Occupational Therapy

(1) Toileting:

  • Special Toilet Chair that are either attached to the lavatory pan or slide over, if are suitable for more severely affected people.
  • Handrails are provided.
  • For cleaning automatic washer, a handheld faucet can be used.
  • Disposable nappies for the young inconvenient child.

(2) Bathing:

  • A bath mat may be sufficient to prevent a child slipping in the bathroom, suction based seats are also available.
  • As the severely handicapped person becomes heavier and larger a shallow bath insert or hoist may be necessary.

(3) Feeding:

  • Ideally, the feeding person should be directly in front in order to maintain the person’s position.
  • The table should be positioned at axilla height and close to the chest, so that the distance from the plate to mouth is reduced.
  • A Non-slip mat ion (table mat) the table can stabilize dishes or special suction based dishes can be used.
  • Special cutlery, such as combined Fork/Knife may be suitable.
  • Using a straw or a cup with a lid will prevent liquids dribbling back out of the mouth.

(4) Sleeping:

  • For some children who are on Antiepileptic or Antispastic Drugs and who may sleep for long period during the day, frequent stimulation is provided to discourage unwanted Sleep.
  • Night Splintage and foam wedges are used to support limbs or whole body in a more satisfactory position.

(5) Dressing:

  • Positioning the individual on the floor, bed or specially fatten work surface is safer than using one’s lap a chair or wheel chair.
  • Techniques to inhibit spastic postures will facilitate the movements of the limbs into and out of clothing.
  • Clothing should be loose, free from unnecessary fastening and limited to a few layers.