Which Side to Face Bed, Chair and Place Objects After Stroke for Occupational Therapy

After a stroke, patients may experience decreased awareness of their side, such as the left side of either themself or their environment. One way to increase awareness, which is quite intuitive actually, is to place objects, environment, basically stimuli (this includes sounds, lights, etc.) on the side of their deficit. This is often their left … Read more

Cryotherapy (Icing) for Grip Strength with Hemiparesis After Stroke | Occupational Therapy Practice

Introduction One common sequela of stroke is difficulty performing movements due to spasticity or increased muscle tone. More severe cases of spasticity may result in limited functional independence of daily activities such as ADLs of eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, bathing, and grooming (ADLs). Spasticity has been defined differently, but one common definition is marked by … Read more

ADLs for Trunk Rehabilitation after Stroke with Occupational Therapy

One of the most effective interventions occupational therapists can use for trunk rehabilitation is ADLs, IADLs, and mobility tasks. Often after a stroke, there is a loss of trunk control and subsequently a loss of functional independence. Hsieh and colleagues found a strong correlation between how trunk control can be an early predictor of comprehensive … Read more

Brushing Teeth and Oral Hygiene After a Stroke (How to Apply Toothpaste) – Occupational Therapy

This guide provides some ideas and insights into occupational therapy intervention for oral care after a stroke in the hospital (acute care, acute rehab). Barriers Pain: generalized, involved limbs Dizziness: from vision, medications Poor balance Motivation, Depression Vision and perception: inattention, neglect, field cut Proprioception Hemiparesis Tone: hypo- or hypertonicity Sensation: impaired Attention: short Memory: … Read more

Apraxia Made Easy – Ideational vs Ideomotor vs Dressing vs Constructional & More – Occupational Therapy

This article features the most common kinds of apraxia associated with occupational therapy, prognosis, and treatment. About Apraxia Apraxia is a neurological disorder that is characterized by the loss of the ability to carry out skilled movements. There is usually no loss of motivation or physical ability to perform these movements. Dyspraxia is a mild … Read more

New Stroke Patient ARU/IRF Checklist for Occupational Therapy

Equipment & Supplies Wheelchair with necessary pieces (including anti-tippers) W/C arm trough Hemi-arm sling Drop-arm Commode Fall risk armband Grippy socks Eye-patching for diplopia Shower set-up and DME Sara Stedy Hoyer lift Splints Built-up utensils Theraputty Earplugs Diary (pain, sleep, symptoms) Environment Signage for safety and recommendations, e.g. arm sling during transfers. Wheelchair and bed … Read more

Free Therapy Assessment Tools for Geriatrics and Older Adults

10 Meter Walk Test 2 Minute Walk Test 30 Second Sit to Stand Test 360 Degree Turn Test 6 Minute Walk Test Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire Barthel Index / Modified Barthel Index Berg Balance Scale Borg Rating Scale of Perceived Exertion Braden Scale Brief Cognitive Rating Scale Caregiver Strain Index Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction … Read more