person when planning treatment.

At St. Brendan's, the occupational therapist uses a wide range of activities -- domestic, industrial, recreational, educational and social.

Occupational therapists work with both individuals and groups according to the patients' needs. Some forms of occupational therapy is available to most patients throughout the Hospital -- either on their ward or in the Occupational Therapy Department.

There are many long-stay patients, who have been in Hospital for some years, and although not necessarily actively ill, have become institutionalised. The occupational therapy programme for these involves teaching them to think for themselves and encouraging independence so they may, where possible, return to the community. The main aim is teaching good work habits and skills, domestic, personal, social and educational skills as well as recreational activities in order to improve the quality of their life by helping them make it as purposeful and happy as possible.

There are two acute wards where the length of stay varies from a few days to several weeks. The occupational therapist provides ward based group activities and some patients also attend the O.T. Department. Between 50-60 patients attend St. Brendan's daily. Most of these people live with their families -- some are mentally handicapped, others mentally ill. Many have already progressed to industrial therapy (IT) For those in OT, self care is greatly emphasised through domestic and social activity as well as providing them with a role through the day to day work programme.

Some psychogeriatric patients who are able, attend the OT Department -- others have a socially, physically and mentally stimulating programme on the ward.

The emphasis is on "reality orientation'' because the elderly tend to lose touch with reality. The aim being to help prevent both physical and intellectual deterioration and maintain skills of daily living. Assessments are carried out on a regular basis and patients' activity programmes are modified accordingly.

*** Community and Social Skills Group: Residents are taken out into the community were they are actively involved in everyday "normal'' activities such as using public transport, crossing roads, eating out in restaurants and the teaching of correct and appropriate behaviour.

*** Individual Sessions: These sessions include teaching the more severely handicapped residents to bath and dress themselves, and improve their span of concentration with the use of games and activities. The occupational therapist will also have residents referred with a physical disability which may require making a splint. If the splint helps the person to be more functional by, for example, straightening out the arm and hand, that person will achieve more independence. The occupational therapist will provide, and teach the use of, special aides such as feeding and bathing aides for residents who have difficulty in these areas.

The occupational therapist will give each resident the chance to develop his or her skills by giving them opportunity and responsibility, thus building up their confidence and self esteem, all of which lend to a greater measure of independence for each person.

Submitted by the Bermuda Hospitals Board.