The OT Flourish Podcast

Let's Talk About Sex (Baby!) and Identity in the Older Adult

Sex is an ADL! Do you address a client's sexuality or ask how they identify? These are the questions that we must ask ourselves in order to provide client centered care, keeping in mind AOTA’s Vision 2025: “As an inclusive profession, OT maximizes health, well-being and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities, through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living." Guest Devlynn Neu MS OTR/L shares their passion for bringing awareness and uni...

The Biopsychosocial Model and Occupational Therapy

The biopsychosocial model and occupational therapy are the perfect match as they both focus on the biological, psychological, and social elements, as well as a person's individual experiences. It is often confused as being a biopsychosocial frame of reference, but it's not, as a model of practice helps organize a clinician's thinking and approach, vs  a frame of reference is a tool to guide one's intervention. What I love about this model, is that it really puts the person first - but wait...

The Caregiver Experience From a Personal OTA Perspective

Caregiving is hard.  Listen to the personal story Katherine Ayala OTA, shares about being a caregiver to both her mother and father while finishing up occupational therapy school. Stories like hers give us, as healthcare professionals, a perspective to help us love, forgive, strive and be the best we can be.  A special thank you to Katherine for sharing her story.  → 3 Key Takeaways Caregiving is a hard role, especially when it isn't a role you have planned. "Balance" is more than d...

PDPM Q & A: Your Questions Answered!

The Patient Driven Payment System (PDPM) for occupational therapy practitioners in SNFs is a hot topic these days. I get questions about what does PDPM mean for therapy and what is PDPM's impact on therapy services all the time and listen to the stories on how this change of payment systems have impacted services provided and jobs. I was fortunate to be able to get some of your questions answered by Sabrena McCarley MBA-SL, OTR/L, CLIPP, RAC-CT, QCP, who not only presents the webinars for ...

Promoting OT, Advocating and Marketing Our Distinct Value

What do we need to do to promote occupational therapy? Do we have to? How do we define occupational therapy and what we "do" for our patients? Brock Cook OT, the host of the occupational therapy podcast, Occupied, and I dive into these questions and hash out how OT's distinct value is communicated in healthcare, with out patients, our coworkers and communities. Also, check out all the the occupational therapy podcasts at OTpodcasts.com

Occupation Based & Functional Treatment Ideas for OT's in a SNF

Occupation based treatment ideas feel like they should come easy, but sometimes we as OT practitioners find barriers to getting creative and finding the occupations that are meaningful to our clients. Timisha Tross BS, COTA shares how it doesn't have to be hard to put more occupation, creativity and fun into your occupational therapy treatment sessions - especially if you are working in a skilled nursing facility. Resources: Timisha's ebook: 12 Case Studies Treatment Intervention and D...

neuroplasticity

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Neuroplasticity After Stroke: Use the Research to Get Better Results in OT

Neuroplasticity, strokes and occupational therapy go together like peanut butter and jelly. They all need each other to help maximize the outcomes and occupational performance of our patients (or in the case of the sandwich, just taste delicious 😉). Crystal Cabrera MS OTR/L and Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist shares the research on how to step up our games as occupational therapy practitioners by integrating the 10 Principles of Neuroplasticity into our practice. → 3 Key Takeaways 1....

Volunteering Internationally in Occupational Therapy

Have you ever had wanted to volunteer internationally using your occupational therapy skills? Ever dream of exploring cultures, helping others, meeting like minded professionals or promote occupational therapy in foreign countries? In this episode, Sarah Putt MA, OTR/L and I talk about how she uses volunteering internationally to sharpen her critical thinking skills, creativity, and giving back to the occupational therapy profession. Resources World Federation of Occupational Therapist...

Spirituality and Intuition in Occupational Therapy

Even though there is a large percentage of the US population that affiliates with some level of spirituality or God, our current healthcare system does not often put a priority on spirituality and intuition outside of a typical hospital chaplain. Because occupational therapy looks at the "whole person," it is an important aspect of people's lives that we sometimes don't address. Some areas of OT practice integrate this more easily, such as roles in hospice and palliative care, but given the...

Driving Retirement: Helping With the Transition

Many know that occupational therapists help with driving rehab, but how about driving retirement? It is a HUGE shift to go from driving to not driving and what is our role in preparing our patients with this transition? The more we can help our patients explore alternative options, the easier it will be for them in the future. Terri Cassidy OTD, OTR/L, Certified Driving Rehab Specialist, discusses what this looks like, as well as how we can work on these goals for our patients to maintain ...

