Research Title:

Occupations in Mental Health: Lived Experience within Residential Supports

Presenter:

Allison Kelleher Sullivan COTA/L, OT/s

Abstract:

This presentation will examine the Lived Experience of clients with Chronic Mental Health challenges living within Residential Supports (Group Living environments) with a specific focus on their occupations. This study seeks to gain an understanding of the day to day lived experiences of individuals living in residential supportive housing secondary to the diagnosis of a mental disorder in the Massachusetts area.

Proposal:

Are sufficient opportunities provided for engagement in preferred healthy occupations for individuals living in residential supportive housing with a mental health diagnosis? As OTs we can implement strategies, provide education, and train staff on helping individuals manage their time or find the motivation to engage in purposeful activities. There is a growing population of individuals living with mental health concerns and action towards evidence in this practice area is in demand.

Objectives:

Attendees will be able to...

1.         Recognize the importance of the occupations and co-occupations of clients living in residential programs

2.         Identify 2 key factors effecting occupational engagement of individuals living with a diagnosed chronic mental illness in residential housing

3.         Understand the impact of engagement in occupations and access to community

Student Researcher Bio:

Allison Kelleher Sullivan is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Licensed (COTA/L) in Massachusetts working full-time at Advocates in Community Mental Health.  In addition to being a COTA/L, Allison is a full-time Occupational Therapy Graduate Student at Salem State University with an expected graduation of 2016. Allison is a member of American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) & Massachusetts Occupational Therapy (MAOT) and attends annual conferences.  Allison has taken an active role in advocacy for her profession. She was the elected student delegate for the AOTA's Assembly of Student Delegates for the 2011 annual conference. She was also a candidate for the Communication and Advocacy Steering Committee Chairperson. She volunteers at a local therapeutic horseback riding center. Allison served as a Registered Handler for Pet Partners Therapy Dogs.  Allison’s other activities include fundraising for The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and running the 2010, 2012, & 2014 Boston Marathon for this cause.