Case Study: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Carlicia Mellick

Treating Therapist

Carlicia has had 10 yearsâ€™ experience working as an Occupational Therapist in both the community and hospital settings. The majority of her experience has been in the community setting as she realises that people perform best when in their own environment.

BACKGROUND

Wendy has been diagnosed with several conditions and was in a lot of daily pain and discomfort

CONDITION

Wendy was diagnosed with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis

TREATMENT

Occupational Therapy for complex home modifications and assistive equipment

SESSIONS

Wendy has been seen at least once a week and treatment is ongoing for her condition

OUTCOME

Due to treatment she has enhanced her independence in all personal activities of daily living.

Wendy was a lady with severe Rheumatoid arthritis and spinal stenosis. Wendy had a history of chronic pain and severe back issues. She was requiring back surgery in the near future and was worried about how she would cope at home after the surgery. She used a 4WW for mobility both indoors and outdoors. She was NDIS funded and was referred to Occupational Therapy for complex home modifications and assistive equipment.

A full initial assessment was conducted to determine Wendy’s goals and equipment needs. She identified that her goals were to; maintain function and independence with all activities of daily living and improve safety with transfers and mobility around the home and in the community.

"Wendy had a history of chronic pain and severe back issues. She was requiring back surgery in the near future and was worried about how she would cope at home after the surgery. "

Wendy was seen for assessment and application of a high low bed with a more supportive mattress, a new lightweight 4WW and a mobile shower commode. It was also recommended that a complete bathroom renovation be completed to improve access space and allow for safer and easier transfers. Applications were sent to NDIS for all assistive equipment and modifications.

Wendy was approved for all the equipment and modifications. She received the equipment and was able to be independent with community access as she could now lift her lightweight 4WW in the car by herself. Her new bed provided her with more support to her back and she was much safer with bed transfers. This helped to get her pain levels under control and supported her after her back surgery. The commode allowed carers to assist her with showering and toileting after her surgery and helped her to be able to discharge from hospital without worrying about what she would need. Lastly, the bathroom renovation provided a safe and effective space for client to shower and toilet in. She was able to wheel the commode directly into the shower and over the toilet. She could access the bathroom with the 4WW and didnâ€™t have to navigate any difficult corners. She felt safe and secure and this enhanced her independence in all personal activities of daily living.