Last year for the first time, we supported allied health professional students from Robert Gordon University at our Alzheimer Scotland Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre in Aberdeen and in partnership with the allied health professionals in NHS Grampian. We invited the physiotherapy student and occupational therapy student to reflect on their time with us at Alzheimer Scotland.
Weronika, what interested you in studying physiotherapy at Rober Gordon University?
I became set on Physiotherapy at the age of 13 as I knew I wanted to be able to make a difference in an individual’s journey back to health. Physiotherapy not only focuses on improving the physical side, but also mental, social and emotional, focusing on individualised and whole person care. Everyone I meet is unique and can range from someone with an amputation, ankle injury, arthritis, dementia, multiple sclerosis or a child with autism. I am highly motivated in helping others regain independence and a high quality of life, whether this is improving an ache they have had for years or to rehabilitate someone to walk again. University has taught me incredible skills and knowledge throughout my academic journey which I will continue to develop for the rest of my career. However, the most profound knowledge came from my patient which I encountered on my placements. They taught me how to not only be a better physiotherapist, but also a better person thanks to their motivation and valuable life stories they share with me. Robert Gordon University provides a range of placements which range from musculoskeletal, respiratory, community, paediatrics and neurology, which enables me to soon be a physiotherapy graduate with a vast amount of experiences in a range of areas.
Weronika, what one thing you have learnt about people living with dementia during your time with us at Alzheimer Scotland.
The most important lesson I was taught was that dementia affects every individual differently. Two people may have the same type of dementia but may present in two very different ways, emphasising the importance of individualised care and treatment. People with dementia shouldn’t be defined by their diagnosis. They remain the same people they always have been. They still enjoy singing, dancing, having a blether with a cup of coffee, and should always be treated with the same amount of respect and dignity as any other person. Despite the changes they may face, they always find happiness and positivity in human connections and moments they create, showing compassion, patience and understanding can make a profound difference in their quality of life.
Weronika, what one thing you have learnt about the role of physiotherapy and dementia.
As a physiotherapist, it is important to truly get to know the person with dementia that is under your care. taking the time to learn their likes, dislikes, life stories and family connections is crucial to developing a meaningful relationship and supports effective treatment. Through tailored interventions, these therapies help individuals maintain physical function, engage in meaningful activities, and navigate daily challenges for both the patient, and their carers at home. In addition to this, mental health is a crucial factor to consider in patients with dementia and should be a primary focus of physiotherapy interventions and ensures a more holistic approach to care. Addressing mental health changes is essential, as they can significantly impact the person’s overall quality of life. I feel that it has prepared me to focus on holistic care and effective communication for not only people with dementia but also other patients I encounter along my career as a physiotherapist, allowing me to make a positive change in someone’s life.
Reflections by WERONIKA CHOWANIAK, physiotherapy student at Robert Gordon University.
Juwairiyyah, what was your interest in studying Occupational Therapy at Rober Gordon University?
I always knew I wanted to work in a field where I could help people to live a better life, however, I didn’t know what I wanted that to look like and in which area. So I began researching different health professions, and came across occupational therapy, and instantly resonated with it. I appreciated the fact that this profession looks at the person as a whole and beyond their diagnosis; and how we look at what is meaningful to each individual and supports them to live a fulfilling life. As well, the deciding factor to study this profession was the ability for me to work with a diverse group of people, with a range of diagnosis’s, and in multiple areas. As it would provide me with the ability to grow both professionally and personally, without restriction.
Juwairiyyah, what is one thing you have learnt about people living with dementia during your time with us at Alzheimer’s Scotland?
The biggest thing I have learnt about people living with dementia, is how dementia affects each person so differently, despite similar life experiences and diagnosis. It’s important to look beyond their diagnosis and look at what it is important to them to provide ways in which they can maintain their identity and independence. Therefore, the ways in which we communicate, and provide support will be extremely varied, and unique to each individual.
As well, I just have to add seeing how peer and social support has helped person living with dementia as well as their carers has been incredible and reflects the importance of human connection.
Juwairiyyah, what is one thing you have learnt about the role of occupational therapy with dementia?
There are so many things I have learnt about how crucial occupational therapy is to support people living with dementia, I could discuss this for hours on how occupational therapy can support sensory changes, or social support, anxiety management, and the importance grading activities.
But if I had to choose one thing; it would be how the small environmental changes can be so beneficial for individuals. For example, having a prompt to remind a person to take medication can alleviate the risk of not them taking it, or having visual prompts on cupboards to orientate them on what is within the cupboards, as well the importance of contrasting colours and general dementia friendly design. All these small changes can support people living with dementia to live a more independent life.
Reflections by Juwairiyyah Kashif, occupational therapy student, Robert Gordon University.