The aim: restore function, reintegrate an individual back into daily life and rehabilitate lost abilities so as to enhance participation and improve well-being. ABOUT
STACI VON MALTZAHN
Staci von Maltzahn graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2010, obtaining a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Occupational Therapy. Staci von Maltzahn completed her community service year in the public primary
health care sector at Khayelitsha Site B community health centre. Following a further year at this facility, she transferred to the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (WCRC). At WCRC, Staci von Maltzahn, worked for three years in the inpatient rehabilitation of adults suffering from neurological conditions such as strokes, spinal cord injuries and head injuries. She then moved between departments and managed the outpatient rehabilitation services at WCRC for a further three and half years where intervention was specifically focused on wheelchair seating and community reintegration. The last year of employment at WCRC included time spent within the admissions ward conducting base line assessments as well as inpatient rehabilitation services, in-service training and resource development. Staci von Maltzahn worked at WCRC for a total of seven and a half years. Staci von Maltzahn has a strong interest in the the rehabilitation of adults following neurological fallout. She has further developed her skills in this field by completing workshops in: adult basic Bobath, wheelchair seating (basic, intermediate and advanced levels); fitness to drive assessments; aquatherapy; as well as upper limb assessment and intervention. Further fields of research and development include visual and cognitive rehabilitation following neurological fallout, as well as, pressure sore management. Occupational Therapy (OT) aims to maximise an individuals independence and participation in everyday life activities. Ill-health, disorders or injury can be life changing. As such the purpose of OT is to restore function, reintegrate an individual back into daily life and rehabilitate lost abilities. The outcome of this intervention is to enhance an individuals physical, emotional and social well-being and enable them to participate optimally in their life roles, routines and environment. Restore: The relearning of an ability or function that has been lost following an injury or ill-health
Reintegrate: The integration of an individual back into their home, community, social and work-based environments
Rehabilitate: The restoration of function - either by recovering, relearning or adapting for lost abilities - so as to enhance wellbeing and independence
WHAT IS HOME-BASED REHABILITATION
The provision of OT services directly within an individual’s immediate environment ensures that intervention is relevant and appropriate to their specific context and needs. Occupational Therapy aims at engaging the individual as a partner in rehabilitation. The program is client-centred and goal orientated which means that all interventions are aimed to satisfy the individual’s expressed needs and wants. Working directly within their home facilitates this process by using equipment, space and activities that are familiar and relevant - thereby stimulating learnt processes which enhances restoration of function. Neurological Rehabilitation is aimed at improving function, reducing symptoms and enhancing the well-being of individuals who have suffered diseases, injuries or disorders to the nervous system. Neurological Rehabilitation is most effective when facilitated by a multidisciplinary team. The Occupational Therapists role within the team is to facilitate the return of an individual’s function and independence with the aim to improve their quality of life. EXPECTATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
There are no guaranteed expectations when one undergoes Occupational Therapy treatment. The outcome of therapy depends on the injury or health condition, engagement of the client, as well as environmental supporters or barriers. But when a client engages in an Occupational Therapy program, it is intended that he/she will be able to return either fully, partially or in an alternate way, to his/her prior level of functioning. If this is not possible, or in addition to this, family or caregiver training can be provided in order to support a client’s functioning whilst managing the burden of care. Please note that you, as the client, have the right to decline any part of the treatment before or during treatment. You, as the client, have the right to ask your Occupational Therapist about the treatment plan and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
