FEATURE LONG COVID
In the alleyway behind the house , there are dynamic neighbours who want to improve the feel of the space by clearing up rubbish and putting out chairs , tables and plants to make an informal communal garden space . It is pleasant to communicate and interact with them and participate a little in the work as able . The alley starts to become a nicer place and the friendly nod to the neighbours in the street becomes the exchange of a few friendly words .
These are real examples of things we have experienced over the last few months within a mile radius of our very ordinary inner-city urban home – at zero or very little cost . And anecdotally , we can report this has been a lifeline : a gentle and safe way to begin to move , feel , notice , think and act again , after long and debilitating illness , in a healthy context that encourages general wellbeing at a time where more functional and ‘ important ’ rehabilitation goals are still difficult to set or achieve .
I would urge all occupational therapists who become involved in the treatment of Long COVID to seriously consider such activities for their clients , who are all likely to have been traumatised to some degree by their experiences , who are likely to have spent a long period of time doing very little , and who are likely to improve very slowly with periods of relapse and remission .
Most physical urban environments contain at least some of the basic resources necessary , although encouragement and support may be necessary to help some people overcome barriers of motivation , habit , skills and social environment .
Therapists may need to access and recommend local greenspace groups , or research and help develop local ‘ green prescribing ’ initiatives .
RCOT has been awarded funding by the COVID-19 Healthcare Support Appeal ( CHSA ) to support members who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Funding is available for members who require further support following an application to Unison ’ s ‘ There for You ’ funding ( www . unison . org . uk / get-help / services-support / there-for-you ), and for self-employed members ineligible for UNISON funding .
Members can apply for a grant of up to £ 2,500 to help with : general living costs ; unexpected bills ; disability equipment ; psychological support or counselling ; or other difficulties caused as a direct or indirect consequence of the pandemic , such as job loss , reduced income ( for either you or your partner ), relationship breakdown , bereavement , or other work-related or personal circumstances .
The challenges of the pandemic have been wide-ranging and far-reaching , so if members ’ circumstances have been negatively affected by COVID-19 in other ways , they are also eligible to apply .
Particular consideration is given to those at greater risk from being impacted by the pandemic , including those working in high-risk environments such as critical care or in care homes , disabled individuals or those living with long-term health conditions , including long COVID , ethnic minorities , and people living in areas with higher restrictions on the economy .
To find out more visit : www . rcot . co . uk / news / rcot-launches-new-covid-19-support-fundmembers .
Sometimes therapists may need to accompany clients to green spaces and encourage them to simply ‘ be ’ for a time , to express their feelings about their situation , to help them begin to notice , participate and engage again , to begin to enjoy and develop their own balconies , yards , gardens and local informal greenspaces .
In doing so , occupational therapists might well – quite literally at times – be sowing the seeds of future recovery .
Reference
Maund PR , Irvine KN , Reeves J , Strong E , Cromie R , Dallimer M , Davies ZG ( 2019 ) Wetlands for wellbeing : piloting a nature-based health intervention for the management of anxiety and depression . Int . J . Environ . Res . Public Health 2019 , 16 , 4413 . Doi : https :// doi . org / 10.3390 / ijerph16224413
Doug Hawes , occupational therapist
38 OTnews November 2021