Jim Eich, assistant occupational therapist from Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers, Bryan, was guest speaker for the monthly meeting of CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary held Monday, March 10th in the conference room. He thanked the auxiliary for their recent donation covering the cost of items on the “wish list” for the outpatient therapy department at Montpelier’s facility.
Occupational therapy assists patients with performing daily activities and self-care for independent living. In certain situations, children are given therapy to assist in their development and play activities. Assistance is also given to patients with diminished vision capabilities.
Instruction is given patients by therapists and assistants demonstrating the use of tools such as grabbers or reachers, sock helpers, foot funnels, long-handled combs, magnifiers and other assistance tools to help with routine activities. Mr. Eich demonstrated how some of these tools are used, with the assistance of auxiliary member Lorna Myers.
Rehabilitation is also offered for those needing therapy to return to work. Therapists are also consulted by employers to make recommendations in work environments for changes necessary to accommodate mobility and activity issues.
The occupational therapy department will accept donations of “gently used” assistance tools for distribution to patients in need or those whose insurance does not cover the expense of purchasing them. Anyone wishing to donate such items should contact the CHWC occupational therapy department. The auxiliary thanks Mr. Eich for serving as guest speaker.
Following the speaker’s presentation, Auxiliary President Deanna Gipe called the business meeting to order with members offering the auxiliary prayer together. Special activity for the month of March was the bakeless bake sale with submission of favorite recipes along with a donation for the cost of the ingredients.
Roll call was answered by 17 members to “What will you be doing on St. Patrick’s Day?”. Minutes from the previous meeting and treasurer’s report were approved. Various committee reports were given. The auxiliary will offer special recognition during the month to local physicians with the observance of Doctor’s Day on March 30th.
Patient favors for the month of March were distributed by Deloris Dennis and Lorna Myers. Auxiliary pins were presented by President Deanna to new members Pam and Katherine Schroder, who also served as hostesses following the meeting.
All auxiliary members will be remembered during the observance of National Volunteers Week April 6-13. The next regular meeting will be held Monday, April 14 at 1 p.m. in the hospital conference room with Deb Guilford, director of Williams County Board of MRDD, as guest speaker. Nominations for new auxiliary officers will be presented. Roll call will be “What is your favorite Easter flower?”. Members are encouraged to bring a guest to the meeting.
Volunteers are requested to work 1-1/2 hour shifts for the semi-annual Book Fair scheduled Monday, April 21st from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Montpelier hospital. Please contact President Deanna Gipe to assist with this project. Jo Clark and Jean Young will take care of patient favors for the month of April.