Mental Health

Hi there @pipsmacdonald - Further to @jenny.casson's suggestion below, I've collated further replies to your query, from the Hub's Facebook page post:

• Joanne: "Totally depends on the situation... on the person and what is occurring for them. Often groups and activities are put on for the residents and it is not relevant or appropriate. I work within a service as a mental health OT, in collaboration with carers, to support residents who are experiencing behaviours that concern (previously called 'behaviour that challenges'). We work on the Newcastle model, a stepped approach and very evidence based..."
  

• Bex: "Please look at gardening groups. There is a lot of supporting evidence for the benefits of gardening. I did my final placement in mental health/ dementia setting that was using an outdoor space at the hospital to run a gardening group for clients and their carers - and it was really beneficial for social interaction and physical and mental wellbeing. The act of growing plants and tending do them is very restorative."
  

• Shell: "The Jackie Pool Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument - We've used it jointly OT and MH together, to help person-centred care and meaningful activities with carers and activity co-ordinators, its great."
  

• Clare: "I was also going to mention the fabulous PALs Pool Activity Level training for activity coordinators, care givers... Activity or rather promotion of meaningful occupation is the duty of all care givers... and in an ideal world of course wouldn't start and end with activity coordinators. More understanding is required on the sensory differences in the stages of dementia..."
  

• Diana: "Would like to see more care homes have pets as therapy (PAT), visitors to bring their pet or actually living in the care home - or allow residents to bring their own pets in where possible as this ‘anchors’ them to their new home - it is after all their home and the staff are really their visitors. Encourage residents' autonomy, by offering choice of activity or working out a daily or weekly timetable with them - staff could ask how they can help, as if employed by/ a new ‘friend’ of the resident. Give them 'jobs' to do if they’re fit and able enough, as some residents may still believe they're working (e.g. gardening, helping in the kitchen, organising the laundry, teaching other residents/staff their hobby). Organise outings where/if possible. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, seasonal events (e.g. Wimbledon, the Boat Race, Grand National, FA final, etc). Whatever you would normally do at home, try to replicate in a care home - ‘normalise’ the experience as much as possible for residents."
  

• Gina: "Life Story work is often really meaningful - and helps carers see the care home resident as an individual, helps staff have points of meaningful conversation with residents, and helps the resident gain strength from the roles, hobbies, travels they've had over their lifetime. Work with families to bring in photos or memorabilia that will be meaningful to that individual. You can make the Life Story into a little booklet that can be shared with consent from resident with others."
  

• Debra: "Sensory interventions, music therapy, PAT dogs and animals. We have donkeys, ponies, goats and rabbits brought in... walking, hand-holding, pampering sessions, gardening, sensory story telling, birdsong and nature. 20 years in this business."

Hi there Gaelle. Interesting introduction. I'm in neurological practice not mental health, but curious about how AI is being used more widely in healthcare. Could you share a bit more about your feelings on how it's being used well, or in ways that concern you?

if you want ... I have a power point with my pratical for the french student OT

Also @Elijah Okall - would you be open to sharing your dissertation here on the Hub? We're sure fellow OTs could benefit hugely from the transitioning perspectives you covered... If so, do drop us an email (hubteam@theOThub.com).

Health Sciences University in Bournemouth, Uk is small enough to be personal. Not sure about scholarships though. You’d need to self fund as an international student.

Just read it. I guess it would be useful to people new to the MH setting, but it seems a bit obvious to me. Surely as health practitioners, and particularly as OTs, who take a holistic view, it doesn't need saying that we should be non-judgemental, empathic and curious?

Or maybe I'm being a bit harsh?! 🤔

@Keir Harding - perhaps you could share your latest blog/article here in the Mental Health OT Circle?