Occupational therapy (OT) is crucial in aiding the development and recovery of children from infancy to adolescence. At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, our OT team is committed to delivering personalised care to meet each child’s unique needs, promoting their well- being in daily life. This piece highlights the care process for children from neonatal stages to around 12 years old, emphasising key interventions and collaborative efforts that have a real impact.
In the neonatal stage, our focus is on providing neurodevelopmental support to newborns, particularly those born with high-risk factors, including; prematurity, low birth-weight, RVD exposure and other complex medical needs.
Our team utilises sensory stimulation to enhance sensory processing and motor skills development.
We collaborate closely with the neonatal care team to address feeding, sleeping, and early movement patterns, ensuring these infants have a strong start in life.
During Early Childhood, we shift towards developmental education and stimulation. From infancy through preschool age, our OTs engage children in activities that foster cognitive, motor, and social skills development.
Play-based therapy encourages exploration, problem-solving, and peer interaction. For children with specific requirements, individualised programmes are designed which may include assistive mobility devices. As children enter school going age, they may encounter new obstacles related to illness or injury.
Our OT team intervenes by assisting them with reintegration which could include creating custom splints or using mobility aids for independence. We also help children develop coping mechanisms and adjust to changes in their abilities while collaborating with schools and health centers for a smooth return to academic and social settings.
The importance of collaboration
Collaboration is central throughout the child’s journey as we work alongside schools, community health centers, and healthcare providers to establish a comprehensive support network for each child. Educating caregivers is paramount; we offer education and resources in the form of home programmes to empower parents in nurturing their child’s development at home. This holistic approach ensures consistent care regardless of the setting.
The Care Timeline
A Care Timeline traces key interventions at different life stages – from early neuro-developmental support in neonatal units through assessment, treatment and developmental stimulation in early childhood to re- engagement strategies during school years – each phase marked by tailored interventions that have a significant impact on the child’s progress and integration into the community.
In conclusion, Occupational Therapy at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital focuses on enabling children’s participation in everyday activities throughout their growth journey. By offering personalised care from infancy through adolescence, our team supports children through challenges of growth, illness, and recovery. On World OT Day, we acknowledge our therapists’ dedication and the resilience of the children we serve as together we make a tangible difference ensuring continual support along every step of each child’s journey.
Last Updated on 28 October 2024 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs