Advertise on podcast: The OT Flourish Podcast

Ever felt like you were "in the weeds" with a complex pressure injury? You aren't alone. Our guest, Caitlin Schober, PT, DPT, from Broda Seating and I are ditching the dry textbook definitions and getting into the nitty-gritty of skin protection through seating options. We discuss why a Stage 1 is trickier than you think, the "traffic jam" caused by those pesky donut cushions, and how to advocate for high-level seating (like Broda) without sounding like you're threatening the facility's bottom line. Whether you're a student or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with "Aha!" moments for geriatric care. Key Takeaways: Immersion vs. Envelopment: It's not just about sinking; it's about how the cushion "hugs" those bony prominences. Adaptive > Corrective: In geriatric and neuro care, sometimes we need to conform the chair to the person to prevent pain and skin breakdown. Perfusion is King: "Good blood in, bad stuff out." If the seating stops that flow, we've got a problem. Resources Mentioned: The Decision Tree: Grab your Pressure Injury Prevention & Seating Algorithm here. The Cheat Sheet: Need help with documentation? Use the Clinical Justification Guide to find those insurance-approved "buzzwords."

If you've ever felt like you're just "going through the motions" of a morning ADL routine while your neuro-brain is screaming for more evidence-based intensity, this episode is your permission slip to change the game. Today, I'm joined by Jenna Barber, MOT, OTR/L, BCPR, a neuro specialist who lives in the tension between high-level stroke research and the grit of acute care. We're pulling back the curtain on why "just doing the ADL" isn't enough for cortical rewiring. We're talking about the 300-rep goal, the controversy of compensation vs. restoration, and how to stay client-centered when the system just wants you to check a box. In This Episode, We Discuss: The 17-Year Gap: Why it takes nearly two decades for research to hit the clinic floor and how we can bridge that gap today. Restoration vs. Compensation: Navigating the controversy—when do we use "hemi-techniques" and when do we demand more from the affected side? The 300 Rep Rule: Why Jenna aims for hundreds of repetitions (even if it's just rubbing a washcloth on a thigh) to drive real neural change. Neuro-Priming 101: How to use high-intensity mobility, aerobics, or mirror therapy to "warm up" the brain before you ever touch a functional task. The $30 Amazon Hack: Creative ways to simulate expensive mobile arm supports when you're working in a rural facility or on a tight budget. OTs as the "Walking" Experts: A "high horse" moment on why functional mobility is firmly in our scope and how it acts as a motor primer for upper extremity work. Key Takeaways for the Practitioner: Repetition is King: If the brain is going to rewire, we have to move beyond one or two attempts at a shirt. Pick a sub-component of the task and hit it 100 times. Be the Team Player (with a Bias): We are the upper extremity experts. If we don't advocate for the arm, who will? Clinical Judgment > Textbooks: Use FES, robotics, or even a simple towel on a table to grade the task so your patient can get those reps in, regardless of their impairment level. Resources Mentioned: @neuro_otpt_nerds (Jenna's content for evidence-based insights) Salia Rehab (Jenna's continuing education courses) Equipped Me OT (Shoutout to Lindsay for the computer arm assist hack!) If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice. Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OT.Flourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

This podcast episode delves into the integration of animal-assisted therapy within occupational therapy (OT). Featuring experts Dr. Macy Burr OTD, OTR/L and Dr. Taylor Chasten Griffin PhD, the episode explores how therapy dogs contribute to therapeutic outcomes. Highlighting various settings, from schools to assisted living facilities, it emphasizes the motivational and engagement benefits animals provide. The discussion includes the importance of standardized terminology, differentiating 'animal assisted interventions' from other terms, and the unique relationship between therapy animals and patients, providing a new dimension to occupational therapy practices. Resources: Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals Therapy Animal Certification for Professionals If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OT.Flourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

