"To coincide with national Occupational Therapy week I decided it would be a good opportunity to share a typical workday with readers of our blog.
9.00: I arrive at the office at 9am, log on to my computer and check my emails and diary. I have a home visit planned for 10am. I cycle to and from visits as much as possible – I work in the Central Team which covers Easton, St Werburghs, Montpelier, St Pauls, St George and Fishponds.
10.00: I meet my first client in the town centre; we are working together to develop his road safety skills, particularly looking at how to use a pedestrian crossing safely. Enabling people to maintain their independence through skill acquisition that is meaningful and relevant to them is one of the aspects of my role I really enjoy. This individual really likes to visit the town centre on his own, but has been unsure of the steps he needs to follow to ensure he keeps safe.
11.30: I return to base at New Friends Hall to type up my notes and make some phone calls.
12.30: I grab a quick sandwich for lunch and then I'm back out visiting my next client who has a diagnosis of dementia as well as a learning difficulty.
1.00: Following assessment and discussion with her staff team and her family I have written some bathing guidelines to enable her support staff to engage her more in her washing and bathing routines. This visit is about meeting with her key worker to run through the guidelines.
3.30: Once this visit is over I have a quick cycle to my next visit; their initial referral to Occupational Therapy was regarding an assessment of their independent living skills, so today I am hoping to assess this person's safety in the kitchen and preparing food.
5.00: My final part of the day is spent returning to base, where I write my notes and add today's assessment findings into the Occupational Therapy report I am preparing."
The Community Learning Difficulties Service at Bristol Community Health seeks to mprove people's health and wellbeing by providing support with: accessing GP health checks and help with health action plans; other services available to people with learning difficulties, for example advice and training complex health needs, for example eating and drinking difficulties and challenging behaviours; healthier lifestyles, for example diet and activities; helping people to fulfil their lives, for example with how they spend their time and helping them to become ready for work; expressing feelings, managing anxiety and improving mental wellbeing. For more information visit our service page here. For more information about World Occupational Therapy Week click here.
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