What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you
throw it away ?
May 31, 2013
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"Risk more than
others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than
others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. "
Cadet Maxim
May 30, 2013
30 Days of Organization
Are you feeling the spring cleaning itch? Wanting to simplify and organize your
life? De-cluttering and organizing your
surroundings can help your health and give your mood a boost. This great article from Today's Parent walks
you through a month of daily organizing activities that will help you
de-clutter your home and your life!
Daily Dose of Inspiration
Brothers Conner and Cayden Long, were the recipients of the 2012 Sports Illustrated Kids "SportsKids of the Year" award. Cayden, a boy who has cerebral palsy, and Conner, his older brother have competed in numerous triathlons together and share a truly inspiring story!
May 29, 2013
Occupational Therapist Sued Over a Reacher
I am getting
increasingly frustrated at the failure of other OT’s to understand the value of
education when prescribing equipment.
While it might seem on the surface that use of a reacher, tub scrubber
or bath mat are “common sense”, my experience is that common sense is not
common, and I don’t want my license on the line.
Take a
reacher for example. I have seen people
use them as a cane. Or people who have
one that is too short and almost fall out of their chair trying to access that
item that is “just a little further”.
Maybe they think that reacher can handle the over-sized glass jar of
pickles and when it doesn't the jar ends up shattering on the counter in front
of them, landing on their lap, or worse, their head. To send something to someone in the mail, and
to indicate that “education is not necessary” exposes the OT to liability and
the client to risk.
Why don’t
OT’s hear about stories of devices gone array?
Mainly because when an OT is sued over a piece of equipment, the case
can take years to resolve and when it does, the OT is sworn to secrecy about
the outcome, otherwise they can be sued for breach of settlement. So OT’s: don’t think these lawsuits don’t
happen!
In the world
of insurance there is funding for equipment and funding for education to ensure
that the equipment is appropriate and the client can safely and independently
demonstrate its use. I have had to
return many-a-things that I thought looked great on paper to find out they don’t
actually work for that client in that case.
As OT’s we need to take our prescription responsibilities seriously and
should never jeopardize our education, training or experience under the
assumption that someone will properly use an item we consider “low risk”.
So, when I
prescribe devices, and ask an insurer to fund time for an OTA or myself to
provide them, it is because that is part of my judiciary duty to my client, my
college, my license, my training, and my sense of responsibility. If another OT feels the device is suitable,
but says education is not required, then they can feel free to order those
devices themselves and run the direct liability risk of being sued over a
reacher.
Daily Dose of Inspiration
"No matter how much you think you want or need it, the past has to remain just that, the past..."
Phil Collins: "Can't Turn Back the Years"
Find on iTunes
May 28, 2013
Take Good Care of Your Feet
Never underestimate the importance of your feet. If you are on your feet all day, or have
trouble with foot pain, check out this article filled with easy ways to keeping
your feet healthy.
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