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Dawn Easley
Dawn Easley is the admissions and marketing director for Sandpiper Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. Dawn has been with Sandpiper Healthcare since 2002. She was born and raised in Wichita. She graduated from Wichita High School North and attended Butler County Community College. Dawn has a great passion for helping people in need. She is proud to be a part of the new face of Skilled Nursing and Long Term Care. Dawn can be reached at 316-945-3606. Sandpiper Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is located at 5808 W. 8th Street Wichita 67212.
Family Health
2011-01-01 10:18:00
Rehab therapies for seniors - series (for the first parts in this series, refer to Dec. ‘10 and Jan. ‘11 issues)
Answer: Last month, we talked about Physiotherapy, or what is otherwise known as Physical Therapy. This month we will talk about Occupational Therapy. Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs such as dressing, cooking and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns. For example, a client with short-term memory loss might be encouraged to make lists to aid recall, and a person with coordination problems might be assigned exercises to improve hand-eye coordination. Occupational therapists also use computer programs to help clients improve decision making, abstract-reasoning, problem-solving, and perceptual skills, as well as memory, sequencing and coordination-all of which are important for independent living. Therapists instruct those with permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, in the use of adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, orthotics and aids for eating and dressing. They also design or make special equipment needed at home or at work. Therapists develop computer-aided adaptive equipment and teach clients with severe limitations how to use that equipment in order to communicate better and control various aspects of their environment. Some occupational therapists treat individuals whose ability to function in a work environment has been impaired. These practitioners arrange employment, evaluate the work environment, plan work activities and assess the client’s progress. Therapists may also collaborate with the client and the employer to modify the work environment so that the work can be successfully completed. Occupational therapy is also beneficial to the elderly population. Therapists help the elderly lead more productive, active and independent lives through a variety of methods, including the use of adaptive equipment. Therapists with specialized training in driver rehabilitation assess an individual’s ability to drive using both clinical and on-the-road tests. The evaluations allow the therapist to make recommendations for adaptive equipment, training to prolong driving independence and alternative transportation options. Occupational therapists also work with the client to assess the home for hazards and to identify environmental factors that contribute to falls. Occupational therapists in mental health settings treat individuals who are mentally ill, mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed. To treat these problems, therapists choose activities that help people learn to engage in and cope with daily life. Activities include time management skills, budgeting, shopping, homemaking and the use of public transportation. Occupational therapists also may work with individuals who are dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, eating disorders, or stress-related disorders. Assessing and recording a client’s activities and progress is an important part of an occupational therapists job. Accurate records are essential for evaluating clients, for billing and for reporting to physicians and other health care providers.
 
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