ldot, Author at LDOT - O.T.SERVICES INC. - Page 2 of 4

Author: ldot

Global Functional Capacity Assessment (gFCE)

ldot LDOT Services , , , , 0 Comment
Global Functional Capacity Assessment (gFCE)

This assessment- as the name suggests – assesses global physical, cognitive and emotional functional capacity that one might need to perform a specific job or any job in general. Capacity is the key word here –a capacity assessment measures how much or how long one can perform a certain function. It also takes into account the effect of pain and fatigue on all the realms of function. This type of assessment is helpful to determine if a person who has physical impairments, as well as cognitive and/or emotional issues related to pain, brain injury and/or psychological disorder, can do their job or any job. It can also help to determine and provide opinion on what accommodations or adaptations they might need to succeed.

Please call us directly at either of our two locations Hamilton: 905-481-1122 or Toronto/Woodbridge: 416-907-6287 so we can communicate with you about your goals.

Share This

Cognitive Behavioural Functional Capacity Evaluation (cFCE)

ldot LDOT Services , , , 0 Comment
Cognitive Behavioural Functional Capacity Evaluation (cFCE)

The Cognitive/Behavioural FCE is the next logical step in functional capacity evaluations. A Physical FCE examines only physical capacities, and ignores the cognitive and emotional ones that are often real barriers to returning to the workforce. Which is why at LDOT, we employ certified Matheson Cognitive/Behavioural Functional Capacity Evaluators to perform the Cognitive/Behavioural FCE assessment. The Cognitive/Behavioural FCE includes cognitive functional testing and integration of behavioural observations to ascertain functioning. Hands-on work tasks are also included and designed to reflect tasks that the client would typically complete on a daily basis. Tasks test sustained attention, multi-tasking, distraction tolerance, ability to retain information, effective organization and prioritization skills, and ability to persist through fatigue and pain.

At a reduced combined cost, the Cognitive/Behavioural FCE can be combined with a Physical FCE to determine Global Functioning.

Please call us directly at either of our two locations Hamilton: 905-481-1122 or Toronto/Woodbridge: 416-907-6287 so we can communicate with you about your goals.

Share This

7 Important Back Pack Facts for a Healthy, Happy Return to School…

ldot Community , , , 0 Comment
7 Important Back Pack Facts for a Healthy, Happy Return to School…

At this time of year, the market is flooded with apparel and school supplies featuring a child’s favourite TV character and is often splashed with attractive colours and designs. But parents need to look beyond the flashy-ness when it comes to backpack shopping and ensure that the bag their child will be using promotes health and minimizes risk of injury. After all, they will be using it for almost 200 days of the year!

Check out the hot backpack tips below before hitting the mall for back-to-school shopping:

  1. Straps should be padded, wide and adjustable. Two straps are recommended rather than wearing a cross-body sling pack, which wouldn’t distribute weight evenly. Researchers say wearing a backpack slung over one shoulder can lead to poor posture and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. Even if you switch it back and forth between shoulders, you are walking off-balance. This puts a strain on all of the bones and muscles of your upper body, not to mention your hips and core.
  2. The portion of the pack that rests against your child’s back should also be padded so sharp objects, such as the edges of books, don’t poke into the back.
  3. Get a pack that has a waist strap, especially if the load is typically more than 10 percent of your child’s weight. This will help distribute the load and take the weight off of the shoulders.
  4. Did you know that one size does not “fit all” when it comes to backpacks?  Adjust the straps so the pack sits 2” above the waist and the pack is held close to your child’s body. If you can’t adjust the straps to achieve this, the pack is too long and you need to look for a pack made for a shorter torso.  
  5. The weight of a backpack should not exceed 10-15% of the student’s body weight. That means that it should probably weigh 4 to 15 pounds at most.
  6. Make sure to organize the items with the heaviest closest to the student’s back and lighter items towards the outside.  This will minimize shifting/sway and ensure the weight is distributed evenly.
  7. You may have to help lighten your child’s backpack. Only have your child carry what is necessary (this is another great reason you can use to convince junior that his electronics and toys need to stay home). If you can’t lighten the load enough, consider a rolling backpack for your child.
Share This

LDOT is Hiring OTAs!

ldot Community , , , , 0 Comment
LDOT is Hiring OTAs!

Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) – (Part-time)

Hamilton, Toronto & Greater Horseshoe

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are currently seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to join our TEAM.  The OTA will practice under the guidance and direction of a Registered Occupational Therapist.

As the successful candidate, you are a graduate of a recognized OTA Certificate or Diploma program with a minimum of two years of work experience in a hospital, community or in-home setting. You demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal, along with a high level of initiative and adaptability.

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Assist in implementation recommendations of the Occupational Therapist’s treatment plan
  • Work with a variety of clinical presentations with client centered treatment
  • Contribute to the clinic team through collaboration and demonstrating passion for the work you do
  • Create written reports and clinical notes in a timely manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Be passionate about your profession and dedicated to providing the highest quality of care
  • Possess a post-secondary diploma as an OT Assistant
  • Be dedicated to providing the highest quality of client care
  • Demonstrated experience in the private sector and community practice, particularly with auto sector legislation
  • Have excellent time management and organizational skills with an ability to work independently
  • Be comfortable working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
  • Seek guidance from supervised staff when appropriate
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluent in English
  • Be empathetic with an effective ability to build rapport with patients
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using Microsoft Word and Excel. Knowledge of Universal Scheduling an Asset
  • Possess a valid Ontario driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle

Remuneration:

  • Competitive remuneration under contract for service agreement (Part-time)

To Apply:         Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to: kristine@ldot.ca

To learn more about Lesya Dyk O.T. Services, please visit:  www.ldot.ca

Share This

LDOT is Hiring OTs!

ldot Community, Uncategorised , , , , 0 Comment
LDOT is Hiring OTs!

Lesya Dyk O.T. Services currently has an opening for an Occupational Therapist 

Occupational Therapist – Hamilton, Toronto & Greater Horseshoe

Lesya Dyk O.T. Services is an independent rehabilitation company that is dedicated to providing exceptional evidence-based and client centred treatment and assessments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • In-Home, Accessibility/ Home Safety and Attendant Care Needs Assessments
  • Hospital/Acute care discharge planning
  • Return to Work Programs – Contract or Sub-Contract basis
  • Progressive Goal Attainment Programs (PGAP)
  • Mobility assessments (ADP) an asset
  • Cognitive Rehabilitation Programs
  • Vocational Services – Brain Fx and Workwell an asset
  • Creation of treatment plans (OCF-18) using evidence based information, relevant best practice guidelines and clinical experience
  • Obtain client and third party consents
  • Complete clinical records according to company process and College standards
  • Attend occasional team and case conference meetings as required

Qualifications:

  • Be dedicated to providing the highest quality of care
  • Be registered as a member in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
  • Experience in the private sector and community practice; particularly with auto sector legislation
  • Background or experience in Mental Health an asset
  • Minimum 3+ years of clinical experience
  • Be comfortable working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
  • Have excellent oral and written skills
  • Possess strong skills in critical thinking, decision-making and analysis
  • Hold a valid Ontario driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle

Remuneration:

  • Excellent remuneration under contract for service agreement.

 To Apply:   Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to: kristine@ldot.ca

To learn more about Lesya Dyk O.T. Services, please visit:  www.ldot.ca

Share This

Positioning Occupational Therapists as Leaders in Seniors Health & Well-being

ldot Community, Helpful tips , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Positioning Occupational Therapists as Leaders in Seniors Health & Well-being

As treasurer of OSOT, Lesya Dyk contributed the following article to OSOT members via “A Monthly Message from the OSOT Board of Directors” regarding seniors aging in palace which is a current focus of interest as June is National Seniors Month.

Occupational therapy has a significant role to play in helping seniors lead healthy and productive lives. OSOT is working hard to support our members with several initiatives to address the aging population in Canada.

Aging Population Chart

According to Statistics Canada – by 2038, a quarter of our population will be over the age of 65. This will mean that there will be 4.8 million more people over the age of 65 than there are now. The current resources available in health care will not be able to gear up to meet this need.

