The April 2017 Department Discovery shines a light on Campbell County Health’s
Occupational Therapy in
Rehabilitation Services in the
Stocktrail Building.
In honor of Occupational Therapy Month in April, we thought we would shed
some light on this profession and outline the integral part they play
in rehabilitation.
According to Supervisor Anni Stafford, MOTR/L, CHT, there are a total of
eight occupational therapists at CCH Rehab Services, who strive to create
a fun and healing environment for their patients.
For those who don’t know, occupational therapists and occupational
therapy assistants help people of all ages participate in the things they
want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Unlike other professions, occupational therapy helps people function in
all of their environments—for example, at home, work, school and
in the community—as well as addresses the physical, psychological,
and cognitive aspects of their well-being through activities. Services
are available to patients at the Stocktrail Building or in the comfort
of their own home.
When working with an occupational therapist, individualized plans are created
for problem solving, improved function and support of life activities,
such as bathing, dressing and eating. Through occupational therapy, individuals
develop needed skills, adjust their environment and build health-promoting
habits and routines that will allow them to thrive.
Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with
disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, helping
people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support
for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
Many of the occupational therapists at Rehab Services have earned specialized
certifications in their field. Specialties include hand therapy, stroke
or traumatic brain injury, as well as therapists who specialize in pediatric
patients with sensory deficits or developmental delays.
“We do it all, and with a smile!” Anni says. “I am very
proud to be the supervisor of such a great group of therapists. They are
all great people with a true passion for improving the lives of others.”
According to Anni, the best part of working as an occupational therapist
at CCH is that the team gets to help patients reach their goals and return
to their prior level of function—whether that be playing sports,
back at work, or enjoying time with their grandkids. Anni also said another
perk is getting to see really interesting cases and surgeries, and to
learn from the best doctors around.
“Dr. Monica Morman often invites our therapists into the OR to see
surgeries, so that we better understand the process and can treat the
client more successfully. We are all constantly learning new things—from
doctors, patients and each other,” she says.
And, in honor of
National Occupational Therapy Month and the 100th Anniversary of the
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the department is hosting a fun week of activities April 3-7.
They include:
-
Monday, April 3 is Flannel/Plaid Day: There will be a poster board set up as a Who’s Who? With all the
OT’s pictures from when they were young.
-
Tuesday, April 4 is Pajama Day: We will have a cookie table in the waiting area. Please bring in baked
goods to share with our patients!
-
Wednesday, April 5 is Beach Bum Day: We will be having a potluck lunch. Please bring in all your favorite finger
foods and goodies to share with everyone!
-
Thursday, April 6 is 80’s Day: We will have 80’s music playing throughout the building all day!
-
Friday, April 7 is Hat Day: Bring your winning BINGO sheets to the front office to claim your prize!
A big round of applause to the CCH Occupational Therapy team! Thank you
for all that you do in keeping our community healthy. Learn more about
Occupational Therapy at
www.cchwyo.org/rehab.