October is OT Month!
Every October, OT Works! celebrate our incredible team of Occupational Therapists and the difference they make in their clients’ lives!
The theme proposed for OT Month by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) this year is I ❤️ OT! Join us in celebrating!
Here’s why Pamela Russell, OT Works! Clinical Director, loves being an OT:
“I love OT because it truly facilitates a connection between people; by being client centred, we hear their stories, we share experiences at a time they often feel vulnerable or alone, and together we develop tangible, practical, creative ways to regain meaningful occupations and quality of life.”
Our Occupational Therapists at OT Works! provide individualized, community-based rehabilitation to clients in their homes, workplaces and communities.
Our approach combines an understanding of our client’s experience with objective, functional information and medical opinion, to facilitate a meaningful and successful recovery. We provide active-based, goal-driven, client-centered therapy that considers the whole person.
Our values of Quality, Respect, Objectivity, Promptness, Creativity and Empathy guide our OT and business practices.
Aging in Place
One way to celebrate OT month is by providing more information to the public about the importance of OT.
Occupational Therapists provide a holistic approach to clients in their recovery, allowing them to get back to the activities they love.
OTs also play an essential role in aging in place. If you or your loved ones want to age safely at home, an Occupational Therapist can help.
Read more about how an occupational therapist can help you with aging in place: https://www.oteveryday.ca/aging-in-place
Occupational Therapy at OT Works!
All of our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and are skilled in treating clients with physical injuries, mental health, and brain injuries.
Our OTs serve the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky and Vancouver Island. To learn more about our services, contact us.
How OTs can help clients with Sensory Processing Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) affects how the brain processes sensory information. People with SPD have difficulties taking in, interpreting and responding to information from the environment. Things that may appear to be simple for neurotypical individuals, such as dealing with fluorescent lights at the grocery store or focussing on a conversation in a loud environment, may be overwhelming or intolerable for people with SPD.
In most cases, people with SPD have one or more senses that experience either too much or too little stimulation.
That’s because SPD disrupts how the brain receives, organizes, and uses the messages received through our body’s receptors. We take in sensory information through our eyes, ears, muscles, joints, skin, and inner ears, and we use those sensations – we integrate them, modulate them, analyze them and interpret them — for immediate and appropriate everyday functioning.
As Occupational Therapist and Developmental Psychologist A. Jean Ayres says: “SPD is like a neurological traffic jam in which the senses don’t work properly.”
Adults and SPD
Although more common in children, adults can also have SPD.
Adults with SPD may have difficulties at work, at home, in relationships, and their everyday life. Things like giving presentations at work or being in a crowded elevator with other people might be extremely difficult to deal with.
SPD goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed in many adults. It’s common that SPD individuals will have other diagnoses as well, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, among others.
An Occupational Therapist (OT) can help
Occupational Therapists cannot provide a diagnosis to clients with SPD.
However, our OTs can provide adults with SPD with a Sensory Diet, which are exercises, tools, and techniques to help regulate their sensory response so they can react in an adaptive way to everyday stimulation.
Occupational Therapists at OT Works! have experience working with individuals with SPD and can help you live a fulfilling life, doing the activities that you love and that are important to you.
If you or someone you know is looking for support with SPD, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Learn more about SPD:
SPD and Autism Specialist Moira Pena’s website
OT Works! supports Project Change Foundation
As part of our annual efforts to give back to the community, OT Works! continues to support Vancouver-based Project Change Foundation. Change is central to the philosophy of occupational therapy and our therapists facilitate change to promote health and recovery.
Project Change Foundation provides financial and other support to early-stage charities in Canada with significant potential for creating social or environmental change.
Our Business Director, Jason Russell, was interviewed by Project Change and shared the reasons we chose to support the foundation.
“We chose to donate to PCF because of its unique focus on helping local organizations early in their development.”
Read the full interview on Project Change’s website, and donate to their initiatives.
Pamela Russell presenter with CAOT-BC and ICBC “Working Better Together for Occupational Therapists”
ICBC and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (CAOT-BC) co-produced the webinar Working Better Together for Occupational Therapists.
Pamela Russell (Clinical Director, OT Works!) was one of the two OT co-presenters, representing community-based occupational therapists in BC.
Pamela is a founding member of the CAOT Private Practice Business Network (PPBN) committee.
The team presented a document called “Roles of the Occupational Therapist and Recovery Specialist in Enhanced Care” during the webinar on July 13, 2022. This guide was developed through collaboration between the CAOT-BC Private Practice Business Network and ICBC.
