Page 47 - Joondalup Health Campus Annual Report 2017

what does an ot do?
reconditions and rehabilitates patients with acute and chronic conditions.
Conducts cognitive assessments and therapy.
educates about falls prevention, pressure injury management, condition management.
Facilitates return to work, leisure activities and driving.
helps devise pain management strategies.
prescribes equipment and minor home modifications.
Facilitates complex discharges. Conducts home visits.
“If for example we are working with someone we know is a keen gardener and they are having trouble with upper limb strength we would not use exercise in its traditional sense. Instead we would use ‘occupation’ as their rehab and get them in the garden doing some potting. It is all about using meaningful activity to get results. If a patient is interested in an activity they are more likely to play an active role in their rehabilitation.”
fast facts
Occupational therapists first started working at JHC in February 1998, with a team of two, after esteemed aged care and rehabilitation expert Dr Barry Vieira recognised a need for the service and lobbied to have it set up. There are now more than 40 staff members in the team.
The JHC Day Therapy outpatient service operates three days per week and is staffed by senior occupational therapists.
JHC has two functional training units, similar to self-contained flats, which allow patients to trial independent living with the support of nursing staff and allied health professionals.
JOONDALUP HEALTH CAMPUS | ANNUAL REPORT 2016/17
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