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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
If you have a loved one who is finding it
more difficult to manage daily tasks in the
home as he or she gets older, youmay want
to talk to an occupational therapist (OT).
OTs have training and expertise in
making changes that can help seniors
stay independent in their own homes.
Changes an OT may suggest include:
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In the bathroom: Installing grab bars on
walls around the bathtub or switching to
a handheld shower head.
Helping seniors stay independent
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In the kitchen: Lowering sinks and
countertops, and storing often-used
items in easy-to-reach places.
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In hallways and doorways: Installing
secure carpets, and putting up
handrails.
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In the living room and bedroom:
Placing beds in easily accessible loca-
tions and moving telephones to easy-
to-reach spots.
Source: American Occupational Therapy Association
Visit
www.columbiamemorial.org
to learn more about occupational therapy.
LAUREL
“Laurie” Willard-
Mathews, occupational therapist
(OT), has joined our team of
experienced therapists at Columbia
Memorial Hospital’s (CMH)
Rehabilitation Department. She has
more than 25 years of experience
treating a wide variety of patient
types. She specializes in:
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Orthopaedic conditions, including
those of the hand, wrist, forearm
elbow, back and neck.
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Making splints for the elbow,
forearm, wrist and hand.
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Neurological impairments with
expertise in stroke care.
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Acute care disposition assessments
and early rehabilitation.
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Ergonomics.
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Treatments to help patients perform
daily living and coping skills.
Help for the everyday
OTs help people of all ages partici-
pate in the things they want and need
to do through the therapeutic use of
everyday activities. Common occupa-
tional therapy interventions include
helping children with disabilities
A helping hand:
Laurel "Laurie" Willard-Mathews, OT, has more
than 25 years of experience as an occupational therapist.
New occupational therapist at CMH
participate fully in school and social
situations and providing supports
for older adults experiencing physi-
cal and cognitive changes. Patients
receive an individualized evaluation,
during which the
client/family and
OT determine
the person’s goals.
Inpatient and outpatient care
OT services at CMH during a
hospital stay may include safety
evaluations of the client’s home,
recommendations and training for
adaptive equipment and techniques
to perform everyday activities, and
guidance and education for family
members and caregivers.
OTs see outpatients for:
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Hand therapy for fractures of
the hand or arm, lacerations and
amputations, burns, and surgical
repairs of tendons and nerves.
Acquired conditions such as
tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel
syndrome also are treated.
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Adult therapy for neurologic,
orthopaedic and other conditions
that cause a person to have difficulty
functioning at the highest level
possible.
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Pediatric therapy for developmental
delays, neurological disorders, and
any condition that prevents a child
from functioning at the highest level
possible.
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Ergonomic evaluations of work
spaces.
Ask your
physician or
provider if
occupational
therapy
might be right for you or your
family. Willard-Mathews is
available for appointments at
CMH Rehabilitation by calling
503-338-7555
.
To learn more, call
503-338-7555
.
www . columbiamemorial . org
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