Evening journal., 1921-07-28
HOW WORK IS
HELPINGPATIENT
Burke Foundation Hospital
Shows Results of Occu-
pational Therapy
EVERY INNATE TO DO
SHARE OF LABOR

NEW YORK. July 2S.-The value
Of occupational therapy in the con-
valescence of women has been thor
oughly demonstrated as the result Of
six years experience with it in the
Burke Foundation, the extensive
philanthropic institution at White
Plains Of which DIR. Frederic Brush
is medical director. Elizabeth Muir,
supervisor OF occupational therapy
there. tells of the results which have
been obtained in the modern hos
pital.
When the Foundation opened its
various buildings six years ago 1t had
a definite program and equipment
for women's occupational treatment
during convalescence. 1t Should be
explained that the purpose Of the
institution is TO care for patients
drawn from New York city and 9th
er hospitals after they have recover
ed sufficiently to be moved and until
they are able TO look after them
selves. The institution is situated
in the country. and that means much
TO the convalescent The occupa-
tional program prescribed is consid-
cred by Miss Muir an important aid
in restoring the patients to fitness fol
return to work-and-play life.
The peculiarities and difficulties
of this particular problem, she says
are incident to the short period Of
stay. averaging but three weeks, the
frst Of which is not available usual,
for occupational activities. Upward
of 1900 women and girls of al
classes and diagnoses have been re-
cuperated, and there has never from
the first been doubt of the high value
of the work cure; rather a constant
extension and development of it.
Convalescent care is apt 10 be de-
fective in two ways, says the writer
The prevalent psychoneurotic weak
ness and deviation is not corrected
and too prolonged period OF merely
resting leaves the person physically
and mentally soft" and unready fol-
competitive living. The aim should
be fully TO carry the patient over th'
uncertain and markedly lde-infiu
encing time between getting out o.
bed and getting to work-to senS
the convalescent out set up" ant
keen for social living. Gradually in
creasing physical and mental occu
pations. along with suitable recrea
tions, are most effective in accom-
plishing this. Advice so frequentt
needed. says Miss Muir, is:
I'VE aim not to fatten you, s
much as to strengthen, tougher an
recourage."
Convalescent occupations are chos
en- and modified in view Of thes
fundamentals.
Occupations Arc Compulsory.
In the brief residence with sue
widely diverse social. temperament
and disease states it has proved be
TO have the occupations essential
compulsory. Nor is the particul'
kind OF work so important as the d'
ing Of something for someone els
thus working gradually outside
self.
One hour a day beginning at 1o.s
A. NJ. is prescribed, in addition
the making Of ones bed and tidyin
of the room. personal upkeep. mt
tual helps. etc. From one to te
days of orientation are given befoi
listening for the work; physician
excuse from it is thereafter require
Given in this way. ii is taken as
matter of course begun with son
hesitancy and resistance often, bl
soon understood and enjoyed. Mar
need TO be repressed from spendir
qnH farl
therein.
The occupation consists OF G
work for the institutions equipme
and maintenance, CD for the sal
department. (3) assistance and lea
ership in various lines With a tot
population OF more than 400, q
institution has gotten on well wit
out a seamstress department. T.
patients (both men and wome
have largely ''made the place" a
keep it in supply and repair and a
vancement.
A partial list viii sufficiently in
cate the scope of the occupation
Making and upkeep of all the ins
tutional linen, curtains. shades. I
lows. cushions. table mats, towe
vegetable and flower gardeni
vegetable preparation, lawn ca
haying, snow cleaning; preparat
of all surgical supplies for La
dressing service; making Of pa
flowers. dolls. wax goods, rugs 3
rug-binding. loom products. bask
photography. a varied line Of far
work art decorating, etc; "assista
details. as in library, occupation;
recreation; arranging and costum
for shows, entertainment in gene
order and various appointed lead
ships and committees, rnessen
service, Office and cottage aids, etc
Most Of the. occupational produ
are bought by patients and ii
friends at prices covering cost Of r
terial plus 10 to 20 per cent.
s'overhead." Last years s SO
amounted to $4,000, which inco
is applied wholly to the resea
fund for study and advancement
convalescent, cardiac and allied lin
and this has proved most advanta
Gus in giving clear understands
and impulse to make, and buy, ;
give more. The occupation deps
ment is supported from the gene
fund. and thus given the status
an essential, like nursing or food.
on DID CTNT INCREh(