VAntage Point
WVA occupational therapy team connects virtually
“To give meaning and value to one’s life”
The Occupational Therapy (OT) team at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center expands at-home offerings by using existing technology to see Veterans. The OT team already used VA Video Connect (VVC) to connect with its Veterans virtually but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they strived to utilize VVC to its fullest potential.
OT is the practice of caring for the whole quality of life and wellbeing of an individual.
“It was never an option not to provide OT services to our Veterans,” said Kristen Wingate, Occupational Therapist. “The purpose of OT is to give meaning and value back to one’s life and at a time when somebody can feel so isolated, OT is even more important.’’
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Typically initiated after discharging from a hospital or rehabilitation stint
Can also be utilized for a physical decline in function to regain independence in the home
Covered by private insurance or Medicare under certain eligibility criteria
Services are provided by licensed professionals such as nurses, therapists, and social workers
May include the monitoring of health status, wound care, and various medical testing
Home Care:
Typically referred to as companion care or care provided by a sitter agency
Provided by trained care aides who are generally not licensed to provide medical duties
Includes assistance for daily activities like bathing and dressing, safety and medication monitoring, cleaning, organizing, transportation, and companionship
Located on the fifth floor of the base medical clinic, the Department of Veterans Affairs-St. Louis Transition and Care Management office helps retiring and separating servicemembers make the move from military to civilian life by providing VA healthcare,