Occupational Therapy—Keeping You Safe at Home

April is National Occupational Therapy Month.  Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants work with patients to help them stay safe in their own home.  They also help patients who have been hospitalized return to their homes by assessing the home setup and encouraging modifications or making recommendations to ensure safety within their home.        

Richard (Dick) Smrcina has been utilizing the Veterans Memorial Hospital rehabilitation services of occupational therapy, physical therapy and home health nursing since February following a left, below the knee, amputation. He will continue with therapy to increase his independence with his home tasks as well as build up his strength and tolerance with walking with a walker.  

“I have worked with Dick two times a week, initially focusing on daily living tasks to get back to dressing and bathing independently, as well as worked on home tasks such as preparing food at his counter which was a goal of his to return to helping his wife with meal preparations. We also worked on maneuvering in his elevator lift in his garage and getting in and out of his ranger, which was also a goal of his so he could get back to his ranger rides,” explains Amy Evanson, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, who travels to Dick’s home.  “Once he was able to safely complete transfers and walking in his home short distances with the walker, we worked on higher level home management tasks such as simple meal preparations. He has made amazing progress, has great determination and has done so well at learning to adapt his tasks and utilize adaptive equipment in order for him to be able to complete tasks with greater ease.” 

Amy works closely with the Community and Home Care Department patients, providing assistance with the day-to-day tasks of living at home following an illness, injury or surgery, helping them regain function and independence. 

“I was scared at first and I prepared for the worse going into surgery, but we did prepare for returning home by installing the garage lift and when we built our home, we made sure the doorways and hallway were wide enough for a wheelchair,” explains Dick.  “I even surprised my wife how positive I stayed in the hospital and also when I returned back home. I had to get my mind on the right track, and I have continued to stay positive throughout the process. We did have some difficulties initially when we got home with the elevator and not having a walker, but in just a couple days we got the elevator working and a walker was delivered to the house.  Heidi, the home care nurse, came promptly as well as therapy and that really helped. Therapy has been great!  They keep me going and encourage me to continue with my exercises, walking and daily tasks.” 

Dick plans to continue with in home therapy services to achieve all of his goals, but then plans to work on gait training more with the goal of obtaining a prosthetic on his left leg. Dick adds, “It’s tough, but it’s life and I am all about living the dream with my wife as my rock at my side.”

Occupational therapists ensure patients are safely capable to perform routine activities, such as dressing and cooking, as well as assist to work towards their own personal goals before discharging them from their care.   

“I was very impressed at Dick’s determination to achieve his goals and get back to doing all the things he and his wife, Susan, enjoy doing together,” concludes Amy.  

For more information about the Occupational Therapy services offered at Veterans Memorial Hospital, please call 568-3411.