The reality is that the crisis of how to meet the health needs of the aging population is here. What is certain, there will be more of a role for Occupational Therapy – if we are careful and ready ourselves . This BoardTalk is dedicated to how OSOT is working toward this goal. Consider the following 5 examples of our commitment.

1. Home Modification Canada Steering Committee (HMC)

OSOT was a founding member of the Steering Committee of a consortium called Home Modification Canada (HMC) that was struck by Don Fenn of Caregiver Omnimedia in 2015 to address the “Ageing in Place” issue. While it is clear that a lack of long term care resources will necessitate seniors aging in place, that is, in fact, where research tells us they want to be. HMC was focused on promoting the need to better organize and integrate the home modification marketplace to best meet the needs of that growing aging population who wish to age in place.

In the spring of 2017 HMC made a presentation to the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) with a proposal to develop a multi-faceted national partnership approach that would;

  • support builders/contractors, manufacturers, retailers and set standards, accredit and ensure the quality and value of home modifications

  • coordinate information about existing funding/financing mechanisms for home renovations/modifications

  • support the Canadian Licensing of the CAPS (Certified Ageing in Place Specialist) programme to include a re-written section on Occupational Therapy

  • foster more dynamic public conversations about aging in place and home modifications

  • encourage the application of research and innovation in the fields of smart home technologies, practical products and solutions for home modifications and accessibility

  • support national, provincial and local policy makers to remove barriers, facilitate and incent home modifications for seniors

HMC’s report and recommendations were well received by the CHBA which has moved forward to develop a national Home Modification Council. The best news? Our early work and representation and advocacy with HMC has resulted in occupational therapy being the only health profession represented at the Council table!

I have had the pleasure of representing OSOT at the HMC Steering Committee, experiencing the respect and support of our colleague stakeholders in the home modification marketplace, and am delighted to continue this representation at the CHMA Council Table as CAOT now takes on the professional representational role at a national level.

2. OSOT’s Seniors Advisory Council

Two years ago, the Board of Directors engaged a group of members to advise on how best the Society could advance the profession as leaders in seniors health and well-being. As a strategic priority, a focus on seniors has informed initiatives OSOT has undertaken in advocacy, promotion and professional development in virtually all sectors of OT practice, however, our ability to move the needle in terms of leadership and recognition in seniors health is something we wished to advance more fully. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Barry Trentham, our council includes Christie Brenchley, Barbara Cawley, Dr. Catherine Donnelly, Dr. Colleen McGrath, Aaron Yuen and Dr. Briana Zur.

3. A Vision for Enabling Healthy Aging in Ontario – a knowledge mobilization too initiative!

Approving a recommendation and proposal of the Seniors Advisory Council, OSOT is embarking on a new project initiative which aims to promote the evidence-based value of using an occupational lens to respond to the needs of a growing older adult population. Focused on the development of a dynamic website that features modules focused on key life course occupational transitions and profiles the work that occupational therapists are doing and/or could be doing to enable aging well, the project is focused on knowledge mobilization both within and external to the profession.

An enabler of this project has been the successful application of the Society to become a partner of AGE-WELL, Canada’s Aging and Technology Network.

AGE-WELL’s co-funding and resource support to the project both recognizes the value of promoting and enriching occupational therapy as a resource to aging well, but also provides access to knowledge translation resources to support OSOT members who share a practice interest in seniors health and well-being. Watch for our formal launch of this partnership later this month!

Meantime, see our posting for a Post-Doctoral Trainee for a position commencing September 2018 and running to August 2019. This full-time position will take a leadership role in the development, facilitation and evaluation of this knowledge mobilization project. There’s still time to apply! See call for applications.

4. Supporting members practice expertise & leadership relating to seniors health and well-being

Assuming leadership roles in seniors health and well-being requires a ready and informed membership. You have OSOT’s commitment to support your professional development to enable you to position your services to serve the needs of seniors and the health system that supports them.

OSOT’s Conference 2018, ADVANCE! Journey to Excellence,

provides but one opportunity to get involved, participate and learn. This year we will host a professional issues/leadership forum focused on advancing our profession’s roles in seniors health and well-being – plan to be a part! Reserve the Conference dates – October 19 – 20, 2018 now!