Talking Level II Fieldwork

Curious what an occupational therapy fieldwork looks like? Guest Chelsea Rowe OTR/L just finished her level II fieldwork and shares her pros, cons, challenges and celebrations of her experience. She also talks about resources she couldn't live without, tips for assessments, productivity and what to expect when diving into fieldwork! MUST HAVE Resources Chelsea Recommends for Level II Fieldwork: Learning Lab Membership OT Toolkit Additional Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Master...

Repetition & Intensity to Increase Motor Function After Stroke

Occupational therapy practitioners are continuously looking for ways to maximize the potential of their clients that have had a stroke. But what does the research say? Lauren Sheehan OTD, OTR/L & Lauren Souders OTR/L, CBIS dig into the intensity and repetition for task based practice in order to increase the motor function after a person has a stroke. Tips for how to do it, options for technology to assist us and when should we get started. Resources from the Show: Virtual Reality and O...

Hospice & Palliative Care in Occupational Therapy

 Occupational therapy practitioners improve quality of life in hospice and palliative care by helping people engage in those meaningful occupations, even if it is at their end of life. Karmella Bognot MS, OTR/L shares her experience working with people in a hospice and palliative care setting and how our role as OT practitioners is just as important in this stage of life, as it is when they are younger. Resources: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Palliative and Hospice Care fact sheet...

How Using LSVT BIG Helps People With Parkinson's

I have struggled over the years finding the right treatment options in helping my clients that have Parkinson's Disease optimize function. LSVT BIG is determined to help OT practitioners do this through evidence based intervention! Not only is LSVT BIG treatment customized to each person's specific needs and goals, it helps them more more normally and these strategies can be utilized regardless of the stage or severity.  The team from LSVT BIG has joined me on the podcast discussing the ev...

Using Your Occupational Therapy Skills in a Non-Clinical OT Job

Feeling a bit burned out by OT or maybe looking for a sidegig where you can use your OT skills to revive your passion for your career? There are many non-traditional occupational therapy jobs out there where you can use your skill set for non-clinical positions that will help you to love your work again! Sarah Lyon OTR/L, OTpotential.com and Meredith Castin PT, DPT, theNonClinicalPT.com share resources and discuss how we can narrow down our OT skills to find a job that is perfect for you. ...

Arthritis: Tips for Junky Shoulders, Splinting & Pain Control

Arthritis can be so debilitating to our clients because it is often not always the direct (or only!) reason we are seeing them. Occupational therapy practitioners have a unique perspective to not only treat the diagnosis, but we get to look at our patients holistically and address the things that are important to them, even in an outpatient setting.   Guest Hoang Tran OT/L, CHT talks pain, when to (or not to) splint, joint protection techniques and what do we do about those "junky" shoulde...

Utilizing a Biomechanical Approach & Occupation Based Techniques to Correct UE Dysfunction

Have you ever wondered, "how should I be prescribing home exercise programs" or "what type of approach is best to address my patient's upper extremity dysfunction?" Anthony Mucci COTA and I discuss how we should be using a combination of a biomechanical approach in conjunction with occupation based techniques to help our patients achieve their optimal outcomes. It is definitely not a "one-size-fits-all" approach! Resources from the show: Join the Free OT Goal Writing Challenge Addi...

OT and OTA Collaboration

Resources from the show: PDF: Occupational Therapy Supervisory Log Podcast and Resource Links: Occupational Therapy Specialties and Certifications for OTR & OTA Occupational Therapy Assistant Supervisory State Requirements ACOTE standards  OTA Leadership page on AOTA (lots and lots of stuff on here!) Standards of practice paper OT Ethics Learn More About Our Sponsor: Looking for MORE resources? The Learning Lab Membership is the source for treatment ideas, patient han...

Burned Out in Occupational Therapy? Tips to Reclaim your Practice

I love that the Seniors Flourish Podcast can talk about professional issues that are REAL - like, are you unhappy with your occupational therapy job, or feeling burned out being an OT? Ericka del Pozo MOT OTR/L, shares her resources and passion for helping fellow OT practitioners bash the burnout! Visit https://seniorsflourish.com/burned-out-in-occupational-therapy/  to get all the resources from the show!

