The occupational therapist has determined that the client has poor grip strength and fine motor control skills.

The occupational therapist has determined that the client has poor grip strength and fine motor control skills.  The first part of today’s session is undertaking strengthening and fine motor coordination activities to improve his  grip and  control using feeding utensils. The session plan is as follows:

Theraputty Activity: therapy putty that promotes finger and hand strength and endurance. 

Hide 8 buttons in the putty by stretching and manipulating it until they are all completely hidden.  Once all buttons are hidden stretch and manipulate the putty to find and remove all of the buttons. 

Padlocks Activity: Fine motor skills and coordination activity.   

The box contains 6 different padlocks and keys.  The client must find the correct key to unlock each padlock

Spoon and Marbles Activity: Grasp, wrist and forearm control and motor planning activity. 

The client is given a bowl with 15 marbles inside and an empty bowl to be placed 30cm away. The client must use the spoon to pick up each marble and transport this to the other bowl without dropping it 

3.1 What equipment do you need to gather to prepare for this session?

3.2 You are required to check therapy equipment for safety including the following:

Equipment that is touched by clients are cleaned/sterilised before use

Client’s Theraputty (Theraputty must be purchased by the client as it cannot be cleaned)

Equipment is free from damage

Any risks are identified

Describe what checks you are required to perform on the equipment that you have identified in question 3.1 

3.3          You are required to set up the seating for the session.  During the session Jonathan will be seated at the table.  The table has the capacity for two people on each side.  Plan the seating arrangement for the session and explain how this will help to maximise the client’s interest and participation in the session.  Consider the following in your answer:

•    Where will Jonathan’s carer sit?

•    Where will the Occupational Therapist sit?

•    Where will you sit?

3.4   You are aware that Jonathan does not enjoy participation in fine motor activities as he finds these very difficult and can become easily frustrated.  Describe below how you can use the principles and practices of active support with regards to:

•    Encouraging him to stay on task

•    Help build his confidence 

•    Respect the individual needs and preferences of the client