The Society continues to look at opportunities to host webinars and workshops to give our membership the tools that they need to work in this arena. Watch for the 2018 – 19 PD Program of Events and check out our listing of Archived Webinars that can support your practice in this area.

5. Advocacy to position occupational therapy in seniors health services

OSOT continues to advocate for occupational therapy services for seniors across Ontario’s health care system. Our advocacy document, Occupational Therapy Can Help; challenges of an aging population has been shared broadly with government and amongst MPPs at our annual MPP Luncheon. There are so many ways that OTs can contribute and make meaningful differences to seniors health and quality of life, however, Ontarians need increased access to OT services! We have active advocacy and government relations strategies relating to:

As the OSOT Board puts the finishing touches on our new Strategic Plan, we will reveal how we will continue to advance work that supports our members, senior citizen clients and their families to ask for Occupational Therapy Services… and to access them! Stay tuned!

Lesya DykLesya Dyk,
President and Director of Clinical Service,
LDOT Services.

360 Queenston Rd., 2nd Floor, Unit# 3
Hamilton, ON
L8K 1H9

Hamilton: 905-481-1122
Toronto: 416-907-6287
Fax: 905-481-2550
Email: info@ldot.ca

Share This

World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) Congress

ldot Community 0 Comment
World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) Congress

World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) Congress

 

World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) Congress – LDOT Occupational Therapist, Hanin Al-Helo will be travelling this Spring to Cape Town, South Africa to present her published research project “Targeting the Globe” at the World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) Congress.

“Targeting the Globe” addresses the challenges that student OTs completing international placement face and the support that helps them succeed.  Hanin and a group of her peers at McMaster University prepared this research as they completed their second year Evidence-Based Projects and later after graduation they continued on at the request of World Federation of Occupational Therapist (WFOT) to develop the “WFOT Student Guide for International Practice Placement”.

 

Published article:  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14473828.2016.1149980?journalCode=yotb20

Link to access “WFOT Student Guide for International Practice Placement” : http://www.wfot.org/ResourceCentre.aspx

 

Hanin Al-Helo’s main focus of practice at LDOT is:

-Functional capacity evaluator for DeGroot Pain Clinic, MVA, CPP and disability patients

-Private Pay Cognitive Therapy

-WSIB Return To Work

-Brain Fx

 

For more information regarding Hanin please feel free to email us info@ldot.ca

 

Share This

Helmet Safety

ldot Helpful tips , , , , 0 Comment
Helmet Safety

safety_helmets_lg

Back to School – The summer holidays are over and students are back at school.  This is also a time when the cooler Fall weather is upon us – a good time for kids and their families to leave their cars at home and ride their bikes to school and work! As well as a valuable source of transportation; cycling is also a great recreational activity, as long it is performed safely.

Safety when cycling is important, especially since the morning and afternoon rush contributes to greater accident risks. The best way to remain safe when riding a bike is to wear a properly fitted helmet. Taking this safety measure has been known to reduce the risk of serious injury such as concussion, brain injury, and even death.

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, University of Toronto concludes that helmets help prevent fatalities, not just non-serious head injuries as previously thought. (Article: Cyclists without helmets 3x chance of death)

Not only are brain injuries the leading cause of death in cyclists, if survived, a brain injury can seriously affect the rest of your or your loved one’s life. Even slight trauma to the brain can cause both mental and physical limitations. Victims of these injuries can face years of therapy and rehabilitation, and the impact can often last for the rest of their lives.

Although many kids do not see helmets as being ‘cool’, it is important to encourage them to wear their helmets at all times. To promote this safety habit among your child, simple strategies can be used:

  • lead by good example and wear a helmet yourself;
  • set rules to promote good behaviours (i.e. must wear your helmet if you want to use your bike);
  • and lastly, make helmets fun by letting your child choose the color and design for their helmet.

It is also important to note that any person under the age of 18 is legally required to wear a helmet. Also, parents and guardians are responsible to ensure that any child under the age of 16 is wearing a helmet. It’s the law, read more here.

The Fall is a great time for kids and families to get outdoors on their bikes and take advantage of the weather – as long as such outdoor activities are done safely, you can ensure the break will be enjoyable for everyone!