“It was a privilege to be part of this collaboration. It took several months and many conversations. But in the end, we established common ground that will provide clarity in how we work together and optimize the recovery process for ICBC customers.”
Pamela Russell, Clinical Director at OT Works!
Occupational therapists can find the webinar and reference materials on the ICBC healthcare providers site (under Occupational Therapists/Resources).
At OT Works!, we work collaboratively with our customers, colleagues, and partners to facilitate quality care for our clients.
OT Works! is a group of community-based occupational therapists serving Vancouver, Surrey, Fraser Valley, Squamish/Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver Island. We have been providing meaningful OT and rehabilitation services to clients in their homes and workplaces for over 20 years.
Contact Us
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day
What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?
June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day to recognizes and celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.
In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Indigenous Peoples Day. For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.
It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Celebrate by learning and respecting Indigenous Peoples
At OT Works! we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by learning their history and understanding how we move forward to support Indigenous communities.
Here’s what we are currently reading and researching:
- Native Land website: to identify and acknowledge the Native land we live, work and play on.
- Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network’s Indigenous Ally Toolkit
- Indigenous Peoples: A Guide to Terminology – Usage Tips & Definitions
- 23 Tips on what not to say or do when working effectively with Indigenous Peoples
- Indigenous Corporate Training Blog
At OT Works!, we strive to help others and in doing so make the world a better place. We support advances in education and culture, value diversity and inclusion, and advocate sustainable use of natural resources. We recognize that respecting Indigenous rights is an extension of our beliefs and practices.
Run for Water 2022: 15 years supporting communities in Ethiopia
On May 29, 2022, OT Works! Joined 1500 other runners at Mill Lake in Abbotsford to make a difference in the community of Sizi, Ethiopia. This is our 5th year supporting Run for Water and communities in Ethiopia.
About Sizi
Sizi is a community of three villages, home to 75,000 people. There’s no clean water system in Sizi. Women and girls still carry water from a contaminated groundwater source, which in the dry seasons is at risk of drying out.
Run for Water, with the proceeds from this year’s run, will fund the installation of clean water systems that will provide clean, safe water for Sizi. This, in combination with health education and a recently completed health center, will result in better health outcomes for the people of Sizi, especially women and children.
OT Works! and other runners’ participation in this year’s run will make a real difference for the people of Sizi. The drill rig just arrived in the community and there is already a buzz of excitement building as this marks a new beginning for thousands of people!
Run for Water & OT Works!
In 15 years of the event, Run for Water has raised over $4,000,000 to help build clean water projects in some of the most remote and marginalized areas of Ethiopia.
OT Works! believes that we have a role to play in making the world a better place. We are committed to building a sustainable society that acknowledges our individual and collective impact on the natural world and environment.
Run for Water Model
Learn more and donate at runforwater.ca
Mental Health Week 2022: #GetReal about how to help
Mental Health Week is all about empathy. It’s the capacity we share as human beings to step into each other’s shoes. To understand where they’re coming from and what they’re feeling. To listen with compassion and refuse to judge. It’s also one way to reduce and resolve conflict.
Listen hard when someone wants to talk. Don’t jump in or judge. Before you weigh in, tune in.
For #MentalHeatlhWeek, #GetReal about how to help. www.mentalhealthweek.ca
Mental Health Support
There are a number of programs and services available to help with mental health.
- To access free mental health and addictions programs, services and supports tailored to the needs of your local community, please contact your local CMHA.
- For free resources and 24/7 counselling over the phone, please visit the Government of Canada’s Wellness Together portal.
- If you are thinking about suicide, please call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service tollfree at 1-833-456-4566 (1-866-277-3553 in Quebec).
Occupational Therapy and Mental Health
At OT Works!, our occupational therapists recognize the importance of listening and understanding. Our therapists are experienced in providing support for mental health issues. All of our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and have additional training in areas such as mental health, brain injury rehabilitation, home safety and chronic pain.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact us today.
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Learn More
Meet Anna, Melanie and Riana: Occupational Therapists
Welcome Anna Baines, Melanie Souza-Ching and Riana Downs to the OT Works! team.
These three new therapists have been working with us since October 2021.
They provide community OT services for individuals by implementing daily activities at home, work and in the community in order to foster increased independence.
Anna has been passionate about supporting healthy communities for over 10 years, which led her to pursue a BA in psychology, a Master’s in Occupational Therapy, as well as volunteer at the Calgary Distress Centre helpline. Through her clinical education, Anna has experience with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, mental health (anxiety, depression), and concussion / traumatic brain injury. Anna works with ICBC, private-paying clients and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in the Metro Vancouver region, including Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Richmond.
