Sign up here to receive Hospice updates

565 Foxhall Road
Ipswich,
Suffolk
IP3 8LX
T: (01473) 727776
F: (01473) 274717
Email us here

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on maintaining independence and quality of life in all aspects of peoples daily routine. Therapists work with patients, carers and families to assess patient's abilities to perform activities and design treatment programmes to increase their capability to tackle difficulties and adapt with independence, confidence and control. Patients with progressive illnesses can experience a range of difficulties that can impact on their daily routines.

Such problems may include:

• Fatigue/weakness
• Anxiety
• Poor mobility
• Breathlessness

Pain intervention to overcome these difficulties may include:

• Provision of equipment to aid independent living
• Relaxation techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety
• Techniques to cope with fatigue and loss of energy
• Advice on strategies to promote independence
• Assessment of the patient's home environment
• Practical strategies for families/carers to be at home.

Occupational therapy can be important in ensuring a safe discharge home with appropriate equipment and support services. They also support patients in the community, including those who wish to remain at home during the final stages of their illness. There is no single set of answers for an individual's problems and this is reflected in our patient centred approach.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy aims to help maintain patient's mobility, independence and movement. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation. Patients are individually assessed and a treatment plan is agreed in order for them to achieve their goals.

Physiotherapy can help with:

• Improving strength and mobility by movement, exercise and provision of appropriate walking aids
• Assessment for aids such as sticks, walking frames or wheelchairs
• Reducing pain through movement, positioning and use of TENS machine (a small battery operated unit which reduces pain by stimulating sensory nerves)
• Treatment and management of breathlessness and chest congestion.