April is designated as Occupational Therapy Month and Madonna would like to recognize the important role of occupational therapy in its comprehensive approach to meet the needs of patients receiving care in Lincoln and Omaha.
Rehabilitation from a serious injury or illness takes a transdisciplinary team that includes occupational therapists (OTs).
Ask any OT what they do and they’ll say they help get people back to what is important in their life. Patients agree and say OTs instill hope back into their everyday life.
WATCH: Occupational Therapy Instills Hope Back into Patient’s Lives.
They also utilize cutting-edge technology to help patients learn new skills and reach their highest level of independence.
Patients can use the Armeo Spring to work on arm strength and coordination or the Dynavision to improve vision skills like scanning and reaction time.
Simulated environments like those found in the Independence Square—a mock bedroom, a functional kitchen and even a car to practice getting in and out of—allow patients to practice activities of daily living, also known as ADLs.
WATCH: How do Occupational Therapists use technology at Madonna?
Many OTs at Madonna have expertise and training in specialized areas, from continence and vision to assistive technology and home assessments.
They all work closely with engineers at Madonna’s Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering to develop customized solutions for patients to live more independently.
Whether it is using the Amazon Echo to enable voice controls or 3-D printing custom eating utensils, the Rehabilitation Engineering Center of Excellence is constantly working to remove barriers for patients.
Visit www.madonna.org/occupationaltherapy to learn more and share the link with your friends and family to help raise awareness.