Reason for Services
Why is Barb receiving OT services?
She is recovering from a left CVA with right hemiparesis and expressive aphasia, impacting her ability to manage daily life independently.
What profession did Barb retire from?
Receptionist at a downtown law firm.
Where does Barb live?
A third-floor studio apartment in a senior living complex.
What is Barb’s major motor impairment?
Right hemiparesis.
What is Barb’s housing goal?
Remain safely in her own apartment.
What symptom led Barb’s son to bring her to the emergency department?
Right-sided facial droop.
Name two hobbies Barb enjoyed before her stroke.
Senior outings and volunteering at the soup kitchen.
What environmental feature helps Barb access her apartment?
An elevator.
What communication challenge does Barb experience?
Expressive aphasia.
What is a major emotional goal Barb is working toward?
Feeling confident enough to reconnect with friends despite her aphasia.
How long ago did Barb experience her stroke?
Two months ago.
What fitness activity did Barb engage in regularly?
Walking 2 miles at the YMCA three times a week.
Name a potential environmental challenge Barb faces daily.
Common areas (mail, laundry) are on the first floor, requiring longer mobility distances.
How has Barb’s daily pattern changed post-stroke?
She now requires community health services and has reduced social outings.
What type of community service supports Barb’s independence at home?
Community health support services.
What secondary health conditions does Barb have?
Hypertension, history of TIAs, and a past hysterectomy.
What leisure trips did Barb especially enjoy?
Bus trips to the casino.
What personal barrier could impact Barb’s community re-entry?
Her embarrassment and fear of communicating with expressive aphasia.
Why might Barb’s mobility between floors be difficult?
She needs to navigate to the first floor for basic needs like laundry, requiring endurance and safety planning.
Why is addressing communication essential in Barb’s goal planning?
Because her fear of speaking impacts her ability to maintain social supports and quality of life.
What emotional concern heavily affects Barb’s participation?
She is embarrassed about her expressive aphasia and fears social judgment.
Why is Barb’s previous independence significant in her rehab plan?
She is used to living alone and being self-sufficient, making independence a critical priority for recovery.
How does Barb’s family support system impact her recovery?
Her sons visit occasionally but are busy, leading to limited regular support.
What role did habits like volunteering and traveling play in her prior routine?
They provided social engagement and purpose, which are critical to her emotional well-being.
Name one OT intervention that could help Barb regain confidence in social participation.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, communication strategies training, cognitive-communication rehabilitation, functional communication practice, visual supports, neuroplasticity-oriented therapy, memory aids, family and caregiver training, psychosocial support