Enabling Independence and Quality of Life

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Birgit

"I love working with people of all ages enabling them to engage in their day-to-day activities achieving their optimum level of independence."

Birgit Richardson-Rathje - Specialist Neurological Occupational Therapist – B.Sc. (Hons), AM inst LM, Postgrad certificate Neurological Rehabilitation, Consultant Case Manager

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps people of all ages overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations. An occupational therapist will consider all of the patient’s needs – physical, psychological, social and environmental.

  • What is occupational therapy?

    Occupational therapy is a science based profession which supports individuals in practical ways to return to activities they are finding difficult. Reasons for these difficulties can be varied but may include physical, cognitive or mental illness or combinations off various underlying causes. An occupational therapist will empower an individual by enabling them to overcome barriers that prevent them from engaging in activities that are important to them and their quality of life.

    Occupation is a term used to describe the many meaningful everyday activities people engage in from personal care, domestic activities to work and leisure or driving.

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    An occupational therapist will support an individual as they aim to overcome barriers they experience as a result of illness, injury or the natural aging process. An occupational therapist will consider physical, psychological, social, spiritual and environmental factors as part of their assessment and treatment process.

    Clinicians will support individuals and carers by agreeing client centred goals and evidence based treatment programmes, which will be monitored, regularly updated and reviewed over time.

  • IRS clinicians can also advise on home adaptations, carry out risk assessments and provide training to individuals, family members, carers and support staff.
    We specialise in neurological rehabilitation, working mainly with young adults, adults and older persons.

    Our focus is to help individuals regain and improve independence and achieve a life which is satisfying and enjoyable. We can support within the home, local and wider community and work environment.

  • We will work with individuals, their carers and other professionals involved with their care and rehabilitation as appropriate.

    We work in close collaboration with other professionals employed in other organisations such as the statutory, educational and legal sector as well as charities. Our aim is to facilitate a seamless integrated approach to enable an individual’s independence and quality of life.

IRS

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