Hi there, is there anyone with experience of working in a care home environment for adults with severe and enduring mental health conditions, including a section for residents with advanced dementia?
I literally just started working in one and I'm the first OT ever employed there. Hence, there isn't much in place, in terms of an activity schedule or activity tools. There's a small kitchen that can be used. However, the mental health patients are all pretty unmotivated and unwell. Where to start? I tried a COPM with a resident and had to abandon it because he wasn't grasping the concept of rating your satisfaction. The goal of therapy would be to get people engaged but not so much in order to plan discharge as they are unlikely to ever be able to live independently.
Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks!
Hi Ellen, thanks for your message. See my response to Jamie..
Hi Linda: I am the first OT at a residential facility for youth receiving mental health treatment and I feel this! with the population you work with, I wonder if the ACLS might be an appropriate guide for screening cognition level and, if appropriate, perhaps an activity card sort to help find out what the person enjoys. Cognitive level may be able to help assist with how to then grade activities that the person identifies as enjoyable. I wish you the best of luck!! It’s a big and important job. Sincerely, ellen
Hi @Linda Rae, I've spotted a LinkedIn follower of The Occupational Therapy Hub has shared your forum link - and Dr Leidon Shapo has replied with this useful info and link: "What a heartfelt question and a scream for help! That’s a very tough environment and OT can’t achieve anything alone. There is evidence that OT services can do much more for these patients at home and that would have a different and positive impact. A paper published last February below: Occupational therapy at home may benefit people with dementia and their carers."
I hope this is useful to you! Jamie
Hi Linda, I've direct messaged you my contact details :) Emma
Yes please, that would really help :-)
Thanks for reaching out to the community @Linda Rae! Are you happy for us to bring this to the attention of fellow Members, via our social networks? This may assist with speedier responses.