World Occupational Therapy Day Recognized

The Department of Health is recognizing World Occupational Therapy Day today [Oct 27] by highlighting the services offered by the occupational therapists working under the department.

A spokesperson said, “October 27th is World Occupational Therapy Day, which allows us to highlight the different types of occupational therapy [OT] and feature some of the incredible clinicians working under the Department of Health.

“Occupational therapists are part of a vitally important healthcare profession, helping clients across their lifespan to participate in life occupations through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. Occupational therapy consists of holistic and customized approaches to evaluations, interventions, and outcomes. For example, OTs can help a child with disabilities participate in school and social situations, assist a person recovering from injuries to regain skills and aid an older adult to stay as independent as possible, aging in place within their own homes.

“Occupational therapists within the Department of Health promote physical well-being, self-efficacy, and functional independence for active community living and optimal quality of life. Services are provided to persons in the community, including children identified as at-risk of developmental delays and adults and seniors meeting established criteria.

Meet Nicole Blades, Occupational Therapist

“Nicole is one of our champion Occupational therapists. She is part of the community rehabilitation team serving seniors and is the OT Lead for the Seniors-based Team. Although assigned to seniors, Nicole capably supports in many areas, including working on the Elder Care Team and with the Bermuda Health Council in conducting rest home inspections. She is known for her strong organizational skills, being a team player, and her wealth of knowledge, particularly with adults and seniors in the clinical areas of psychiatry and physical disabilities in both hospital and community settings.

“Nicole earned a Bachelor of Science [Hons] in Occupational Therapy from Brunel University College [UK]. She has over 26 years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist both locally and in the UK. Nicole currently holds the position of Chairperson of the Board of Occupational Therapists. In addition, she has membership status in the Bermuda Occupational Therapy Association and the British Occupational Therapy Association.

“Nicole is passionate about providing specialized care to seniors in the community and is a strong proponent of helping clients age in place. In addition, she readily offers clinical support to her colleagues and external stakeholders in the community in all areas of Occupational therapy care.

“She regularly provides guidance to colleagues in her current role as OT Team Lead in the Department of Health and previously as the clinical OT supervisor at KEMH. Nicole has been vital in organizing and executing several events for community partners, including presentations on falls, management/home safety, ergonomics, range-of-motion/positioning programmes, and transfer training, to name a few.

“Nicole is known fondly for her supportive approach, attention to detail, and empathy to the needs of her clients and their family/support systems. Nicole has expressed a love for the holistic profession of occupational therapy and providing clients with the ‘Skills for the Job of Living.’ Nicole is a strong advocate for occupational therapy in the community and is a great example of what excellence looks like as an occupational therapist.”

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