All Round Therapy Services started as All Round Occupational Therapy, and Occupational Therapy Week is an important time for us. Last week we celebrated this calendar highlight with our team sharing their motivations and passion for this field. Resoundingly, most of our team kept reflecting on their client's wins, and how OT continually advances individuals towards their goals.
We don't often share stories of how our teams work with our clients to advocate and improve their lives, but we thought we would make an exception to tell you a little about Remo and how Occupational Therapy has become a key part of his journey.
Remo, pictured, was referred to us following a decline in health resulting in a lower limb amputation. This impacted almost all areas of Remo’s life, and with the holistic approach and broad skills of our Senior Occupational Therapist, David Dawbin, we were able to make some areas easier for him.
Some challenges David needed to overcome included Remo's requirement of his new wheelchair matching the Richmond Tigers colour code (we encourage people to squint and pretend Remo is a West Coast Eagles supporter).
Through advocacy, and with a comprehensive application to the NDIS, Remo has since taken delivery of a brand new, custom made, wheelchair thanks to @WildWildWestWheelchairs. Remo's new wheelchair is significantly lighter than his previous mobility device, and can be easily disassembled for delivery and transport.
David was able to work with Remo to help him understand the high risk of long term shoulder injury from self-propelling his wheelchair. To reduce this risk, a power assist attachment can easily be attached/detached to the wheelchair allowing for the use of a motor, and still allowing the wheelchair to be transported in the boot of Remo's car.
Whilst a wheelchair will assist Remo to get out more often, David was also able to identify improvements in Remo's home. In the living room, for example, a lift and recline chair was funded through the NDIS. This chair, with both arm rests accessible, offers greater comfort, stability, and safety than Remo's low couch.
Additionally, David was able to guide the installation of multiple rails in the shower and placement of non-slip mats in different areas around the home, further enhancing safety.
David describes Remo as someone who "has always demonstrated positivity and a quick wit" and feels that he has been lucky to see Remo approach his life with "...practicality and a smile, something we hope to support him through his journey".