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.

A question I get asked a lot when it comes to wheelchairs is “Do I need a transit or self-propelled wheelchair?”

Wheelchairs play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with mobility challenges. Among the various types of wheelchairs, transit wheelchairs, and self-propelled wheelchairs are two distinct options designed to meet different needs. In this blog post, I’ll run through the main differences and similarities between transit and self-propelled wheelchairs, shedding light on the factors that users should take into account.

Transit Wheelchairs:

Transit wheelchairs, also known as transport or attendant-propelled wheelchairs, are designed to be pushed by a caregiver or an attendant rather than the user themselves. Here are some key features of transit wheelchairs:

1. Lightweight and Compact Design: Transit wheelchairs are often more lightweight and compact compared to self-propelled wheelchairs. This makes them easier to maneuver in tight spaces and convenient for transportation.

2. Smaller Rear Wheels: Transit wheelchairs typically have smaller rear wheels, making it easier for the caregiver to navigate and control the chair.

3. Foldable for Easy Transport: Many transit wheelchairs are designed to be foldable, facilitating easy storage and transport. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals who require assistance but want a wheelchair that can be easily taken in and out of vehicles.

Self-Propelled Wheelchairs:

Self-propelled wheelchairs are designed for individuals who have the capability to move the wheelchair themselves. These wheelchairs provide users with greater independence and control over their mobility. Here are some key features of self-propelled wheelchairs:

1. Large Rear Wheels: Self-propelled wheelchairs typically have larger rear wheels, allowing users to propel themselves forward using hand rims. This design is essential for users who want to navigate various terrains independently.

2. Adjustable and Customizable: Self-propelled wheelchairs often come with adjustable features, such as seat height, backrest angle, and footrests. This customization allows users to find the most comfortable and ergonomic positions for their unique needs.

3. Heavier Construction: In contrast to transit wheelchairs, self-propelled wheelchairs may be heavier due to the larger rear wheels and additional features. This can impact their portability but contributes to durability and stability.

Similarities:

1. Basic Structure: Both transit and self-propelled wheelchairs share a fundamental structure, consisting of a seat, frame, wheels, and footrests. The difference lies in the specific design and features that cater to different user preferences.

2. Adjustable Features: While self-propelled wheelchairs often offer more customisation options, both types of wheelchairs may have adjustable features to ensure comfort and accommodate individual needs.

The choice between a transit wheelchair and a self-propelled wheelchair depends on the user’s mobility needs and preferences. Transit wheelchairs offer convenience and ease of use with the assistance of a caregiver, while self-propelled wheelchairs empower users to navigate their environment independently. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions that align with their lifestyle and requirements, ultimately enhancing their mobility and quality of life.

Having said all that, it’s important to note that I always recommend an assessment to determine the most appropriate type of wheelchair and just as important, the correct size. An occupational therapist conducts a wheelchair assessment by evaluating the individual’s physical abilities, functional needs, and environmental factors to determine the most appropriate wheelchair. This involves assessing posture, mobility, strength, and coordination, as well as considering the person’s daily activities and living environment. The therapist also considers the client’s preferences and goals to ensure the wheelchair meets their specific needs, promoting independence and improving overall quality of life.

As you can see, choosing the right type of wheelchair should not be left to chance.

You can view a range of quality, affordable transit, and self-propelled wheelchairs here.

 

An Occupational Therapist is trained in assessing physical and psychological conditions in patients. They achieve this through observation, liaising with the client and/or their family and/or other healthcare professionals, activity analysis and by using other skills. Once the occupational therapist (OT) identifies where the issue lies – the OT may work with the person in regaining the function and to restore their engagement in the occupation to full capacity. There may be a requirement to use a daily living aid to assist the person in achieving their goals.

With constant research and development of new products, there is an ever-growing list of products that can help people regain function in an activity they want to engage in. These aids can help all ages from children to older adults. Below are some daily living aids that an OT may advise a client to get:

• Dressing aids – sock aids, shoehorn, dressing stick
• Washing/personal care aids – long handled brushes, combs, sponges, scissors
• Reading aids – magnifying aids, page holders, book stands
• Writing aids – grips, assistive technology, large
• Weighted/large grip cutlery
• Gardening aids
• Grip aids
• Toileting and bathing aids – raised toilet seats, shower chairs
• Sensory equipment – sensory toys, sensory armchair covers, sensory cushions, LED lights softened by sheer fabric, hand-held colour-changing light.
• Assistive technology – Screen readers, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, amplified telephone equipment, speech generating devices.

