Occupational therapy for care home residents with stroke: what is routine national practice?

Introduction: Information is currently lacking on the provision of occupational therapy for care home residents with stroke. The aim of this study was to identify current routine occupational therapy practice for this stroke population. Method: A questionnaire targeting qualified occupational therapists with work experience in a care home setting was designed, piloted, and transferred to an online survey. An invitation to participate was distributed via three of the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Sections, social networking sites, and flyers at conferences. Findings: Responses were analysed from 114 respondents representing the United Kingdom, the majority (72%) of whom were employed by the National Health Service. Ninety-two respondents (81%) had delivered occupational therapy to a care home resident with stroke in the last year but only 16% were 'stroke specialists'. The most common aims of intervention were to: maintain participation in activities of daily living, improve posture and positioning, and provide training. Non-standardized assessment was the most common form of assessment used. The functional approach was most frequently adopted. The most frequently provided intervention was 'seating and positioning'. Conclusion: Occupational therapy is available to some stroke survivors in care homes; however, interventions are not commonly evidence based and are not routinely delivered by stroke specialists.