Can affect spouse and family members as well. Side effects of treatments disfigurement, scarring, pain, nausea, vomiting, other gastrointestinal problems, hair loss. Assessment of the risk to the patient of pressure sore development and provision of adaptive equipment or bed mobility exercises may prevent future problems. Restorative for example, a patient has had a course of radiotherapy and is weak. Supportive for example, a patient has full blown AIDS and is progressively deteriorating.
Occupational therapy can assist the person to maintain an appropriate level of purposeful activity.
This helps to provide meaning, satisfaction and a sense of worth to the patient and family. Palliative - A patient is having chemotherapy and is constantly weak and nauseous. They are unable to adequately get on and off the bed to go to the bathroom when they wish. Occupational Therapy treatment may be to assess transfers and provide assistance through bed adjustments or commode placement. Therapy is adjusted as patient deteriorates in order to maximise independence at each stage.