Melanie has 10 years of Occupational Therapy experience working in the public health system from acute care, to rehabilitation, to the community environment. In private practice, she helps clients with musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, post cardiac event, cancer, traumatic brain injury, and mixed diagnoses. Melanie works with WSBC, ICBC and private paying clients, as well as those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in North & West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster.
Riana earned her Bachelor of Health Sciences and worked in the engineering field for several years before pursuing her Master’s in Occupational Therapy from UBC. Riana assists clients with mental health concerns, chronic pain, musculoskeletal/orthopaedic injuries, concussion and traumatic brain injury, and those with mixed diagnoses. Riana works with ICBC, private-paying clients and those with extended health/disability insurance. She serves clients in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley, including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Langley, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Mission, Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
Like all of our therapists, Anna, Melanie and Riana are full registrants and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an occupational therapist, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Meet Haley Tencha: Occupational Therapist
Welcome Haley Tencha to the OT Works! team! Haley has been working with us since August 2021.
She provides community OT services for individuals by implementing daily activities at home, work and in the community to foster increased independence. Haley is eligible to work on our contracts with WorkSafe BC, ICBC and Veterans Affairs Canada. She also serves private-paying clients and those with extended health and disability insurance.
Haley has been working as an Occupational Therapist for over 12 years. She has successfully treated clients with a variety of injuries and health conditions, including orthopedic injuries, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, concussion/brain injury and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD, specific phobias). Haley has worked in both public health and private community settings.
She has obtained Certification as a Work Capacity Evaluator through Roy Matheson and Associates in 2013. She has completed hundreds of medical legal assessments across the lower mainland including Functional/Work Capacity Evaluations and Cost of Future Care Assessments. She has testified as an expert witness in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on numerous occasions.
Haley serves clients in the Metro Vancouver region, including Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Coquitlam and Surrey.
Like all of our therapists, Haley is full registrant and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
Get started with an OT
If you or someone you know could benefit from working with an occupational therapist, contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext. 1000.
Sleeping well is key for better health
If you made some new year’s resolutions for 2022, consider adding sleep to your list of goals.
Committing to better sleep have long-lasting benefits on physical and mental health. Having a good night of sleep help you feeling well-rested on the next day, and can help you being more productive, feeling more focused and even being more creative.
Data from the Public Health Agency of Canada shows that Canadians are not getting enough sleep, and that lack of sleep impacts our quality of life.
The good news is that there are simple and easy things that you can do to sleep better and have more energy.
Tips to improve your sleep:
Improving sleep can help a person to manage better. Quality of sleep is directly linked to quality of life. Many of these tips will seem like common sense. It is surprising how many of us have forgotten to follow these simple ideas to have a good night of sleep. Try to start using the following tips slowly each day to improve your sleep. :
- Avoid caffeine for at least 8 hours prior to bedtime; and avoid alcohol at bedtime
- Avoid smoking – nicotine is a stimulant and can keep you awake
- Wind down for an hour before bed under low light: a warm bath or shower one hour before bed might help
- No electronics – the blue light from the screens keep you more alert
- Don’t go to bed until you feel sleepy
- Create an appropriate environment for sleeping: keep your bedroom comfy, cool, quiet and dark
- Don’t use your bed for anything but sleep or sex
- Don’t lie awake in bed. If you are awake for more than 15 minutes get up and do a boring activity until you are sleepy before returning to bed
- Don’t watch the clock. If worried about not waking to an alarm, set 2 alarms
- Get out of bed at the same time daily with an alarm (YES this even includes weekends)
- Don’t take naps during the day if possible. If you have to, limit them to 20-30 minutes max
- Exercise as you are able – if possible, at least 30 minutes of exercise – 3 times per week
- Don’t use the snooze button. You may feel like you are getting more rest, but it will not be the quality sleep you need.
If you do make changes, you will likely awake feeling better the next day. Remember: being consistent help make a habit, and that by making changes and sticking with them will have the biggest impact. Some changes may have gradual effect that will grow over time. It may take a couple of weeks to notice a difference, so keep at it!
Read more about the benefits of a good night of sleep on this CBC article, and on this episode of The Nature of Things.
Get Started with an OT
Occupational Therapists help people with their activities of daily life—including getting more rest and better sleep.
All of our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and have additional training in areas such as mental health, brain injury rehabilitation, home safety and chronic pain.
We are here to help you achieving your goals to live your best life. Contact us today!
Email: referrals@ot-works.com
Vancouver: 604.696.1066
Victoria: 250.999.8896
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels