Since gaining a degree in Occupational Therapy, I have been working in the NHS. I have 10 years experience, with specialist knowledge in both older adult mental health and dementia care. I very much enjoy working in both areas. I have worked with clients in various different stages of dementia. As the senior therapist for a continuing care ward, I treated clients with challenging behaviour and those at the end of their life. I have experience of working on older adult acute mental… Show more Since gaining a degree in Occupational Therapy, I have been working in the NHS. I have 10 years experience, with specialist knowledge in both older adult mental health and dementia care. I very much enjoy working in both areas. I have worked with clients in various different stages of dementia. As the senior therapist for a continuing care ward, I treated clients with challenging behaviour and those at the end of their life. I have experience of working on older adult acute mental health wards.I then worked in a mental health recovery unit (formally day hospital). As well as being the allocated therapist to clients attending the Unit, I care co-ordinated a number of clients, treating people for schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and cognitive impairment. I undertook functional assessments, including group and individual sessions and cognitive assessments, where necessary. Working with this client group requires an holistic approach. When undertaking assessments, physical difficulties often associated with older adults, are taken into consideration. This includes adapting environments to meet the needs of the individual, including assessing for and prescribing equipment. I have good working knowledge of NHS databases, including using RIO (electronic patient notes) and DATIX (incident reporting).Other significant responsibilities included;- screening referrals and contacting clients to arrange a time to attend the Unit for assessment. - Supporting carers.- Undertake and regularly up-date risk assessments.- Complete care plans.- Arrange and involved in CPA meetings, including diagnostic meetings.- Undertake mental capacity assessments.- Identify/report safeguarding issues.- Being part of the interview panel when recruiting new staff and providing feedback.- Responsible for the ongoing supervision of staff, including appraisal and CPD reviews.- Regularly offer student placements. Show less

I worked for Enfield Primary Care Trust, in a rotational post, with each rotation lasting 8 months. During this time, I worked within psychiatry of old age, on a physical rehabilitation unit, working closely with the intermediate care team and on an acute older person's mental health ward. My first post involved working with older people in various stages of dementia and older people within a functional rehabilitation unit. I gained vast experience of functional assessments, group work… Show more I worked for Enfield Primary Care Trust, in a rotational post, with each rotation lasting 8 months. During this time, I worked within psychiatry of old age, on a physical rehabilitation unit, working closely with the intermediate care team and on an acute older person's mental health ward. My first post involved working with older people in various stages of dementia and older people within a functional rehabilitation unit. I gained vast experience of functional assessments, group work and undertaking individual sessions, to ascertain goals, support and meet the needs of the clients. During my time on the rehabilitation unit, I undertook functional assessments including washing and dressing, kitchen assessments and transfer assessments. I worked closely with other OT's, physiotherapists, nursing staff, social workers and where necessary, the intermediate care team, towards the safe discharge of clients from the ward. I also undertook home visits, whereby risk assessments and the necessary equipment was provided.My final rotational post involved working within an acute older people's mental health ward. My main responsibilities involved undertaking group work and individual assessments, home visits, risk assessments and working with the MDT towards discharge planning. Show less