OT life hacks are creative strategies/tips/ DIY projects that make life easier. Each month we intend to share one new OT life hack, so remember to keep checking back!
Disclaimer: Please note that these are all our suggestions from OTs for OTs, we by no means warrant that these strategies work in all cases and will not be held liable or responsible in any cases. Use your clinical reasoning and have fun! To our colleagues! Use our contact link or email us directly at [email protected] if you have any tips/tricks and we will post your idea with a shout out. Abby & Sarah |
2 Wheeled (or Standard) Walker as a Versa frame
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Check out this OT life hack for toileting! No grab bars? No problem! A 2 wheeled walker or a standard walker can serve as a versa frame when propped up against a stable surface i.e. a toilet tank. Keep in mind, this is not a fixed support, an individual using this will need to be able to have the cognitive abilities to evaluate the amount weight and force the frame can bear. |
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Pant Clips to assist with toileting
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Pants constantly falling down after toileting? Difficulty with dynamic balance? Hip precautions? We have an OT life hack for this.
The Pant Clips are constructed out of two heavy duty clothes pins and gimp. The clothes pins have two holes at the top of each end, so we threaded the gimp through and taped the ends of the gimp together. The length of gimp that connects the two clips in our sample is ~16cm. Keep in mind that the length of the gimp varies based on the person's height and ensure that it is long enough so that their trousers are in the clear when toileting!
Before sitting down, clip one end to your shirt and the other end to the top of your pants. See it in action below!
Pants constantly falling down after toileting? Difficulty with dynamic balance? Hip precautions? We have an OT life hack for this.
The Pant Clips are constructed out of two heavy duty clothes pins and gimp. The clothes pins have two holes at the top of each end, so we threaded the gimp through and taped the ends of the gimp together. The length of gimp that connects the two clips in our sample is ~16cm. Keep in mind that the length of the gimp varies based on the person's height and ensure that it is long enough so that their trousers are in the clear when toileting!
Before sitting down, clip one end to your shirt and the other end to the top of your pants. See it in action below!
Energy Conservation Bingo |
Monday October 17, 2016
Happy OT Month 2016! Lots have happened within this past year. Both Sarah and I have changed the areas we work in and are navigating new positions. Sometimes we have to tackle dry topics and the delivery of the content could be tricky. One method that worked for me was using BINGO to make energy conservation more fun and exciting. I used different ADLs, iADLs and principles as the main headers within each box. Each time one was selected, I would elaborate on how you could implement energy conservation strategies in that area. For example: O- Bathing and Showering - Plan ahead and gather all belongings prior to taking a shower. Ensure that you have all your items beforehand. - Use a bath seat when showering - Use a long handled bath sponge to clean hard to reach places and avoid tiring postures Hopefully, this activity sparked some ideas for you and your practice! If you have the funds available, perhaps a reacher as a prize can stir some excitement within your group! (We have spotted reachers in our local Dollaramas). |