Using the Allen Cognitive Levels with Older Adults: Part 2

How can the Allen Cognitive Levels help you to provide better treatments for our patients with a cognitive impairment? How can we use this theory to make better discharge planning? How can we help our patient's be successful in their own environments with dementia? Dr Patricia Cornille OTD and Carol Luhman OTR, both former presidents of the Allen Cognitive Network, share how we can integrate this model into our practice to produce better client centered treatments and help our patient's li...

Using the Allen Cognitive Levels with Older Adults: Part 1

How can the Allen Cognitive Levels help you to provide better treatments for our patients with a cognitive impairment? How can we use this theory to make better discharge planning? How can we help our patient's be successful in their own environments with dementia? Dr Patricia Cornille OTD and Carol Luhman OTR, both former presidents of the Allen Cognitive Network, share how we can integrate this model into our practice to produce better client centered treatments and help our patient's li...

Occupational Therapy for Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Occupational Therapist have a unique role when working in a community based setting for older adults with developmental disabilities. Guest Tomeico Faison OTR/L not only has a passion for providing services to this population, but has grown an OT business! From assessments and case studies to finding a way to serve an unmet need, you will not want to miss this episode. Resources From the Show:  OT-Innovations.com ARC COPM Sensory Profile Therapeutic Solutions of NC  Tomeico's b...

Occupational Therapy Specialties and Certifications

Occupational therapy specialties and certifications - what's out there and what are some options for you to further your occupational therapy career. Any certifications or specialties that have impacted your career and you would love to add - leave us a comment! Resources From the Show:     https://www.seniorsflourish.com/occupationaltherapyspecialties/ ‎ Learn More About Our Sponsors: Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatili...

OT and the LGBTQ+ Older Adult Community

Looking to learn more about being an occupational therapy practitioner and fostering inclusivity with older adults in the LGBTQ+ community? Learn about the stats, get more information on inclusive language, check out these resources and gain knowledge on practical strategies to increase your competency.  Anything you would love to add - leave us a comment! Resources From the Show:  theSafeZoneProject.com Human Rights Campaign Fostering Inclusivity: THE LGBTQ OLDER ADULT COMMUNITY ...

Benefits of Social Media for OT Development

In this episode of the Seniors Flourish Podcast, we are chatting about all things Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Podcasting to enhance your OT professional development. What are your favorite podcasts - leave us a comment! Learn More About Our Sponsors: Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatility, and easy installation. Promenaid handrails can climb stairs and navigate any corner or change in slope so your patients can ...

Occupational Therapy in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)

What is it like to be an occupational therapy practitioner working in a skilled nursing facility (SNF)? We will be digging into a typical day and discussing the pros and cons of working with older adults in this setting. Anything you would love to add - leave us a comment! Resources From the Show:  Purpose Therapy Box Learn More About Our Sponsors: Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatility, and easy installation. Promenaid han...

Pros and Cons of Transitioning from COTA to OTR

In this episode of the Seniors Flourish Podcast, we will be talking about if going from COTA to OTR is right for you. Lot's of pros and cons - get out your paper and start writing them down! Resources From the Show:  Article: Should You Transition From COTA to OTR? The Pros and Cons of Making The Leap Learn More About Our Sponsors:   Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatility, and easy installation. Promenaid handrails can clim...

Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question: AOTA Choosing Wisely Campaign

Resources from the Show: AOTA Choosing Wisely Campaign: Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question Kettle Test Cognitive Performance Test (CPT)   This episode of the Seniors Flourish Podcast is brought to you by Promenaid Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatility, and easy installation. Promenaid handrails can climb stairs and navigate any corner or change in slope so your patients can safely go where they want (& ...

Fall Prevention

How can occupational therapy practitioners truly address falls with our patients? Marla Pomeranz talks about how it is not just balance assessments and environmental modifications and how we need to address our patients holistically to make the most impact in the lives of our patients! Resources from the Show: Matter of Balance Call 2-11: local community resource line TUG balance test More Cowbelt: custom gait belts   Connect with Stephanie Via Twitter @theoutloudot and check o...

OT's Role in Mental Health and Depression in a Physical Disability Setting

Are you addressing depression with your patients that are older adults when working in a physical disability setting? In this week's Seniors Flourish Podcast Betweenisode, Mandy and Sarah chat about how it is imperative that we are listening to our patients and addressing their mental health in any setting. We also talk about how we can easily assess for depression and provide the resources our patients need.  Resources from the show: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) National Suicide P...

