Volunteers make donation, do rehab works at Cheshire Home

RESIDENTS of the Cheshire Home at Unity Mahaica on Monday benefited from a donation of clothes and the efforts of volunteers who repainted and restored a room at the home to be used for occupational therapy.

The efforts were part of countrywide community service projects to mark World Occupational Therapy (OT) Day, celebrated annually across the world.
Director of Rehabilitation Services, Mrs. Barbara Lawrence, in a statement to the press, noted that the volunteers included rehab assistants from the Health Ministry’s rehab departments around Georgetown and University of Guyana students, who are pursuing their Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Rehabilitation. Peace Corps Response occupational therapist, Kera Murphy, was also involved in Monday’s activity to improve the Cheshire Home.
She said, “The work of the volunteers on World OT Day helped to support the residents’ ability to engage in activities of meaning, such as improving positioning in beds or in wheelchairs to promote function and prevent physical deformity and promoting independence; and fostering inclusive and engaging environments that offer activities that are health-promoting.”

IMPROVING WELLBEING

Cheshire Home houses some 25 individuals, with a range of impairments, ranging from severe to multiple disabilities. However, Lawrence noted that the residents continue to enjoy occupations of leisure, work, education, and support to care for them. The occupational therapy room will therefore contribute towards the wellbeing and comfort of the residents.
Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession that uses therapeutic exercises, meaningful activities, and/or adaptive equipment to restore or improve function and independence of individuals after injury or illness.

(Raveena Mangal)