Learning disability
Examples of activities chosen by service users include the use of newly-purchased iPads for music and virtual attendance at Zoom meetings , gardening , arts and crafts , walking , going out for drives , BBQs , tea parties , and informal opportunities to chat with staff .
It was very clear that meaningful activities and having a sense of selfworth and purpose was important for all .
Virtual technology
For much of the past year , care settings have had to close their doors to visitors , which meant they had to find different ways to keep the people they support connected with their families and friends .
There was a rapid adoption of virtual technologies , and this has proved a vital electronic lifeline between people in lockdown and their loved ones , without the risk of spreading the virus .
Technology also meant that a wider range of activities could be accessed , and fortunately , statutory services had recent WiFi upgrades , which supported this , although there were some limitations with availability of suitable IT equipment .
However , services have become very proficient in their use of IT , and Zoom classes in fitness , cookery and gardening , as well as Zoom coffee chats , all became the norm .
Commissioned services
For commissioned services the situation was somewhat different , and it was clear that some of the nursing homes were finding it difficult to maintain both their staffing levels and provide meaningful engagement with residents .
The occupational therapy service worked directly with care management and statutory services to identify those with the highest number of service users with learning disabilities who would no longer have access to day services .
This highlighted four commissioned nursing homes , one statutory residential home , and one supported living service , that had a significant number of clients impacted by the reduction in day opportunities .
The occupational therapy team then linked directly with the nurse or facility managers to identify priority service users who had a limited daily schedule out of their home .
The occupational therapists completed an activities checklist , to explore activities that service users were involved in , previously did , or were interested in starting , and a programme was developed in each unit to engage the service users in meaningful activities and skills development .
The occupational therapy team also undertook an evaluation with commissioned services , completed with service users , staff and families and carers , to establish what worked well , how they could improve and any recommendations going forward .
Final thoughts
Recommendations included the permanent recruitment of activity workers across statutory care settings and the provision of a team for commissioned services . Also , further enhancements in terms of technology were suggested , including interactive screens that will link across services , so that service users can participate in activities regardless of where they are living .
Finally the purchase of iPads , or similar hand held electronic devices , to support both privacy and easy access to family and friends , would be beneficial , alongside improved transport for services to increase access to community opportunities .
Words AISLING CURRAN , community learning disability service manager , CATHERINE PODRIS , occupational therapy manager , Learning Disability Services , and EADAOIN DONALDSON , specialist learning disability occupational therapist , Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
There was a rapid adoption of virtual technologies , and this has proved a vital electronic lifeline between people in lockdown and their loved ones , without the risk of spreading the virus .”
January 2022 OTnews 45