Published: April 26, 2008 12:38 am            

Occupational therapy equips Joyel Jacques with life skills

Joyel Jacques smiles as she stands in front of the mirror brushing her hair.

Her smile is not out of vanity at viewing her own reflection. Jacques smiles simply because she can stand in front of the mirror and brush her hair.

"I've come a long way; they didn't think I would be here," said Jacques as she continues to groom herself with support from Jan Perrett, an occupational therapist at Riley Hospital's Tom C. Maynor Rehabilitation Center.

A native of Hartsville, Mo., Jacques became ill in December 2007, while in Starkville with her husband, who was doing contractor work for Mississippi State University. While trying to drive to the hospital, Jacques was pulled over by police.

"They realized she was sick and called an ambulance to transport her to the hospital," said Deanna Cornish, marketing director at Riley's.

Diagnosed in acute respiratory failure, Jacques was transported to a medical facility in Columbus.

"They told the family that if she survived, she would be terribly brain damaged," Cornish said. "She ended up on dialysis and was in a coma."

However, through the hospital's dedicated medical staff – and the prayers of her family and friends – Jacques' condition improved. She was eventually transported to Regency Hospital of Meridian, Riley's long term acute care facility. From there, she was moved to the rehabilitation center.

"She couldn't walk, and could barely sit up," Cornish said. "But now she's walking with a walker, is able to manage daily living skills like bathing, dressing and grooming and entering and exiting a car. And she is no longer on dialysis."

Jacques is scheduled to return to Hartsville this weekend. Her recovery is just one example of the role of occupational therapy in rehabilitation and recovery.

April is Occupational Therapy Month. For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline. People of all ages receive it to help them participate in the activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things we take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, even socializing.

"Occupational therapy doesn't just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges," Cornish said.

Occupational therapists do this by helping people surmount their disabilities or medical conditions to do everyday things. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment; occupational therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan. Occupational therapists collaborate with physicians and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach.

In observance of OT Month, Riley Hospital not only is honoring the staff of Tom C. Maynor Rehabilitation Center, but also has planned a variety of activities for its patients.

"We're bringing a lot of games and fun into the rehab process this month," Cornish said.

The hospital also hopes to increase public awareness of occupational therapy as a profession.

"There is a shortage of occupational therapists in the United States," Cornish said. "And we really need them because occupational therapy focuses on life skills."

        

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