The occupational therapist establishes goals with Michael, and they agree a rehabilitation programme to address these issues, including some education for Michael and strategies that Jane can use to help her dad.
Michael has been having occupational therapy for the past six weeks and Jane has been assisting with the implementation of cognitive tasks and strategies. Please click on the household items below to reveal the strategies that Michael is practising to work towards his goals:
Smart speaker to prompt any planned activities.
Calendar for keeping track of day, date and appointments.
Timetable to provide daily routine.
Cognitive exercises for homework.
Keeping TV and radio off to reduce distractions.
Steps of making a meal taped to kitchen cupboard.
Picture of a bright notice board to draw attention to important information.
Meal planning to assist organisation of shopping and cooking.
Conversation with Michael:
OT: What strategies do you think might be helpful?
Michael: Well, I think I need to use the calendar for appointments, and I always used to like ticking items off a “to do” list” as it feels satisfying.
OT: These sound like good ideas and what might help with keeping your attention on your meal preparation?
Michael: I think I might use recipes again as following the list of steps could help me keep on track.
Conversation with Jane:
Jane: How can I best help?
OT: One useful thing could be to help clear up and reduce the clutter.
Jane: Thanks, that’s good to know as I wasn’t sure whether I should do it or whether it is better for my Dad to do it as part of his programme.
OT: Sometimes people can get so overwhelmed, they don’t know where to start, so by getting some help to make things manageable, your Dad can then focus on working on keeping things organised and tidy.
Page last reviewed: 15 Jul 2022
