In this episode of OT Conversations, Hao explores Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) — a condition that often goes unnoticed compared to Alzheimer’s, yet profoundly affects the lives of patients and families. We break down what FTD is, how it differs from other dementias, and the unique ways it can change behavior, language, and social relationships.

You’ll learn about the different types of FTD (behavioral variant, primary progressive aphasia, and movement-related forms), the symptoms to watch for, and the diagnostic process. More importantly, we’ll talk about management strategies, the vital role of occupational therapy, and how families can adapt to support loved ones living with this condition.

This episode is for therapists, health professionals, caregivers, and anyone curious about how dementia can look very different from what you might expect.

What happens when the body weakens but the mind stays sharp?

In this episode of OT Conversations, we explore MND—its impact, its challenges, and the vital role of occupational therapy.

From ALS to adaptive aids, CPAP to communication breakdowns—we talk real care, real people, and why your role matters.

✨ Learn. Anticipate. Adapt.

#OccupationalTherapy #MNDawareness #ALS #NeuroRehab #OTConversations #AdaptiveCare #DignityInDecline #PalliativeOT #MultidisciplinaryCare #HealthcarePodcast #CPAPsupport

In this episode of OT conversations I talk to the AHP education lead and I gave her an educational conversation regarding occupational therapy. She had lots of questions about occupational therapy and the answers that she got surprised her because it opened her eyes to the vast and the wonderful nature of occupational therapy. Do listen to this. It’s entertaining and you might pick up some pointers on how you can promote the profession as well.

“Cognitive-perceptual dysfunction remains one of the most challenging barriers to functional independence. In this episode of Occupational Therapy Conversations, we revisit the Cognitive-Perceptual Frame of Reference, exploring its evolution from the Quadraphonic and Dynamic Interactional models to contemporary practice. We’ll examine how OTs integrate remediation and compensation strategies — and reflect on what this means for clinical reasoning, assessment, and patient outcomes in neurorehabilitation.”

“Imagine a pump, smaller than your finger, stepping in to do the work of a failing heart. That’s the Impella — a tiny mechanical device that can keep blood flowing when the heart can’t keep up. In this episode, we’ll explore what it is, why it’s used in life-threatening situations like heart attacks and cardiogenic shock, and the key precautions that keep patients safe. From the ICU to the therapy team, we’ll break down how this little device makes a big difference.”

“Today we’re talking about ECGs — the electrocardiogram. It’s one of the most common tests in healthcare, capturing the heart’s electrical rhythm in just a few seconds. For occupational therapists, understanding ECGs isn’t about becoming a cardiologist — it’s about safety and context. An ECG can explain why a patient feels dizzy during a transfer, why activity needs pacing, or why therapy should pause until medical review. It reminds us that occupation happens within the realities of the body. By knowing the basics of ECG, we strengthen our role in rehabilitation, collaborate better with the wider team, and keep our patients safe while helping them rebuild their daily lives.”

In this episode of OT Conversations, the focus is on Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) and its significance for occupational therapists working in respiratory medicine. NIV provides ventilatory support without invasive methods like intubation or tracheostomy. The episode outlines the benefits, functionality, and challenges associated with NIV, explaining key terms like CPAP and BiPAP and their differences. It highlights the importance of proper mask fitting, patient cooperation, and routine monitoring, while emphasizing the vital role occupational therapists play in patient education, psychological support, and developing health maintenance routines. The talk aims to enhance understanding and application of NIV in clinical practice, ensuring better patient care and adherence.

In this video, Hao and Maria discuss the use of Tumble Forms, a modular seating system, for a young child with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). They emphasize the importance of proper positioning to support breathing and monitor the child's respiratory levels. The discussion covers a specific case where the child, with poor trunk muscle control, was gradually introduced to semi-upright positions using Tumble Forms to assess tolerance and avoid respiratory compromise. The episode also addresses inter-county therapy collaboration, differences in therapeutic approaches, and the critical role of parents in advocating for their child's care. The conversation delves into the broader implications of adaptive vs. restorative interventions in pediatric occupational therapy.

“What if a simple electrical pulse or a gentle compression could keep ICU patients from losing precious muscle strength?”

Hi, I’m your Occupational Therapist, Hao, and on this episode of Occupational Therapy Conversations, we’re venturing into the high-stakes world of critical care, where ventilators breathe, ECMO oxygenates, and groundbreaking adaptive aids are rewriting the rehab playbook.

Join me as we uncover:

• How devices like VADs and dialysis machines buy organs time to heal
• The untapped frontier of muscle-preservation tech that could slash post-ICU weakness
• Why early, proactive stimulation may be the key to defeating post-intensive-care syndrome

If you’re an OT, nurse, physio—or just fascinated by the future of healing—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

“Ever wondered what happens to the brain when oxygen runs low—and how an occupational therapist can tip the scales from crisis to meaningful recovery?

Hello, I'm Hao, your Occupational Therapist. In this episode of RiOT Conversations, we dive into hypoxia and cerebral hypoxia—those silent, rapid-fire events that can turn everyday routines upside-down in seconds.

You’ll learn about the four systemic types, the four cerebral patterns, and the OT interventions that help clients transition from ICU survival to community re-engagement. From the first pulse‑ox alert to clever kitchen adaptations, we’ll cover the practical “how‑to” AND the creative “what‑if” that ignite real progress.

Whether you’re a student brushing up before placement or a seasoned clinician seeking fresh ideas, grab your coffee and tune in: this is the episode that links pathophysiology to purposeful occupation—one heartbeat (and breath) at a time.