mobility aids Archives - LDOT - O.T.SERVICES INC.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Programming

ldot LDOT Services April 30, 2021April 30, 2021accessibility, Ageing in place, Aging in place, assistive devices, assistive equipment, community, keeping Elderly in their home, mobility aids, OT services, Staying in the home 0 Comment

Our Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) work alongside the client’s health care team to provide one on one treatment that is specifically designed for the individual. OTA program goals as described by the client and the rehab team with a client centered approach.

OTA Cognitive Compensatory Strategy Program

The OTA will take the time to understand strategies that best suit the client’s personality. Tools are suggested (using adult learning principles tailored to client’s strengths) and demonstrated to ensure effectiveness. OTA can help the client to predict barriers and develop strategies in advance. These programs vary from creating strategies for remembering appointments to new learning such as how to take public transportation. The program goals are directed by the client to include meaningful activity that promotes a positive outlook for the future.

OTA Community Integration

Often client’s present with a lack of motivation due to mood dysregulation or as a symptom of acquired brain injury. Many are fearful of re-injury or their inability to manage their limitations if they go on a community outing. Early OTA intervention can drastically reduce many psycho-emotional symptoms. Outings encourage re-integration into pre-MVA hobbies/interests, provide opportunity to problem solve areas of difficulty such as taking public transportation and to increase the client’s independence with ADL. Job coaching is also available for those with return to work goals.

OTA Gym/Pool Exercise Program

OTA specialized fitness trainers can develop a specific fitness program to meet client specific rehab needs. The program can be centered in a home gym or community gym/pool. Community based fitness programs can also be used in a community integration program as it introduces and promotes a healthy lifestyle post injury. Goals can include increased strength and activity tolerance; improved range of motion and endurance; pain management and mood regulation. Water is the perfect environment for clients experiencing high levels of pain due the body’s natural buoyancy in water which minimizes the harsh jolts the body experiences during regular exercise.

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.

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Work Site Assessment

ldot LDOT Services April 30, 2021April 30, 2021accessibility, assistive devices, assistive equipment, community, mobility aids, OT services, working with the public 0 Comment

Both physical tasks and non-physical/cognitive requirements are assessed when considering the position of work placement. These two elements are measured in order to establish return to work goals or determine whether the position remains to be fit for the client post-injury.

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.

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Ageing in place? – Think Ahead…..

ldot Community October 19, 2016May 23, 2017access, accessibility, Ageing in place, bathroom modifications, creating a safe house, elderly, mobility aids, mobility issues, OT services, Staying in the home, utilizing space, what is OT, working with others, working with the public 0 Comment

If you are in the position to purchase or modify your “forever home”, you may want to give some thought to how your home will accommodate you as you age. Ageing in place is something that you may be able to do relatively easily, if you take aging in place into consideration when you purchase or renovate your home. These are a few things that you should consider…

Access, Access, Access

How easily can you access the home? If you do not have a level walkway and front entrance, is there enough room to have a lift or ramping installed (ramping requires 12 feet of run for every one foot of rise), or is there easy access through the garage, where you are protected from the elements? Did you know, if you build a walkway at 1:21 it no longer is a ramp, and you can landscape it to beautify your curb appeal?

Can you access the main floor? Is it open and without those pesky changes in level (think split level townhouses, or even those pesky 1960’s sunken living rooms) You will need this if you have any mobility issues and need to use a walker or wheelchair.

And speaking of walkers and wheelchairs, are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate you and your mobility aid around a corner? If you have a narrow door to the bathroom, and you are renovating it, budgeting for door widening is a must!

And the last thing about access – is there a bathroom on the first floor that has or is big enough to accommodate a three piece bath suite? Not having the ability to accommodate a bathroom is the number one reason people with mobility issues move residence.

While you’re at it…

Already mentioned was widening the doorway to the bathroom. While you’re at it, widen the door to your bedroom, or any room in which you have an expectation of privacy.

And if you are renovating the bathroom, consider installing a rite height toilet – it saves scrubbing a raised toilet seat. Grab bars are no longer a sign of disability. They can be a design statement. Several bathroom fixture manufacturers have designed soap holders and towel racks to double as grab bars. Lastly, those fancy bathtubs are great to soak in, but treacherous to get in and out of safely if your balance or strength is compromised. Think ahead – and think of your lifestyle – do I prefer bathing or showering? Barrier free showers and walk-in baths may be something that you adopt now, rather than in the future.

Managing the elements

We have mentioned the garage, but this is such a under utilized space. With some careful planning, you can avoid using the garage as the main storage space for your home, and have your accessibility to your home sorted out. It protects you from the elements when getting into your home, but also in and out of your car. A shorter driveway will lessen the need of contracting snow removal services as you age. Also, if you have your ramping or lift in the garage, you do not change the curb appeal of your home, nor do you advertise that a vulnerable individual may live there.

If you have any questions about Ageing in Place – contact us at info@LDOT.ca

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Equipment and Mobility Aids Funding

ldot Helpful tips June 22, 2016October 21, 2016access to funding, assistive devices, assistive equipment, funding, helpful tips, mobility aids, resources

Some equipment funding and mobility aids are funded through the province of Ontario’s ADP programme. To be eligible for this programme, you must be assessed by an ADP authorized health care provider. Currently we do not have an ADP authorizer on staff, however, we would be happy to help you find one. If you have any questions regarding funding, please visit our resources portion of our site for some helpful links to funding options or call our office and we will try to find a funding solution for you.

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