Tim Murphy on Occupational Therapy in Rhode Island

Tim on Occupational Therapy

Today we are introducing Tim Murphy. Tim Murphy COTA works in the rehabilitation department at Cedar Crest in Rhode Island. Listen to him describe his journey with helping people, how occupational therapists helps patients overcome obstacles, and what makes The Cedars special.

Occupational Therapy in Rhode Island

A patient who never had a medical complication before can find themselves facing an arduous recovery process. Ultimately, occupational therapy it is about how patients gains independence in their life. The best way to work through this is to keep moving the patient’s attention looking forward. Tim says that they are there remind patients that small progress is big progress. “If you’re able to use the walker you’re technically independent. We try to tell people it’s a process,” says Tim. “We can only show them the door. But they have to walk through it. We give them recommendations and encouragement. It’s very rewarding.”

Small Steps in Occupational Therapy

There’s a difference between a patient who needs to complete a task with modification versus a patient who needs only supervision. Tracking growth at a rehabilitation center can reveal how far patients have come through occupational therapy. After one woman was told by doctors that she would never walk again, Tim remembers working with her until she was able to use a walker and regain mobility. Small movement, like being able to wiggle her toes, was the sign of significant progress.

Occupational Therapy with The Cedars

Originally Tim was a teacher’s assistant at a special needs school. He worked alongside the school’s occupational therapist, he found that he had an interest in the field. He also saw rehabilitation firsthand when his grandfather was paralyzed from the waist down. Tim has found that what makes The Cedars different from other healthcare providers in Rhode Island is that the relationship are more personal. When the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the routine of rehabilitation patients, they came together as a team even more than before. Instead of being able to go to the gym, Tim says their occupational therapy sessions had to take place in the patients’ rooms. Throughout this time, the main concern was doing what was best for their patients.

For more than 40 years The Cedars has provided skilled nursing, long term care & short term care, rehabilitation, and home care services all throughout Rhode Island.

For more information, read our testimonials.

Contact us here.