Thriving Despite Occupational Disruption: How OT Helps During COVID-19
COVID-19 has launched the world into a major transition. Everything we do, and how we do it, has changed. This is a period of occupational disruption and occupational therapists can help. This is what we do.
Occupational Therapy
OTs understand that occupational disruption can be overwhelming, confusing and exhausting. It is normal to feel anger, denial and sadness. But the practical, client-centred approach to OT helps people get a sense of normalcy, routine and well-being; we help people create a new, healthy normal.
OT Works! Approach
We continue to provide quality care to our clients and know its importance while facing occupational disruption during COVID-19. Especially for those who were getting clinic-based services and find themselves without, or with very little, care.
We embrace innovation. We have adapted the way we give care so that it continues to be meaningful and helpful, despite social restrictions. We have:
- Tailored our services to optimize video, phone and text communications (via telehealth and online care)
- Created new, cost-effective, flexible ways to deliver services that weren’t possible in person
- Developed protocols to safely provide in-person care for urgent situations
- Enabled creative collaboration for our therapists, so clients are served best
We protect your privacy and security. We are using Microsoft Teams for video sessions, which is a secure and private platform approved for telehealth use by the College of Occupational Therapists in BC (COTBC) and funders including WorkSafe BC and ICBC.
Tips to Manage Better
Loneliness and inactivity contribute to illness. Our OTs help clients stay connected and maintain a balance of productivity and rest. Here are some tips that our OTs have for you!
- Establish a daily and weekly routine. Having set routines allows us to establish a sense of control over our own lives and even more so during transitions.
- Stay connected. Reach out to friends and access resources and healthcare professionals when you need them.
- Practise good sleep hygiene. A proper sleep schedule encourages increased energy and endurance during the day. Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule and avoid light or other stimulating substances (e.g. caffeine, alcohol, nicotine) before going to bed.
- Explore new hobbies and practise existing skills. Learning a new skill or hobby is a great way to defeat boredom and motivate yourself further.
- Be kind to yourself. Practise self-care. Reward yourself for completing tasks and achieving goals. Take a break when you need to. When feelings intensify, breathe deeply and give yourself some self-compassion.
These healthy strategies help us manage the current situation, as well as when the pandemic has passed, and during any other difficult transitions we face.
Lives are changing but you can recover from this occupational disruption. Our OTs are here when you need us.
Contact Us
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 could benefit from occupational therapy during this coronavirus outbreak, contact us today! We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
E-mail: info@ot-works.com
Phone: 604.696.1066 ext 1000
Related Articles
- “Staying Happy While Staying Home: Lessons from Occupational Therapy” (Vancouver Sun)
- “Ten Tips for Sleeping Well During Troubled Times” (First Nations Health Authority)
- “Our mental health won’t be same after the coronavirus pandemic, experts say” (Global News)
- “3 Tips to Reduce Pandemic-Induced Anxiety” (CBC Radio)