Rise and Shine – Focus on Occupational Therapy

As the sun rises over Bonners Ferry, Sue Lombard, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist arrives at Boundary Community Hospital to help patients and residents get ready for their day. As a skilled therapist, Sue helps train patients and residents to safely and independently perform activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing and dressing when the patient requires retraining in these basic life skills.

Chances are, you or a family member will need occupational therapy at some point in your life. In its simplest terms, occupational therapists help people of all ages participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).

An occupational therapist typically focuses on arm and hand function since activities of daily living require fine motor skills and coordination: holding a fork or a cup to be able to eat and drink, buttoning up a shirt, taking off a coat, using a zipper, brushing teeth, combing hair, bathing, and shaving. All of these activities require very precise hand coordination. An occupational therapist may also address balance, range of motion and strength in context of these daily activities. Occupational therapists consider not only the individual’s abilities and the task to be performed, but also the environment in which the task takes place. They make recommendations to adapt the task as needed, train the person in the use of assistive or adaptive devices such as reachers, sock aids, special utensils etc., and they make recommendations for adaptations in the home, all of which enhance the patient’s optimal level of independence and quality of life.

All types of people need this kind of therapy every day, from a worker injured on the job to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a stroke. Whether it’s hand rehabilitation after carpal tunnel surgery, sensory integration for a developmentally delayed child, or assisting with recovery after a traumatic injury, Sue helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges.

Occupational therapy helps avoid health problems, and makes it easier to live with them. Consider our growing senior population: healthier people are living longer lives. Occupational therapy research proves that keeping people active and healthy as they age will not only improve their quality of life, it will lower their health care costs as well.

If you have a medical condition, your health status changes, or you are recovering from an accident or injury, ask your healthcare provider if occupational therapy services will help you. Occupational Therapist Sue Lombard is available for consultations by referral. Call 208-267-3141 to make an appointment.