When we think of "meaningful occupation" for older adults, the traditional picture is usually gardening 🪴 or knitting. But as Mandy Chamberlain MOTR/L and Erik Johnson OTD, MS, OTR/L brilliantly discuss, that mindset needs a serious level up. This episode explores how video games are rapidly becoming a crucial, evidence-based tool in our OT arsenal. Forget the old misconceptions; gaming is a powerful, functional, and meaningful occupation. Why is this important for us? Engagement: Gaming dramatically boosts client motivation and adherence. Skill Building: It provides a "just right challenge" for cognitive, visual, motor, and social skills. Relevance: As leisure evolves, we must embrace technology to provide truly effective, client-centered care. The message is clear: Video games aren't just entertainment; they're therapeutic media that foster connection and functional gains. It's time for us OTPs to confidently trade in the stereotype for a strategy that meets our older adults right where they are. Who's ready to press start on a new treatment idea? Resources: TheRehabAcrcade.com If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OT.Flourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community.

In this episode of the OT Flourish Podcast, Mandy Chamberlain, an occupational therapist, explores how OTs are uniquely positioned to enhance brain health through modifiable risk factors. Joined by certified OT assistant Corrin Campbell BS, COTA/L, they delve into strategies for preventing cognitive decline by combining cognitive stimulation and physical activity. They emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, incorporating various factors like nutrition, sleep, and social engagement to strengthen cognitive reserves. They also discuss the challenges practitioners face and how they can find inspiration and confidence in their practice by helping clients lead cognitively healthy lives. If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OTFlourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

Let's delve into the intricate world of adaptive equipment in occupational therapy with our guest Dr Brandy Archie OTD. By sharing personal experiences from various healthcare settings, they reveal the crucial role OT practitioners play, advocating for custom solutions that prioritize patient safety and independence. The episode uncovers the often-overlooked complexity of recommending and implementing adaptive tools, inviting listeners to appreciate the nuanced decision-making involved in enhancing daily living for older adults. If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. This conversation is full of real talk, encouragement, and immediately useful tips to help you care for yourself while you care for others. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Dfree Bladder Scanner AskSamie OT Connected 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OTFlourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

In this episode, we're diving deep into OT burnout prevention—what it looks like, why it happens, and how we can address it head-on. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or a student just entering the field, burnout is something we all need to be aware of. But here's the good news: burnout isn't inevitable, and there are ways to prevent it. I'm joined by Deanna M. Ottinger, ppOTD, OTR/L, CAPS, LSVT BIG, Associate Professor at Milligan University in Northeast Tennessee. Deanna shares how her interest in gratitude and stress management began while supporting her graduate students—and how that work can benefit all of us. Her OT passions include neuro rehab, low-end home modifications, and, of course, long walks on the beach. Key Takeaways: 🚨 The early signs and symptoms of burnout 🧠 The powerful mindset shifts that can keep you grounded 🌬️ How breathwork and mindfulness can calm your nervous system 🧰 Practical strategies like micro-breaks, transition rituals, and peer support If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. This conversation is full of real talk, encouragement, and immediately useful tips to help you care for yourself while you care for others. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Box Breathing Technique 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OTFlourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

In this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Miller OTR, CBIS, an occupational therapist with a passion for neuro, to discuss chaining techniques, and how it helps patients in neuro rehabilitation. Jessica shares practical insights on incorporating backward chaining in therapy, her approach to fostering patient independence, and tips for OT practitioners working with neuro patients. Key Takeaways: Backward Chaining: A powerful technique for improving patient independence, especially for neuro clients. Effective Intervention: Focus on task completion from the final step backward to build confidence and skills. Neuro-Rehabilitation: Tailor your approach to each patient's needs for optimal outcomes. Practical Tips for OTs: Learn how to implement these techniques in real-life therapy settings. Resources: OT Accelerator Membership – Join for mentorship, community, and more! New to Neuro – Neurorehabilitation mentorship for OT practitioners. Follow Jessica and @new.to.neuro on Instagram! If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OTFlourish Facebook: OT Flourish 👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

