Allie Calhoun, a character from the beloved movie, "The Notebook," winds up developing Alzheimers disease. Not only does she forget her loved ones (especially her grandkids), but she also experiences Sundowner's Syndrome where she changes to anger and frustration when the sun goes down. OT services will aim at helping create a schedule and routine for her to engage fully in activities which she loves, such as painting and playing the piano. Focusing on maintaining a schedule will hopefully reduce her confusion and panic. Also, the schedule will be sure to incorporate time where she can spend doing the activities she has always loved to do. OT should also focus on caregiver education as Allie's husband, Noah, is intimately involved in her care. Integrating family involvement and investing in their health is key in this situation in order to help Allie be involved in activities that bring meaning to her life.
Chucky Mullins was a college football player who suffered a spinal cord injury in the cervical injury resulting in his loss of functioning in all four limbs. Mullins went from a life of complete independence and success as a college athlete to complete dependence and reliance on caregivers. After his injury he struggled with speaking and swallowing due to a medical trachea. He hoped to still be able to attend college and get a degree. Occupational therapy services in this situation should be focused on adaptation in order to facilitate activity in meaningful occupations. While his arms were unable to move, he still had neck and head control that could be used with adaptive equipment in operating a computer. His intervention services should be focused on capitalizing on the movement he does have through the use of creative and innovative strategies. Mullins may not be able to regain the ability to walk, but he definitely can return to the pursuit of a...
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