Therapies
We work very closely as a specialised team of therapists offering Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy to people throughout the hospice services as detailed below.
Physiotherapy
As specialist physiotherapists in palliative care we support patients both on the In Patient Unit and in the community. We also provide out patient clinics to patients offering individual assessment and advice on management of symptoms including breathlessness, lymphoedema, pain, fatigue and weakness. In addition, we offer group sessions for patients to participate in seated yoga and information sessions for patients and carers.
We work with other members of the palliative care team with the aim of enabling patients to better manage their symptoms and optimise their independence and quality of life.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy (OT) aims to optimise independence and quality of life by helping people prolong their ability to manage activities of daily living. OTs assist patients to adjust to a changed level of strength and routine by supporting them, their carers and families with these changes.
Occupational Therapy on the In Patient Unit
On the St. Michael’s Hospice In Patient Unit, our team provides:
- advice on moving and handling
- practise mobility and transfers
- discharge planning including home assessment to help with adjustment of routines to enable patients to be able to return home
Occupational Therapy Out Patient Services
Out patient services are also provided and include:
- individual assessments and advice on adapting to changed abilities due to the impact of illness
- management of fatigue
- virtual information sessions with physiotherapy colleagues covering subjects such as mindfulness, falls and exercise and managing fatigue and breathlessness
Occupational Therapy out in the community
The team also support the community by providing:
- assessment and advice to patients and their families on mobility and transfers
- assessment of seating, positioning and loaning equipment
- advice and support to people making difficult decisions related to future deterioration in ability, for instance, one level living.
Motor Neurone Disease Clinics
The therapy team hold monthly Motor Neurone Disease Clinics at the Hospice. Too find out more about these, please watch the short video and get in touch at the details below if you have any questions at all.
Further information
For more information please contact the therapy team on: 01256 848873 or email therapy@stmichaelshospice.org.uk