Volunteering As a Work-Related Occupation: A Case StudyVolunteering makes us feel good. However, what is the science behind it? A recent study has validated the benefits of volunteering, notably, reduced mortality, increased quality of life improved and social supports (Nichol et al., 2023). The benefits of volunteering are not predisposed to those who come into it with higher levels of happiness. On the contrary, research shows that those with lower reported happiness levels reap more benefits from volunteering (Binder & Freytag, 2013).
As occupational therapists, how can we leverage the power of volunteering to support our clients on their journey? Volunteering creates a safe place for many to “try out” a work environment and safely address their deficits in a controlled environment (space, schedule, time, tasks, etc). This article includes a case study of Lisa and her recovery from a stroke, using volunteering as a steppingstone to support return to work skills.
Case Study on Voluntering:
Lisa is a 32-year-old wife and mother of 2 boys, ages 2 and 4. When she was 6 months postpartum with her second child, she suffered a right hemorrhagic CVA leaving her with left sided spasticity, impaired memory, and visual deficits. She was hospitalized for 3 weeks at Manatee Memorial Hospital then transferred to inpatient rehabilitation at Blake Hospital for 5 weeks. After discharge from Blake, she had home health and transitioned to outpatient rehab at Sarasota Memorial Outpatient Rehabilitation Pavilion.
Lisa has participated in occupational therapy and physical therapy for many months. She has worked diligently to improve her independence with ADL’s, IADL’s, leisure, and occupational skills. Lisa is modified independent with managing her basic self-care, including donning and doffing her left AFO and her nighttime splint for her left-hand hypertonicity. She ambulates with a HurryCane. She actively participates in meal planning and household chores without assistance from her husband. Lisa participates in community outings with her family, including hiking at Myakka State Park using an adaptive off-road wheelchair.
OT addressed Lisa’s physical disabilities, cognitive deficits, and vision impairments through compensatory and rehabilitative measures. For her physical disability, OT prescribed a regular mobility and strengthening program for trunk and upper body, including a wearing schedule for her resting hand splint. She continues to experience significant fatigue impacting engagement in activities beyond her basic ADLs, such as caring for her children and home management tasks, and is working on energy conservation strategies. For her cognitive deficit, she utilizes her phone as an external memory.
As Lisa’s therapy was ending and disability was denied, the occupational therapists knew this could not be the end. Prior to her CVA, Lisa worked at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in the rehabilitation department in administration. The therapists and administrative staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital collaborated to identify administrative tasks Lisa could complete. The staff worked with Volunteer Services at the hospital to create a job description for a volunteer administrative position. Safety measures and modifications were identified prior to Lisa beginning as a volunteer. Her occupational therapist ensures she could manage the door independently if there was a fire, as well as altering her workstation to accommodate her left upper extremity deficits. Lisa has brought her prior knowledge and expertise to positively impact the department– files are well organized and color coded, documents are scanned in a timely manner, and her infectious personality is contagious.
Currently, she is working 2 days a week, up to 5 hours each day. Her ultimate goal is to increase her physical and cognitive endurance to allow her to work 20 hours a week and qualify her for a part-time position. In achieving part-time employment, she feels it will not only provide her with purpose, but also provide increased financial stability. Lisa is a wonderful example of how volunteering can support one’s occupational goals to increase quality of life and support meaningful occupations.
Lisa and her adapted workspace while volunteering at Sarasota Memorial Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation Pavilion
References:
Binder, M., & Freytag, A. (2013). Volunteering, subjective well-being and public policy. Journal of Economic Psychology, 34, 97–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.joep.2012.11.008
Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., & Haighton, C. (2023). Exploring the Effects of Volunteering on the Social, Mental, and Physical Health and Well-being of Volunteers: An Umbrella Review. Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 1–32. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z