OT Diversity, Inclusivity and Implicit Bias

How can we as occupational therapy practitioners be more client center through awareness of our own implicit biases? Stephanie Lancaster OTR, shares tips and resources on ways we can learn more about diversity, inclusivity and help us be better practitioners.    Don't miss an episode! Subscribe here on iTunes, Stitcher, or any podcast app Resources from the Show: Resource list click here Connect with Stephanie Via Twitter @theoutloudot and check out her podcast, On the Air This e...

Pros and Cons of Working PRN OT

On this Seniors Flourish Betweenisode, Mandy and Sarah chat about the pros and cons of working PRN as an occupational therapy practitioner and talk about how eating weird foods snagged their future husbands... Resources from the show: Blog Post: Pros and Cons of Working PRN in OT  Learn more about our sponsors Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatility, and easy installation. Promenaid handrails can climb stairs and navigate any ...

Changing the Culture of Nursing Homes Through "Flipping SNFs"

Samia Rafeedie OTD, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS shares her passion for “Flipping SNFs” - where occupational therapy can serve as a catalyst to change the culture of a nursing home through shared governance and empowering not only our residents, but frontline workers, as well. Resources from the Show This episode of the Seniors Flourish Podcast is brought to you by Promenaid Promenaid is the world’s first code-compliant continuous handrail combining elegance, versatility, and easy installation. Pr...

*BONUS Episode* Shakin' Things Up at the Seniors Flourish Podcast

Productivity Standards (and Ethics!) in Today's Occupational Therapy World

Productivity standards in occupational therapy is a hot topic! Shannon Bertsch OTR discusses what she learned from attending many courses on productivity and ethics at the AOTA Conference this year, as a way to gain knowledge, collect tips and optimize client centered care, all while maintaining professional responsibility. Resources from the Show: 8 Productivity Tips for Occupational Therapists Working in SNFs Seniors Flourish Podcast: Being an Authentic OT Practitioners in Today's Ex...

Acute Care + Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy's role in Acute Care? Sarah Stromsdorfer MS, OTR from myOTspot.com talks about the best parts and the challenges of being a practitioner in this role. She also talks about acute care treatment ideas and assessments used.   Resources from the Show: Focusing on Occupation in Occupational Therapy Podcast (#1 downloaded Seniors Flourish episode!) Occupational Therapy Intervention In Acute Care Occupational Therapy in Acute Care Research: Higher hospital spe...

Cross Discipline Collaboration in Occupational Therapy

Why should we and how can occupational therapy practitioners better collaborate with other disciplines - not just in the workplace. Guest Nichole Kain OTR/L, MA, CAPS shares why this is such an important aspect of the OT profession! From the Chat:  Podcast: Occupational Therapy Leadership: The Seniors Flourish Story - OT Miri interviews Mandy Chamberlain MOTR/L Rebuilding Together Homeandplaceproject.com Research Article: With Whom Do Researchers Collaborate and Why This episode ...

Coping Strategies for Pelvic Pain in Older Adults

How can occupational therapy practitioners help our older adult patients that have chronic pelvic pain? Guest Allison Landry OT, gives some practical examples and tools to help you better serve older adults.  Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher Resources from the Show: OPTP Smart Roller Sits Pads for prolonged sitting Squatty Potty Voiding Diary  Bladder Irritants Prelief takes acidic content out of foods/liquids  Calm & Headspace free apps for mindfulness/breathing    Si...

Promoting Resilience After a Stroke

Learn how occupational therapy practitioners can help our patients with a stroke be resilient, stay positive and tackle depressive symptoms. Guest Alexandra Terrill PhD and her team of occupational therapy student researchers are learning ways to increase quality of life for those who have experienced a stroke and their care partners. Resources from the Show: List of Activities to Help Patients be Resilient After a Stroke LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSOR This episode of the Seniors Flo...

Parkinson's and Exercise (Let's get Rock Steady!)

Our patients with Parkinson's Disease need to be challenged by occupational therapy practitioners! In this episode, Chad Moir, OTS discusses how he is honoring his mother's legacy by helping others live with PD - working with them through exercise and the Rock Steady program, as well as a wellness group and social support, all while finishing up his OT degree. He is helping them live life to the fullest! SeniorsFlourish.com/parkinsonsandparkinsons Resources from the Show: DopaFit R...

