Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physiotherapy
Our Physiotherapists and OTs specialise in palliative care, working with patients to improve their quality of life, with a focus on rehabilitation and symptom management.
Our approach
Our Physiotherapists and OTs aim to focus on enablement and self-management where possible. They will work with you to set goals and help you gain independence through self-management strategies, building confidence and increasing your sense of wellbeing. They can also support you with any concerns you may have relating to your illness and individual situation.
Initial assessment session
After an initial telephone contact the therapist will agree with you whether to visit you at home or see you here at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and we will wear appropriate PPE.
Areas of focus
The team will support and help you to manage your symptoms and functional activities, taking into account any medicines or treatments that you may have been prescribed. There is a focus on education, teaching and non-pharmacological strategies, which can be implemented into your everyday routine.
They may support you on areas such as breathlessness, fatigue, anxiety, pain, relaxation, muscle strength and/or exercise, mobility, reducing the risk of falls, poor sleep, personal care and leisure activities, and maintaining your independence.
Assessment of your living environments may additionally be offered, to help prevent falls and to ensure you can physically achieve daily activities and goals. This may involve ordering equipment through our community equipment store. In the current climate visits to patient’s homes will need to be risk assessed, and/or it may be necessary for a referral to be made to the community rehab Physiotherapist or OT to complete these aspects.
The impact of COVID-19
We continue to monitor and follow government guidelines in relation to Covid -19.
Gary, after attending the HOPE programmeCreating small goals makes me feel invigorated and gives me a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction. I think it is important to recognise your achievements and give yourself a little reward, whether that’s a small piece of chocolate or having a coffee with a loved one, whatever is important to you.
FAQ's
What type of sessions do you offer?
The team provides support on a one-to-one basis, or within a group.
Groups are run as part of the Hospice’s virtual Living Well programme, including sessions covering symptom management and the HOPE (Help to Overcome Problems Effectively) programme, as well as exercise groups.
These are run regularly and are a great opportunity to exchange valuable knowledge and share tips with others in similar situations.
When and where will sessions take place?
After an initial telephone contact the therapist will agree with you whether to visit you at home or see you here at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and we will wear appropriate PPE.
Am I eligible to receive services and how can I be referred?
Our Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services are available to patients who receive care and support from our Inpatient Unit, Day Therapy, Community Teams services or through our outpatient Pain Management Group. If you feel you or your loved one would benefit from this kind of support, please ask to be referred.
If you are not currently under the care of Arthur Rank Hospice, please contact our Central Referrals Office on 01223 675800 to discuss your needs, or ask any healthcare professional you are seeing to refer you (please note that they must have your permission to do so, and that your GP will need to be informed of any referral we receive for you).
For more information, please visit How and when to seek a referral or call the team on 01223 675777.
Are your services really free of charge?
Thanks to the dedication, commitment and generosity of the local community and the hard work of our senior leadership team to secure vital contracts with the NHS, all our services are free of charge.
It will cost £11.51 million this financial year to operate our services. Contracted services from the NHS are budgeted at £7.07 million, meaning that £4.44 million needs to be raised through donations, fundraising activities and trading.
We are extremely grateful to our local community for the continual dedication, commitment and generosity they show in supporting us to meet this target.
Michelle Mackay, Physiotherapist
Michelle has worked at the Charity for over five years supporting patients at the Hospice and in their own homes. Along with the rest of our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, she is passionate about rehabilitative palliative care and supporting patients to achieve their goals and ‘making every moment count’.