Lifeworks Occupational Therapy Blog

With the festive season upon us & 2022 drawing to a close, this is often a time when individuals reflect on the year that has been and start planning for the new year ahead, including setting themselves goals of things they would like to achieve or changes they would like to make in their lives. However for many people in our community who live with a chronic health condition, planning ahead and/or setting themselves goals can be challenging due to the hurdles & barriers the symptoms of their conditions create. At Lifeworks OT, our team of occupational therapists are passionate about assisting people living with chronic health conditions such as chronic pain and mental health conditions to be able to do more of what they want to be doing with less impact from the symptoms of their condition. We achieve this through the following process: Assessment : We complete a thorough assessment of a person’s situation, including how the symptoms of their condition impact on their capacit...

Why join group support programs? There are many reasons why people might choose to join a group support program. Some people may be struggling with a particular issue and feel that they would benefit from sharing their experiences with others who are going through similar things. Others may be looking for ways to meet new people and make friends, or to build a support network of people who understand what they are going through. Group support programs can offer a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences and feelings, to learn from others, and to receive practical advice and support. They can also provide an opportunity for people to socialize and have fun in a relaxed setting. The type of program offered will vary depending on the needs of the community and the resources available. However, all programs should aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for people to share their experiences and feelings, to learn from others, and to receive practical a...

Christmas for some is a joyous time for most, filled with celebrations, presents, family, friends, and delicious food. For some of our patients, it can be a time of stress, loneliness, disappointment, or anxiety. This can affect their mental health in lots of different ways, which include: Feeling alone or left out because everyone else seems happy when they’re not. Struggling to look back at difficult memories or worry about the coming year. Feeling anxious and frustrated by other people’s views of a ‘perfect’ Christmas. Finding it harder to access services as they may be closed during the holiday period. Amid all the flurry of Christmas, taking time to reflect on few simple ways to help patients, as well as ourselves, could make all the difference. Here are 5 tips to make the upcoming festive season a little more manageable: Stay active: It is important you stay healthy over the holidays and exercising can be huge mood booster and a great way get you out of you...