You CAN maintain a good quality of life with Dementia
Promoting Independence
OT Scotland can help someone with Dementia maintain their ability in everyday activities such as getting to the toilet, continence, eating, drinking, and dressing.
James needed a cup handed to him and could not tilt it back to finish the contents.
With a new chair and a bottle specially chosen for him, James can now take a drink whenever he wishes
Improving memory
“A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is not the bad news it used to be. With a combination of memory drugs and the home-based Memory Rehabilitation Programme, many people can continue to lead independent lives for a considerable length of time.” Mary McGrath , Advanced Clinical Specialist OT Click here for information on her research report
With the support of an experienced OT people with memory problems CAN LEARN to use new strategies which reduce the impact of their memory problems. OT Scotland can help you to live well with Dementia.
There is evidence that new techniques are still being used 2 years after they have been taught. This can postpone the need for home care services or a move into a residential care home.
In some areas of the country a Home Based Memory Rehabilitation (HBMR) programme is provided by NHS OT services for everyone who has been newly diagnosed with Dementia. Ask your GP or Dementia clinic if this is available in your area. If not, call OT Scotland.
Enabling Meaningful Activity
OT Scotland can support, guide and train carers in enabling meaningful activity for an individual We use the widely respected Pool Activity Level Indicator (PAL).
'The PAL contains a valid and reliable tool for assessing level of ability. It is recommended in the National Clinical Practice Guideline for Dementia (NICE, 2006), for activities of daily living and for leisure activity. The instrument also contains profiling tools for interpreting the assessment in order to plan and deliver effective, enabling care and support. which is especially useful in the later stages of Dementia'.
Activity which is personalised is possible even in the later stages of Dementia at which time a 'sensory approach' is used to assess what challenges the person and what stimulates their interest.
Comfortable seating
OT Scotland can prescribe a comfortable and supportive chair which will prevent pressure sores and postural deterioration whilst enabling the person to be as active as possible.