Daily living aids are a fantastic option to help improve, restore or maintain function in your normal everyday activities. If you would like more information or guidance – contact your local OT and book an assessment.

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.

Good question as many people are unsure was to what we actually do. Occupational Therapists, or OT’s for short, work with people with live with intellectual and physical disability and developmental delays, physical illnesses and injuries, mental health disorders and emotional problems. Examples of situations where occupational therapy can help include:

• A young adult facing life with a disability such as Cerebral Palsy may find it difficult to sleep without developing pressure sores. An occupational therapist will work with her to identify the right pressure care mattress to help her sleep safely and peacefully.
• A teenage boy may have trouble putting his shoes on by himself, and writing his name. The occupational therapist will work closely with him to develop his fine motor skills through play-based therapy so he can become more independent in his life.

Installing a stairlift can help maintain a person’s independence in 5 key ways:

1. Mobility: A stairlift allows a person with reduced mobility to move easily and comfortably between floors in their home. This can greatly improve their mobility and ability to move around their own home, which can help them to maintain their independence.
2. Safety: A stairlift can greatly reduce the risk of falls and injuries for those with reduced mobility. This can provide peace of mind for the person and their loved ones, allowing the person to move around their home with more confidence and security.
3. Ability to stay in their own home: A stairlift can allow a person with reduced mobility to continue living in their own home, rather than having to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility. This can greatly improve their quality of life and help them to maintain their independence.
4. Participation in daily activities: Having a stairlift allows the person to participate in activities and events on different floors of their home, such as visiting with family and friends, going to the bedroom, or even just enjoy their home more. This can help them to maintain their independence by allowing them to continue doing the things they enjoy and to keep participating in their daily life.
5. Empowerment: A stairlift can give the person a sense of empowerment and control over their own mobility and daily activities. This can help to boost their self-esteem and self-worth, and in turn, help them to maintain their independence.

 In summary, installing a stairlift (straight or curved) can help to maintain a person’s independence by improving their mobility, safety, ability to stay in their own home, participation in daily activities, and empowering them to take control of their mobility and daily activities.

 

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.

Did you know that hospitals are one of the largest employers of occupational therapists (OTs). Acute care is a category which entails the treatment of sudden, serious injury and illness. Typically, OTs work with people in an acute setting who have experienced an incident ranging from strokes, acute mental health issues, to falls, or a road traffic collision – to name a few.

From a therapeutic standpoint, it is the priority of the OT to work as part of the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) in stabilising the patient, enabling early mobilisation, engage in therapeutic activities and create discharge plans. The multi-disciplinary team may incorporate a range of other health care professionals – including nurses, speech and language therapists, physiotherapist, social workers, doctors, therapy assistants, etc.

Some common responsibilities of an OT in an acute setting may include:

• Assessing any requirement from a positioning perspective – this may include splinting, using positioning aids, education on position in profiling beds and cushion or mattress prescription.
• Conducting cognitive assessments to determine if a person is ready to engage in therapeutic activities and to help to determine current level of functioning.
• Assessing a client’s mobility – this may require prescription of a wheelchair. Furthermore, the OT may liaise with a physiotherapist if a walking aid is required.
• Education of the client and their family around mobility, self-care activities, leisure activities, productive activities and any goals set out during therapy.
• Setting therapy goals with the client in a collaborative way.
• Discharge planning – this may include meetings with family members and other health care professionals to help determine the next steps. This may include a discharge home, an onward referral to a sub-acute or step-down unit, a referral to community teams or any other relevant organisations or support groups.
• Daily living -finally, it is the responsibility of the OT to ensure the person can meet all the activities of daily living either independently or with the help of a carer or family member.

As you can see, OTs provide vital support in a variety of settings, particularly acute care. From cognitive assessments to prescribing equipment and setting therapy goals – OTs will help work towards the best outcome.

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.

The SENcastle is a professional-grade, portable sensory room designed to provide a controlled environment for individuals with sensory processing challenges, such as Autism or ADHD. Unlike standard play tents, it is constructed from thick, acoustic-dampening PET felt that effectively blocks out external noise and visual clutter, creating an immediate low-arousal sanctuary.

Developed in collaboration with occupational therapists, it features an integrated system of 57 interactive cards that activate over 200 sensory scenes. These scenes control a central LED light column and soundscapes to tailor the environment for relaxation or stimulation. The set also includes six specialised sensory cushions—vibrating, weighted, tactile, and auditory—to provide a comprehensive, whole-body therapeutic experience that supports emotional regulation and sensory integration in schools, clinics, or at home