Struggling with OT goal writing? In this episode, I explore why goal writing can be so challenging and how to overcome common pitfalls. I'll also give a sneak peek into my upcoming ebook, Mastering OT Goal Writing The Ultimate Guide and Goal Bank for Adult Rehab, launching next week!  Key Takeaways EMR Limitations Dont let dropdown menus box you incustomize when possible. Goal Formats Use COAST, SMART, or RHUMBA to fit client needs. Outcome Measures Matter Tie goals to measurable progress with tools like the Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire. Resources Mentioned Mastering OT Goal Writing The Ultimate Guide and Goal Bank for Adult Rehab ebook: Launching next week! Caregiver Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Great for tracking caregiver stress and setting meaningful goals. If youre an OT Accelerator member, dont forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if youre ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! Its the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, youll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice. Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish Website OTFlourish.com Instagram @OTFlourish Facebook OT Flourish Enjoyed this episode? Dont forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community.

Level II fieldwork is a major milestone in occupational therapy education—both exciting and nerve-wracking. In this episode of the OT Flourish Podcast, Erin Jeffords OTD, MS, OTR/L joins us to share real advice from students who've just completed their 12-week rotations. We'll discuss their biggest challenges, what they wish they had known, and practical tips to help you succeed with confidence. Whether you're starting fieldwork or mentoring students, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Key Takeaways: How to mentally and emotionally prepare for Level II fieldwork The biggest surprises students encountered during their rotations Time management strategies for balancing documentation, learning, and self-care How to build strong relationships with supervisors and ask for feedback Tips for staying organized and managing stress throughout the experience If you're an OT Accelerator member, don't forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. Resources & Links: OT Accelerator Membership – Get mentorship, treatment ideas, and confidence-building resources for working in geriatrics In-Room Treatment Ideas blog post Patient Refusals blog post 🍃🍃🍃🍃 Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice.  Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership Connect with OT Flourish: Website: OTFlourish.com Instagram: @OTFlourish Facebook: OT Flourish   👉 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Your feedback helps us continue bringing valuable content to the OT community. 🎙️

In this episode, we explore the power of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in occupational therapy. If youve ever felt uncertain about your treatment decisions, EBP is here to guide you. We cover the three core components of EBPresearch evidence, clinical expertise, and client valuesand offer practical tips for integrating EBP into your practice without feeling overwhelmed. Key Takeaways What EBP is and why its essential for confident decision-making. How to balance research, experience, and client values in treatment. Strategies to make EBP easier to implement in your daily routine. Resources OT Accelerator membership PubMed OTseeker, and evidence-based research tools Evidence Based Practice in Occupational Therapy Embracing Excellence blog post Take action today by researching an intervention for a client or sharing EBP strategies with a colleague. If youre an OT Accelerator member, dont forget to log in and complete the post-course quiz for a CEU. Also, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick references, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your OT practice working with older adults. And if youre ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! Its the #1 resource and OT mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working in geriatric settings. Inside, youll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice. Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership. Lets navigate, innovate and flourish together!

Welcome back to the OT Flourish Podcast! After a much-needed pause, I'm so excited to be back behind the mic and reconnecting with this amazing community of occupational therapy practitioners and students working with older adults. In this episode, I share why the podcast took a break, the lessons learned along the way, and what you can expect in this next chapter. Whether you're a new grad feeling overwhelmed or a seasoned therapist looking for fresh inspiration, this podcast is here to support you with real-life strategies, practical tips, and a whole lot of encouragement as we navigate the challenges and joys of working with older adults. Before we dive into everything, be sure to check out the free resources available at OTflourish.com, including quick reference, documentation and goal writing guides, treatment ideas, and helpful tools to support you in your practice. And if you're ready to take your practice to the next level, the OT Accelerator is here for you! It's the #1 resource and mentorship community for OT practitioners and students working with older adults. Inside, you'll get access to evidence-based resources, treatment ideas, and a supportive community to help you feel confident and capable in your practice. 👉 Learn more and join today at OTflourish.com/membership. Let's navigate, innovate, and flourish together!

