What does a typical day look like for the dedicated team supporting older adults in Sandwell? From morning meetings to community activities, the Community Occupational Therapists and Assistant Practitioners work tirelessly to empower their patients to live safely and independently at home. This weeks Beyond The Badge offers a glimpse into their daily routines, the challenges they face, and the rewarding moments that keep them motivated.
Division: Older Adults Planned Care
What does today mean for your team?
Lots of activities to support our patients with their day-to-day lives.
Today starts with our allocation meeting and team catch up. Followed by the OT Walking for Wellbeing Session at Sandwell Valley and 1:1 interventions, supporting our clients to stay at home safely and maintain their independence. We also have an OT Student currently within the team and facilitate her learning journey.
What does the team do?
We are the Community Occupational Therapists and Assistant Practitioners working within Sandwell Enhanced Community Mental Health Team for Older Adults. We work with Older Adults and their families to help them continue as safely as possible with the daily activities that they want to do and need to do.
What is the best aspect of what the team does?
Supporting individuals to live well despite having mental health conditions. Occupational Therapists asks “What matters to you?” not, “What’s the matter with you?”
What does the team find challenging and how do they manage that?
Juggling the needs of our patients with the competing demands that we all have working in the NHS. “Fitting it all in”.
What is the team proud of or what do you think have been your biggest achievements?
Continuing to run great activity-based sessions in the community that helps support our patients’ quality of life and sense of wellbeing, as well as their carer partners and
Supporting each other.
What would you most like people to understand about your team?
We’re always trying to do the best by our patients even when the circumstances are difficult.
Proactive and going the “extra mile”. Empowering our patients and their families and supporting recovery through activity.
If you were to sum up your team in one or two words what would you say?
Caring, hopeful. Dedicated and compassionate.
How does the team relax?
Doing things that we enjoy and find meaning in just like we encourage our patients to do and engaging in our own meaningful activities.
Tell us something about the team or a team member that people may not know?
Every year members of our team complete the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk with patients.
Does the team have any wellbeing tips that you would like to share?
- Take time out of the day for yourself to recharge
- Have regular screen breaks
- Find a meaningful activity you enjoy outside of work.