Lothian Occupational Therapy LTD

15/10/2026

Proud to be a volunteer!

Over 1.2 million people in Scotland are volunteers for various organisations. I've always loved volunteering, probably due to the lack of pressure, the autonomy and, most of all, the feeling that I'm helping others.

If I could have, my own company would have been see up as a charity, although I've learned that not all charities are actually charitable, so I trust my own work ethic in being proportionate and true to my clients needs. I also love a company that gives employees volunteer days off.

Recently I started volunteering with guide dogs, combining my love of animals with my love of volunteering. Here's our first foster puppy, she won't be with us for long, but the fostering model fits with my busy lifestyle.

I believe in the healing strength that animals can give us, and they can help us in so many wonderful ways. Explaining that to my current dog was a challenge, but I think she's mostly on board!

What volunteer role would you do if you could?

10/10/2026

Occupational therapy is vital, not optional to independence and wellbeing!

1. OT is essential to independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) helps people manage everyday activities, maintain independence and participate in daily life. Timely assessments can identify the support, equipment or adaptations people need, helping them live safely and with greater autonomy.

2. More investment and OT capacity are urgently needed. These reported delays highlight the gap between demand for occupational therapy and the services available to meet it. More occupational therapists and greater service capacity are needed to ensure people receive the right support at the right time, rather than waiting until their needs become more complex.

3. Waiting over two years is unacceptable and risks worsening outcomes. This article highlights that some patients in Scotland are waiting more than two years for OT assessments. Such prolonged waits can leave people struggling with daily activities without appropriate support, potentially increasing distress, reducing independence and placing additional pressure on families and other health and social care services.

It amazes me that OT is so misunderstood and yet is so essential to function!!

The Scottish Liberal Democrats warned people are being left with ‘deteriorating mental health’

05/10/2026

"Occupational therapy (OT)" isn't about employment. It's about your occupiers.

Here's a couple of my occupiers:
- baking
- cycling

I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 2 years old. I'm aware how frustrating it is to not be able to do the things you love due to disability, but I'm also aware that it is important to fight against the can't do and to exhaust all options to get to the can do!

03/10/2026

I love getting out and about with the bike and dog, happy Saturday!

01/10/2026

Head Injury Information Day 2026 – Edinburgh
Really pleased to have attended the Head Injury Information Day with Digby Brown Solicitors at the Sheraton Grand Edinburgh today, bringing together professionals, people with lived experience, families and organisations from across the brain injury community.

An excellent range of speakers. My key points of interest were:
- Dr Imogen Dunlop, talking about how early rehabilitation improves overall functional outcomes.
- Louisa MacKenzie and Alice Landrock really got me thinking about what happens post discharge.
- Dr Sarah Gillanders, where no two brains are the same and adjusting to injury is a lifelong process.
- Fionna Balfour and Alistair Thomson gave amazing survivor talks.

Great to see representation from organisations including EDINBURGH HEADWAY GROUP, Lothian Specialist Rehabilitation Unit, Robert Fergusson Unit, Scottish Disability Sport, and Edinburgh Leisure.

What a great day of learning, networking and sharing good practice. Lovely to meet and chat with so many inspiring people.

29/09/2026

Adding Life to Years, not just Years to Life!

I am fascinated to learn about the LifeCurve and often now talk about it with whoever will listen. A clear indicator that decline is occurring and early prevention/ intervention can limit the decline.

The LifeCurve® is a visual framework developed by Newcastle University to help people understand how physical function changes across the later stages of life. It maps key functional milestones, from everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs to more complex tasks, helping individuals identify changes in independence and potential areas for intervention. The LifeCurve can be useful for occupational therapists and other health professionals when discussing healthy ageing, functional decline, goal-setting and preventative approaches. Rather than focusing solely on chronological age, it encourages a focus on what a person can do and how their functional ability changes over time.

28/09/2026

I love a simple bathroom. But I simply hate a bathroom not well set up for use. This toilet was fitted for an elderly person. I love that it is oval (I am probably the only OT on the planet that purchased themselves a square toilet, but anyway). This toilet was too low and my client needed rails. It immediately required a toilet frame fitted round it. A bit higher, near to a wall, we could've maybe fitted a slightly less intrusive rail at the side instead.

Adaptations are great, but if you're starting from scratch, think about the use before the design!

27/09/2026

Many people don't realise just how much mechanical strain sitting and standing takes. Using a toilet frame can reduce the effort required by your legs by up to 50%. And if you raise the seat, even better. Here is why I frequently recommend them to my clients:

💪 It shifts the workload: By utilising stable armrests, your upper body takes over a huge chunk of your weight. Pushing down through your arms offloads 30% to 50% of the peak force your quadriceps and knee joints normally have to handle.

📐 It fixes the angle: Standard toilets are low, forcing hips and knees into a deep bend past 90 degrees. Adjusting a frame to the right height keeps the hips higher, eliminating that high-strain initial push required to stand.

Whether you are recovering from a joint replacement, managing chronic arthritis, or just finding transfers a bit more exhausting lately, this small adjustment makes a massive difference in maintaining independence and energy.

Are you or a loved one struggling with bathroom transfers? Feel free to reach out or drop a comment, I’m happy to help you figure out the right height or style for your space!

26/09/2026

Had a wonderful day today exploring historical sites of Edinburgh as part of Edinburghs Open Doors Day.

I visited the Edinburgh Central Mosque, which was built in 1998. A beautiful and well maintained building where I got the opportunity to learn more about Islam and where I was able to ask some questions about supporting my patients in how to maintain their faith when illness and disability gets in the way.

From there I took a walk to the Free Masons building on George Street. Another grand and impressive building with a fascinating history.

It's important to understand our, and others heritage and culture. That way I can ensure my therapy keeps the client at the centre of their world, so together we can work on what matters to them.

24/09/2026

It's always good to get out and about and attend an event that's not about learning about healthcare. Whilst that is my passion and profession, hearing from inspirational people from all walks of life really inspires me to keep doing what I do.

Today's event by really brought home some lessons for me:

💭 Ask your 90-year-old self what you're proud of.
❤️ Bring your passion to what you do.
😬 You need to climb Cringe Mountain to get seen.

Some really inspirational speakers today, Anna Whitehouse from , Maxine Laceby & Darcy Laceby from , , Alicia Teltz and Bethan Higson each bringing their own experiences, perspectives and stories.

I’m leaving feeling inspired, reminded to be brave, and perhaps most importantly, to keep showing up and bringing a bit more of me to what I do.

Thank you for a brilliant day! 🥚✨