This week marks Occupational Therapy (OT) Week (2 to 8 November) as we celebrate the essential role OTs play in improving lives.
OTs organise support to meet people’s needs, focusing on wellbeing to help people overcome challenges they may face in completing everyday tasks or activities.
Rosie Tuohy has been an OT at Devon County Council for almost three years. She said: “In occupational therapy we try and focus on the person’s goals and work with them as much as possible on what’s important to them. It’s a highly rewarding job and I’m so glad I do what I do.”
Rosie has been providing support to Debbie Chard, from Exeter, for around two years, arranging for adaptations to be installed in her home to make it easier for her to access essential facilities in her house.
Debbie is in no doubt that Rosie has transformed her quality of life. She said: “I had no idea when I got diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) that I would be able to live at home and so I spent my time finding out what other options there are, and I didn’t like any of them. I didn’t want to be in a care home.
“It took years to convince me to have a lift in my home and I wish I had accepted it before. It’s made a huge difference to me, but I was very much one of these people that didn’t want anything disabled in the home. It took a long time for her to convince me, but it’s wonderful because now my whole house is opened up to me.
“If I need anything looked at, Rosie will come out and help me. She’ll also give me options if I’d like to have adaptations done, which has made living at home much easier. It’s made a huge difference.”
Rosie added: “It’s nice to be able to work with someone for a longer time and get to know them and be able to make a difference. For Debbie, being able to live in her home for as long as possible is her major priority, so being able to help her with that means a lot.
“All of the adaptations have meant that she can access everywhere in the house and also the carers that support her are safe when they’re helping her to transfer and move, and to access the bathroom and shower as well. Not only does it make a difference to Debbie, but also her carers as well, which is brilliant.”
Councillor Richard Keeling, Cabinet Member for Adults Services, said:
“Our occupational therapists play a vital role in supporting people to maintain their independence and live safely and well in their own homes. Debbie’s story shows just how much of a difference the right support can make and highlights the important work our occupational therapists do every day.”
Anyone who needs support should contact Care Direct Plus in the first instance on 0345 155 1007 (Monday to Thursday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 4:00 pm).
To find out more about Occupational Therapy in Devon please visit our webpages.