One of the big challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the loss of our personal freedoms, particularly seeing our friends and acquaintances. This is especially true for those with learning disabilities.
During Learning Disability Week 2020, occupational therapists are shining a spotlight on their work to reduce loneliness in people with a learning disability. Social isolation has increased during lockdown, but occupational therapists have adapted their practice to support people with a learning disability to maintain social interactions and a good quality of life.
Occupational therapist Becky Power, who works in a community learning disability team, received a referral for Alison who before lockdown only left her house to visit the Jobcentre and her local wool shop. Alison’s mood was becoming increasingly low as she had little contact with others and had run out of wool. This meant she was unable to crochet, which Becky discovered was the focus of Alison’s day. Becky who works in a community learning disability team, arranged for a charity to send Alison wool and she also set up a weekly video session where she and Alison could knit, crochet and talk together.
Becky is pleased to report that Alison’s mood has improved, and she is now crocheting away. Becky is now also exploring local craft groups that Alison can join virtually; she will then support Alison to attend in person when groups can meet again.
Providing someone with wool may seem small, but acts such as this help people to continue their everyday activities which makes a huge difference to their lives - especially when they can feel isolated. Throughout lockdown this sort of work is being replicated by occupational therapists across the UK!
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) report, Leading fulfilled lives, demonstrates how occupational therapists can support people with a learning disability to have a good quality of life. You can find more stories like Becky’s which illustrate how occupational therapists are adapting their practice in response to COVID-19 on the RCOT Small Change, Big Impact story wall. Throughout the week RCOT have also be sharing stories on Twitter about how members are helping people with learning disabilities with the hashtags #LearningDisabilityWeek and #LDWeek2020.
- Dr Sally Payne
- Professional Adviser – Children, Young People and Families
- @RCOT_Sally