Protect Your Brain – Put a lid on it!
Click here for proper helmet fitting instructions

If you have any question regarding how LDOT can help you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Share This

Best Practices in Fall Prevention

ldot Community , , , , 0 Comment
Best Practices in Fall Prevention

Best Practices in Fall Prevention – When you want to make a change for your health, you want to know about best practices. Best practices are strong recommendations that clinicians (doctors, occupational therapists, etc.) use to provide their patients with an effective intervention (treatment or modification).

The clinicians base these recommendations on evidence in the clinical unbiased literature.  Evidence found that the intervention improved the health outcome, and the conclusion is that the benefits outweigh the harm.

This is a big deal. The evidence is what should guide all good practice. It is why you buy a car with safety ratings that are independently researched, and not just the word of the company that is trying to sell you a car.

Fall Prevention is a big thing. Here are a few startling statistics:

  • 1 in 3 older adults in Canada fall each year (over 65)
  • 50% of falls which resulted in hospital admissions occurred in those 65 and older
  • Falls cause more than 90% of hip fractures in seniors and 20% die within a year of the fracture

(Public Health Agency of Canada, Report on Seniors’ Falls in Canada, 2005)

So, when our team at LDOT Services were looking at Best Practices for Fall Prevention; we looked at the literature and found what the American and British Geriatric Society recommended as best practice.

With respect to ‘Assessment’ – the following is recommended:

A multifactorial fall risk assessment should be performed by clinicians with appropriate skills and training, (Occupational Therapists have this training) including a focused history, physical examination, functional assessment (watching clients actually do things) and an assessment of their environment.

With respect to ‘interventions’ or ‘treatment’ – the following should be “Best Practice”.

  • Assessment should include identifying hazards in the home, making recommendations to eliminate the hazards, and providing options to promote the safe performance of daily activities
  • Adaptation or modification of the home environment based on the assessment criteria above
  • Exercise, particularly balance, strength, and gait training

More importantly – the following was NOT recommended in that there was fair evidence found that the intervention is ineffective, or that harm outweighs benefits.

  • Education should not be provided as a single intervention to reduce falls in older persons living in the community

Other evidence that was strong was that vitamin D supplements should be taken by persons proven to have insufficient vitamin D intake. The only way to know whether this is an issue is to consult a doctor – and this is our recommendation.

Our practice is best practice. We provide a multi factorial assessment. We provide recommendations to eliminate hazards within the home and provide options to promote the safe performance of daily activities.

We can provide a list of vetted contracting companies that specialize in home adaptations.

We can work with the contractors to ensure you get what you need to make the living safer, and avoid what may put you in harm’s way.

We provide in home and pool exercise programs though our team of Occupational Therapy Assistants. And by using Occupational Therapy Assistants we ensure these programs are accessible and financially feasible for the participants. For information on these programs or any of our Occupational Services; please contact us directly; you will reach a live knowledge representative at either our  Hamilton Office: 905-481-1122 or our Toronto Office: 416-907-6287.

Alternatively, you can email us directly anytime and one of our helpful representatives will respond very quickly.

 

Share This

Congratulations to Natasha on Graduating with Distinction

ldot Community , , , , , , , 0 Comment
Congratulations to Natasha on Graduating with Distinction

On behalf of the team at Lesya Dyk O.T. (LDOT) Services, I would like to extend our congratulations to Natasha Auret, on her graduation from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Commerce, Major in Accounting, with Distinction.

Prior to and during her academic career at the University of Guelph, Natasha contributed in various administrative roles to the success of many projects at LDOT. For example, she re-joined our team in the summer of 2015 to organize and spearhead our ‘Document Scanning Project’. Under her direction, thousands of legacy patient files in the possession of LDOT Services were scanned and stored electronically.  The procedures Natasha implemented during the project continue to be used to this day in our document management system.

At present, Natasha has accepted a full-time position at Deloitte which she will commence in September 2017, and is currently completing course work to fast-track her Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) exam eligibility.

We wish Natasha all the best in her future as a Certified Professional Accountant and thank her for her past contributions to Lesya Dyk O.T. Services.

Share This