Occupational Therapy and Assistive Technology

Sandra Sandford

And

Sarah McQuaid

Occupational Therapy

• “Occupational Therapy enables people to achieve health, well-being and life satisfaction through participation in occupation”- COT 2004

• Occupation:-daily activities that reflect cultural values, provide structure to living and meaning to individuals; these activities meet human needs for self-care, enjoyment and participation in society:-Willard and Spackman 10th edition 2003

Occupational Therapy

• Hospitals,clinics, schools, homes

• All age groups

• Physical disability, mental health problems,learning disabilities, terminal illness

Occupational Therapy

• Treatment -alternative techniques, hands on therapy,use of splints

• Equipment

• Adaptations to the environment

What is this for?

• There are 5 different items .Write down what you think each item is used for, what is it’s purpose?

• Nothing rude or obscene please!!!!!

Assistive Technology

• A broad title

• Wide range of equipment ,devices, systems

• Improve security, promote safety, reduce risks

• Enable independence in controlling the environment

• Improve communication

Assistive Technology

• Risk management

• Enabling technology- environmental controls

• Lifestyle monitoring

Risk Management

• Assessment to identify areas of risk

• Advice

• Reduce /eliminate risk

• Increase independence

• Ease management for carer

Systems Used

• Sensor mats

• Bed/chair occupancy sensor pads

• Door intercoms

• Door release intercom

Systems Used

• Visual monitor

• Room to room intercom

• Cooker isolation switch

• Automatic cooker switch off - electrical /gas

Telecare

• Southern Board project in Armagh/Dungannon

• 24 hr connection to response centre

• Trained advisors

• Wide range of sensors

• Falls

• Referral to Telecare project

Enabling Technologies

• Environmental controls

• Invented in 1961 -Stoke Mandeville Spinal Injury Unit

• Allowing remote control of domestic appliances

Environmental Controls

• The controller

• Input switch

• Accessories

The Controller

• Can store 1-200 functions• Heart of the system. Controls items in different

rooms• Possum Companion - can be integrated with

- Personal computer software

- Communication aids

- Powered Wheelchair

The Input Switch

• Enables user to access the system

• Can be activated in many different ways

• Pressure and speed are adjustable

Accessories

• Appliances operated by controller

• Home entertainment systems

• Phone

• Doors

• Lights

• Windows

Assessment for Environmental Controls

• Carried out by Occupational Therapist and Engineer

• O.T. looks at functional ability,support network,identifies areas for improved independence

• Engineer matches technology to requirements

• FUNDING

Lifestyle Monitoring

• Use of sensors/monitors to collect data

• Monitoring of behaviour patterns

• Monitoring of health status

Thank-you for your attention

Any Questions?