and groom
• Support to participate in activities at work or school, such as writing
• Help with techniques to self-regulate for people with behavioural disorders
• Support to perform household management such as cleaning and budgeting
• Support to make driving possible
• Identification and purchase of mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and ramps
• Information to help with confidence building and social participation
• Help to improve hand eye coordination to improve ability in sports and leisure activities

The American Occupational Therapy Association state the people with and ID have ‘’limited cognitive capacities and adaptive behaviours.” Occupational therapists work to help people perform their activities of daily living (ADLs) effectively and with the aim to help promote confidence, self-esteem, self-concept, overall happiness and often independence. As with any other patient population, occupational therapists help play an important role in aiming to promote meaningful engagement in a range of activities in a person-centred manner. Often this can involve engaging with the person themselves, their families, schooling/education systems, workplaces, government and councils and carers.

Depending on the person’s physical, cognitive, communication and sensory requirements, a range of interventions may be worked on with an occupational therapist. As part of any intervention the occupational therapist may also work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including GPs, nurses, care staff, physiotherapists, speech and language therapist, teachers, social workers, and dieticians to name but a few. Furthermore, an occupational therapist may work with the person in a variety of settings including their home, schools, day services or community settings, work, respite services or residential services.

According to Justice et al., (2021) – some key areas an occupational therapist may work with this population include.

• Sensory interventions
• Seating
• Equipment provision
• Adapting environments/ environmental recommendations
• Use of natural environment
• Education for the person, family, care staff etc.
• Adapting activities of daily living
• Adapting roles and routines
• Visual arousal monitoring tools

Throughout Ireland, occupational therapists work in network disability teams (NDTs), charities, schools, and community teams with this population. Private occupational therapists may also work with this population. If you are looking for any additional information on what benefits an occupational therapist may have when working with you or someone you know with an ID – contact your local OT and learn more about the services they offer.