Sex is an ADL! Do you address a client's sexuality or ask how they identify? These are the questions that we must ask ourselves in order to provide client centered care, keeping in mind AOTA's Vision 2025: "As an inclusive profession, OT maximizes health, well-being and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities, through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living." Guest Devlynn Neu MS OTR/L shares their passion for bringing awareness and unity within the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as helping OT practitioners feel comfortable addressing sexuality in our practice.  Key Takeaways: Use neutral terms - "partner," "significant other" Ask "How would you identify yourself?" Start with conversations and being open to learning about  Resources from the Show: Inclusive Services for LGBT Older Adults A Practical Guide To Creating Welcoming Agencies National Resource Center on LGBT Aging LGBT Aging Change, Challenge and Resilience Power Point Person-Centered Care for LGBT Older Adults Be sure to learn more from my guest Devlynn with their "LGBTIA+ 101: What do the letters mean" series on Instagram through @therainbowot, theRainbowOT.com and through their conversation with Sarah from OT4Lyfe Podcast called Inclusion, Education, and All the Colors of the Rainbow.

The biopsychosocial model and occupational therapy are the perfect match as they both focus on the biological, psychological, and social elements, as well as a person's individual experiences. It is often confused as being a biopsychosocial frame of reference, but it's not, as a model of practice helps organize a clinician's thinking and approach, vs  a frame of reference is a tool to guide one's intervention. What I love about this model, is that it really puts the person first - but wait, I know what you are thinking, "I am an OT practitioner and I already do put my patient's needs first!" But wait! Rafael Salazar II, MHS, OTR and owner of Rehab U Practice Solutions digs in, gives some examples, and shows us how to use this model to maximize our outcomes. Subscribe Apple | Stitcher | iHeart → 3 Key Takeaways Utilizing the biopsychosocial model in occupational therapy can help be a more holistic practitioner Using the biopsychosocial model can help you be more client centered and have better outcomes It can help address more psychological factors in a medical model  Resources from the Show Links, resources and specific recommendations from Rafi Using Therapeutic Use of Self to Maximize Occupational Therapy Outcomes Occupational Therapy Documentation: The Ultimate Guide to Simplify Your Documentation Click Here to Get: Skilled Terminology Quick Reference with Key Phrases for Billing and Reimbursement Cheat Sheet Research: The Biopsychosocial Model: Application to Occupational Therapy Practice A Biopsychosocial Approach for Addressing Chronic Pain in Everyday Occupational Therapy Practice Thank You For Listening I really appreciate you choosing to listen to and supporting the Seniors Flourish podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it and taking a minute to leave an honest review and rating for the show in iTunes. It really helps in reaching fellow OT practitioners, students and those curious about the OT profession. Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes to make sure that you never miss an episode! Wanting MORE OT Resources? The Learning Lab Membership is the #1 source that helps you save time and feel more confident in your practice through clinical support, HUNDREDS of treatment ideas, patient handouts, resources, EBP journal club + more! Join today at SeniorsFlourish.com/LearningLab

Caregiving is hard.  Listen to the personal story Katherine Ayala OTA, shares about being a caregiver to both her mother and father while finishing up occupational therapy school. Stories like hers give us, as healthcare professionals, a perspective to help us love, forgive, strive and be the best we can be.  A special thank you to Katherine for sharing her story.  → 3 Key Takeaways Caregiving is a hard role, especially when it isn't a role you have planned. "Balance" is more than difficult to achieve and having family support helps. Caregiving can change (strengthen and/or stress) family dynamics. Resources: 23 popular online and in-person caregiver support groups to share with caregivers Caring for Yourself or Other Caregivers Additional information on how to talk to caregivers to help with carrying out recommendations Thank You For Listening I really appreciate you choosing to listen to and supporting the Seniors Flourish podcast. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it and taking a minute to leave an honest review and rating for the show in iTunes. It really helps in reaching fellow OT practitioners, students and those curious about the OT profession. Finally, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast in iTunes to make sure that you never miss an episode! Wanting MORE OT Resources? The Learning Lab Membership is the #1 source that helps you save time and feel more confident in your practice through clinical support, HUNDREDS of treatment ideas, patient handouts, resources, EBP journal club + more! Join today at SeniorsFlourish.com/LearningLab