It’s National Occupational therapy week and we’d like you to meet our Occupational Therapist , Rachel Roberts
Our Occupational Therapist, Rachel Roberts, assesses our patients’ daily activities with a view to improving or maintaining their independence and dignity including household tasks and personal care and much more. We’re celebrating her work in National Occupational Therapy week.
We hear more from Rachel about her important role
“Working as an Occupational Therapist at City Hospice is varied, challenging but most importantly rewarding.
As part of the clinical team, my role is to support patients and their families to live not merely exist with life limiting conditions. The range of intervention is broad and I look to find solutions to problems, whatever they may be.
I am involved at many stages of a patient’s journey, from the emotional time of being diagnosed to making end of life choices. I always ask the question- what is important to you right now?
Be Inspired Breathless Management Programme
Breathlessness is a common symptom that many patients experience. It can be a frightening experience that often leads to individuals avoiding activities that they would normally enjoy. I offer a one to one or group breathlessness management programme called Be Inspired.
I regularly visit patients suffering from lung cancer where I provide this programme in a patient’s home. We discuss the physical reasons for shortness of breath and its impact on their day to day life. Along with goal setting, identifying a person’s strengths and abilities are an important part of my intervention. Even after years as a clinician my patients are always a source of amazing knowledge and strength.
We continue to look at methods of conserving energy through pacing, prioritisation and planning, followed by an introduction and opportunity to practice breathing techniques, fan therapy and relaxation. I leave my patient with an array of self-management tools that can be used anywhere and at any time.
Our Day Centre at City Hospice is run by an amazing group of volunteers
Occasionally I get the opportunity to run an activity at our Day Centre involving my love of all things vintage. Dressing up and stepping back in time with thoughts of a bygone era is fun and enjoyed by all. The mixture of social interaction, memories and the occasional mayhem supports our love of life and living.
I’m lucky to be working in my dream job. Nothing gives me more pleasure than supporting patients facing a terminal illness. I feel so privileged to help people every day.
Being part of City Hospice means more than just being a clinician. I enjoy being a part of a bigger fundraising family and I love to get involved and support events and activities”.
Find out more about City Hospice Patient Services here
