Reinventing your life with your Occupational Therapist

A pet peeve for Occupational Therapists (OT) in the world of Rehab is when someone who is not an occupational therapist says, "Oh, the OT helps you with upper extremity exercises, cooking and learning how to take a bath and get dressed." OTs do these things and a whole lot more. The best description of Occupational Therapy comes right from the OT program at the University of Kansas: 

Occupational therapy helps people improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. It's a science-driven profession that enables people of all ages to live life to its fullest by helping them promote health and live actively with illness, injury or disability.

This is a perfect description of the way an OT develops supports and strategies for people with brain injuries in the community. I once had someone tell me they didn't think a woman named Sasha could make improvements because her brain injury was too severe, she couldn't list 3 goals she had for rehab and she didn't want to go out of the house because she knew people would stare.  My immediate response was to send in an OT to work with Sasha. Here are the 5 things that happened: 

5.  The OT was able to help Sasha understand that it is natural to be afraid to go out into the community for the first time after such a big event and that it can feel like everyone is staring but it takes practice to overcome both. They decided to break things down into manageable steps. 

4. The OT got Sasha out into the community for the first time since her brain injury. The OT was able to offer reassurance that she would help Sasha be safe (not fall), figure how what she could do (assess strengths) and have fun (live life to the fullest). Their first time out was a walk to the car and a ride to the store. They sat in the parking lot watching people and Sasha decided that was enough for one day. 

3. Sasha was able to identify a few things she loves to do like make bracelets, cook Indian food and do yoga. All three seemed beyond her capability (to her and to her physician) but the OT decided to help address all 3 goals. They involved not only upper extremities and functional movement but also included cognitive skills like planning, problem solving and reasoning. 

2. The OT was able to translate to the case manager and insurance company why these goals are medically necessary and would lead to a more independent lifestyle for Sasha. Being able to "medical speak" is a wonderful attribute of OT's who are also able to live in the real world of every day language. 

1. The OT was able to help Sasha set goals, achieve those goals and believe in herself. She took the bracelet making, cooking and yoga well beyond those goals and Sasha is now employed in a field she had not experienced before her brain injury. 

So, when in doubt, always call the Occupational Therapist in to help with a fresh perspective on living life to the fullest. OTs have a  great vantage point on the social, emotional, cognitive and physical in a way that helps each individual develop their own plan for achieving goals. 

Navigating Home

Anyone can live at home, no matter the significance of disability. Three critical components to make that happen are significant social support, advocacy and resources. Thankfully Kansas has been a forward thinking state in this regard for many years. They have even passed laws making it a right to live at home and not in a facility. The recently designed KanCare system has not changed the constellation of services available, just how you access them. 

When a significant incident happens forcing you to rely on disability or public assistance, you are forced to deal with the daunting medical issues and decisions while being expected to figure out how to traverse the many steps to get home. The first step in the process is applying for disability. Below is a chart that was developed between Stormont Vail Hospital and Minds Matter LLC to help people navigate the disability and eligibility maze. This is a necessary step in the process to get in home services and supports after brain injury. If you are starting this process from the hospital, the social worker can help you get started. If you are starting this process from another place, like a rehab facility, nursing home, or from home, you can utilize Minds Matter LLC to get started. 

The steps to getting on the Traumatic Brain Injury waiver in Kansas. 

Do you want to live at home?

There’s no place like home – especially for individuals who have experienced extended stays in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. We understand your desire to return home and we’ll work with you to make it happen.

Minds Matter LLC believes everyone can create a meaningful life in their community and we have been helping people do so for more than twenty years. We can help you reinvent your surroundings so it’s possible to live, work and play comfortably and capably in your community. We begin by learning about your needs and challenges along with your goals and dreams. Then, we assess your environment and identify obstacles that may stand in the way of success. A few minor changes – added equipment, structural changes and assistive technology – can make a big difference as you pursue your goals.

Independent living doesn’t mean living in isolation or doing everything on your own. It means   having opportunities to make lifestyle choices – the same kinds of opportunities that other members of your community enjoy.

Sometimes it’s necessary to learn new approaches or strategies for accomplishing tasks. Our team will work with you to identify barriers and create solutions that work.

Here are some questions to begin the process:

• What daily routines and tasks are important to me?
• Is my home safe and comfortable?
• How can I connect with friends and neighbors?

With the aid of specialized devices and equipment, it’s possible to perform a wide range of tasks. Individuals who face challenges with mobility, communication or management of household responsibilities can increase their independence with assistive technology.

What do you want to accomplish? Our therapists will work with you to make it happen.

• If there’s an activity, a hobby or an employment opportunity that you wish to pursue, we can help you overcome the obstacles you encounter.
• We listen to your goals, assess your current abilities and then recommend equipment or technology that will take you where you want to go.
• With training, practice and the right equipment, it’s possible to rise above perceived limitations and take charge of your life.

Kansas has a great program called Money Follows the Person. You can receive funds to move from a skilled nursing facility to your own home. You can also have assessments  and modifications to make your new place accessible. Give us a call today so we can assist you in your journey home. 

You can reach us at (866) 429-6757