Understanding Dementia + Building Skills for Engagement

Occupational therapy is such an amazing profession to address the challenges of our patients with dementia. But how can we truly use our skills to engage our patients, teach staff and care partners these skills and help our patient's thrive? My guest Jenna Mele OTD, OTR/L, CCCM, RYT, gives some great tips, resources and practical ways to work with our patients that have dementia so they can be as independent and successful as possible! LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSOR This episode of the Se...

Occupational Therapy Leadership: An Entrepreneurial Journey

Occupational Therapy Entrepreneurship: How can we, as OT practitioners, be leaders and how can we utilize our voices to effect meaningful change. Miri Lee OTD, OTR from OTMiri.com takes over the Seniors Flourish Occupational Therapy Podcast to interview me, Mandy Chamberlain MOTR/L, on my Occupational Therapy leadership journey and digs into how and why I started SeniorsFlourish.com. Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher Resources from the Show: Avoid Occupational Therapy burnout thr...

Using Therapeutic Use of Self to Maximize Outcomes in Occupational Therapy

Using Therapeutic Use of Self is such a handy tool to have in your Occupational Therapy toolbox and can be used in any setting, from SNF and home health to acute care and outpatient!  This is a great conversation with fellow OT, Michelle Yeramian discussing how to use it in everyday practice to maximize your rapport and results with your patients.  This episode is brought to you by the OT Accelerator The Learning Lab is a membership helping new OT practitioners, OT students and those t...

Mastering Fieldwork: 7 Tips I Wish I'd Known

Occupational therapy fieldwork can be stressful! Check out these 7 tips to MASTERING your fieldwork through my conversation with Miri Lee OTD, OTR Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher Resources from the Show: Check out here: OT Fieldwork Quick Guide of "7 Tips I Wish I'd Known" pdf Connect with my guest Miri Lee OTD, OTR (OT Miri): YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/mirilee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTmiri Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ot_miri Email: contact@ot...

Low Vision: "Seeing" Our Patients' Full Potential in Occupational Therapy

Check out some great suggestions, treatment ideas and ways to screen your patients with low vision and help them succeed! Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher Resources from the Show: Click here to get your own Low Vision Toolbox Brain Injury Visual Assessment Battery for Adults (BIVABA)- Uses the hierarchy of vision to assess the most basic visual skills to the higher level cognitive visual skills. It’s easy to use and comes with a DVD (possibly a USB now?) in which each visual test...

OT, Breast Cancer + Pilates w/ Naomi Aaronson OT, CHT

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Occupational therapy practitioners working with patients that have breast cancer does not have to be intimidating! Naomi discusses how she uses pilates to treat her patients that have breast cancer, gives TONS of resources for you to dig into and specific breathing techniques to try. Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher Resources from the Show: Naomi's Book: Pilates for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Guide to Recovery, Healing, and Wellness MOCA...

Sleep Problems in our Patients with Dementia

  Why is sleep so difficult for our patients that have dementia? What are some ways to assess and develop a treatment plan by asking ourselves "WHY" and looking at the patient holistically. Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher Resources from the show: List of Questions to Complete a Sleep Assessment and Behavior Log Research: Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Assessment and Management of Sleep Disorders in Older Persons. Research: Age-Related Changes in Slow Wave Sleep and ...

How to Use Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy With Our Patients That Had a CVA

Using the evidence to start a modified constraint induced movement therapy (mCIMT) program in your occupational therapy practice doesn't have to be hard or involve lots of equipment. Listen in to Lauren Walker MOT OTR/L talk about how her team did this to produce better outcomes for her patients who experienced a stroke. Resources from the Show: Get the Item List to Start Your Own mCIMT Program Corbetta, D., Sirtori, V., Castellini, G., Moja, L., & Gatti, R. (2015). *Constraint-induced...

Top Tips for Edema + Lymphedema w/ Mandy Perez MOTR/L CLT

In occupational therapy, we see a lot of patients that have edema and lymphedema. How should we be intervening? What should we be educating our patients on? When should we be referring to a lymphedema specialist? Well, you are in luck because Mandy Perez MOTR/L CLT is here to answer all those questions (and more!). Resources from the Show: Understanding the Lymphatic System Subscribe here on: iTunes or Stitcher LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Great Seminars...