The value of occupation and community in brain injury rehab

Occupational Therapy and community are threads that run through daily life at Richardson Care – a specialist provider of residential brain injury rehab services.

Occupational Therapy is led by Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, Heather Bushell, and implemented by Activity Support Workers every day.

Re-building self-identity

Occupational Therapists play a crucial role in supporting individuals with brain injuries as they transition into volunteering or other vocational occupations. Engaging in such occupations helps individuals to rebuild their self-identity, which can often be significantly impacted by brain injury. By participating in meaningful occupations, individuals can rediscover their strengths and capabilities, fostering a renewed sense of self-worth and confidence. Volunteering and vocational activities provide a sense of purpose, which is essential for overall mental and emotional well-being.

The role of the occupational therapist

Heather Bushell explains: “I work closely with the service users to identify suitable opportunities that align with their interests and abilities, ensuring that the activities are both fulfilling and manageable. Some of the things that we consider are:

Building up tolerance: Gradually increasing the duration and complexity of tasks to help individuals build up their tolerance and stamina, ensuring they can engage in activities without becoming overwhelmed.

Identifying and embedding strategies: Helping individuals identify effective strategies to manage their symptoms and challenges. This might include cognitive strategies for memory and attention or physical strategies for managing fatigue and mobility issues.

Grading and adapting activities: Modifying tasks to match the individual's current abilities and gradually increasing the difficulty as they progress. This ensures that the activities remain challenging yet achievable, promoting continuous improvement and skill development.”

This approach helps the Occupational Therapist, working with the service user and other members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, to form the basis of reasonable adjustments, should they be able to enter the workforce in the future.

Holistic rehabilitation

Heather adds: “This is a really enjoyable part of my job and I feel it truly encompasses a holistic perspective to rehabilitation. We consider not just the physical aspects of recovery, but also the cognitive, emotional and social dimensions.”

The Occupational Therapist's expertise in activity analysis allows them to break down tasks into manageable steps, making it easier for individuals to achieve their goals. Furthermore, they are skilled in creating personalised intervention and risk management plans that address the specific needs and preferences of each individual, ensuring that the support provided is both relevant and effective.

Enhanced quality of life

Using vocational activities not only aids in the recovery process but enhances the individual's quality of life by promoting social interaction, skill development and community integration. Therefore, Occupational Therapists can support individuals to regain a sense of control, autonomy, responsibility and independence, which is fundamental to their overall rehabilitation and well-being.

Volunteering

Heather has facilitated a wide range of volunteering roles that support service users at Richardson Care with their rehabilitation. These include working in a library or a charity shop, cleaning and restoring furniture for a charity which then distributes it to people in need, doing gardening projects and ground work.

One success is Ann-Marie, who volunteers at a gardening project as well as sorting books in a library. Recently, the Library Manager said: “It has been a real pleasure in working with Ann-Marie and the bond she has developed with her mentor…she has really started to come out of her shell, which is really pleasing to see.”

In addition, Ann-Marie recently reflected: “I had such a remarkable day, working with my colleagues."

All service users who take part in volunteering are supported by Activity Support Workers from Richardson Care during their sessions, as well as volunteer co-ordinators from the organisations for whom they volunteer.

In this video, Heather Bushell, Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist, talks about her role at Richardson Care

Richardson Care provides specialist residential and rehabilitation services for adults with acquired brain injury or learning disabilities and complex needs in Northampton. For more information go to www.richardsoncares.co.uk or call 01604 791266.