Independent Occupational Therapist
JULIE SWANN
'International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation'
Some of the articles up to February 2007 form the basis for my book:-
'Promoting independence and
activity in older people' which can be ordered from Quay Books
Some of these articles can be downloaded in PDF format. To view the PDF files
you will need the free Acrobat Reader.
To download click 
2008
June Vol 15 No 6:
Smart Homes: Intelligent buildings
Throughout the world advances in technology have enabled the development
of products and systems to improve the quality of our lives. Many modern
appliances are sensor-operated or remote-controlled, and many items
originally designed for the general market have enhanced the lives of peoplewho have problems coping with the complexities of
life or physical management of their environment.
Telecare products and the advent of smart
technology incorporated into smart homes enables some people who would
otherwise have struggled in their own homes to continue to live in the
community safely, with the support of good social care networks.
This article describes smart homes and outlines some telecare
products and monitoring systems that can be set according to the needs of the
household. Case scenarios are provided that demonstrate how levels of
independence can be enhanced, particularly for people with disabilities and
cognitive impairment.
The future of the smart home and the therapist’s role with clients who have,
or require, this type of housing is discussed.
2007
June Vol 14 No 6:
Inclusive design or tools for daily living
This article examines the history of assistive equipment and how the concept
of inclusive design has contributed to its development. It then explains why
society should encourage the development of more inclusive design features
and how therapists can be involved in this process.
November Vol 14 No 11: (PDF File 1704KB)
Telecare: Looking to the future
A new age is emerging with regard to the type and range of care services
being delivered.
An explosion of technological advances, creatively applied to health and
social care provision, can enhance the lives of people of all ages. With an
increasing ageing population, the benefits of these developments could lead
to better outcomes for people as well as being more affordable than the
traditional models of care. These advances, however, do open up new ethical
challenges that must be addressed.
This article explores the opportunities and challenges involved in using telecare in today’s healthcare climate and provides
examples of the types of products available.
2006
January Vol 13 No 1:
Assisting people with disabilities to bathe and shower
This article explores some of the range of bathing and shower equipment
currently available.
It emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to make the right
choice for themselves.
The key to providing a good service is to ensure that advice provided follows
an appropriate assessment that takes into account individual need.
March Vol 13 No 3:
Assistive equipment around the home: Tools for daily living
In today’s society, people are heavily dependent upon devices to help them
manage their lives effectively. There is a vast array of labour-saving
devices available on the high street that disabled people can use and many
specialist disability equipment outlets. It can be difficult to keep up to
date with new developments. However, therapists need a general knowledge of
the range of equipment that exists and the most appropriate type of equipment
to meet specific needs. In addition, therapists have the opportunity to work
with product suppliers to ensure that new products meet the needs of disabled
people.
This article provides guidance on resources and explains the criteria by
which local councils determine who may be eligible for a particular service.
Articles have also been published in:
Email: BoxNum
1242
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