Group Process Reflection

For this project, I have chosen Harrison Pointe Healthcare and Rehabilitation located in South Ogden, a short-term rehabilitation that helps clients regain strength and mobility. The clientele we work with ranges in age from 60-85 years old, with potential dx including Dementia, Blindness, Jaundice, and general weaknesses. Our group consisted of 17 clients; it was fun to hear each client share why they were thankful. For many, this was their first time engaging in a craft activity. The most common challenges we observed during the intervention were cutting paper, gluing, and following steps. Despite these challenges, the craft activity was not only enjoyable but also therapeutic.

Clients were able to share their thoughts and engage in socialization with others. TO create this activity, we develop goals based on the clients’ needs. The group goals for this activity were: 1) Clients will engage in a 60-minute OT group session focusing on UB strengthen exercises to facilitate unsupported standing tolerance 3/5 attempts within one session. 2) Client will engage in a 60-minute OT group session focusing on social participation to improve social skills. The group’s focus was on social participation through occupational therapy sessions to enhance social interaction and cognitive skills. Group craft activities help individuals with dementia and other diagnoses engage with their peers and follow instructions. This is an approach that aims to help clients participate in future group activities and daily life activities. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) was the guiding framework for our group approach. MOHO emphasizes the importance of understanding the client’s volition (motivation), habituation (habits and roles), performance capacity (physical and mental abilities), and the environment in which they perform occupations. By incorporating MOHO, we ensured that our interventions were client-centered and focused on enhancing meaningful activities. The craft activity was chosen to align with client’s interest (volition) and provided a structured environment to practice and develop new skills (performance capacity). Through repeated engagement in the activity, clients began to form new habits and roles (habituation), such as being participant in group activities. The supportive environment of the group allowed clients to interact socially, providing opportunities for peer support and feedback, which are essential components of MOHO. Overall, this approach helped clients improve their functional abilities and prepare for participation in future group activities and daily life tasks.

During the session, two clients refused to participate because they felt the activity was too childish, because they were high cognitive and to simple for them. However, most of the clients engaged in the activity and shared their thoughts about the craft. We had to adapt the activity at the moment for a client who was blind; my partner provided verbal cues to guide the client, enabling her to complete the task. Another thing that I noticed that some clients had difficulty with cutting and knowing where each part of the turkey body was. Mostly of the client did the turkey right and some of them show their creativity. At the end of the session, one of the clients thanked us for being there, expressing that they really enjoyed the craft activity and request that we should return for a Christmas craft session.

As leader, I faced several challenges. I initially struggled with a lack of confidence, trying to capture everyone’s attention, and realizing I needed to be more prepared. However, we made significant progress as group therapy leaders by learning how to adapt in the moment, effectively communicating with the client, and managing a large group. There are areas I still need to work on to prepare for future practice as OTA. These include building our confidence, speaking lauder, and being more prepared for sessions. Overall, it was a great experience because I was able to implement my learning into this group session. I would do it gain but with less clients.