Expanding Occupational Therapy Programs: Providence Care Mental Health, Dual Diagnosis Centre

Since its inception on September 11, 2007, the Dual Diagnosis Centre at Providence Care, Mental Health Services site has been in operation serving individuals with a dual diagnosis (intellectual disability and mental health illness). A variety of dedicated health professionals, volunteers, and students participate in the Centre with the common aim of improving the overall quality of life for our clients. They assist clients to develop their social and communication skills and those required for daily living. There are many words that can be used to describe the Dual Diagnosis Centre but ‘encouraging’, ‘positive’, and ‘inspiring’ are three that instantly spring to mind. An environment is promoted in which participants help and encourage each other in a variety of ways. From assisting others when participating in activities, to just being a friend, the Centre fosters eagerness and willingness to care. It is a positive space of learning and mutual respect where an individual can be him or herself and uniqueness is embraced. More than just a centre, the staff and volunteers work hard to maintain an environment that is fun, creative, and supportive.

The Dual Diagnosis Centre does not just focus on the ‘here and now,’ it provides an opportunity for creativity and innovation. The Centre promotes recovery through activities that develop skills for everyday living. Wishing to encourage functional independence and recovery, the Dual Diagnosis program has created its own form of assessment, the Life Skills Certificate. This certificate assesses functional independence in areas ranging from washing hands, snack preparation, safe use of appliances, doing laundry & housekeeping, to social interaction. Clients will receive a certificate on completion of each of the three different levels. Through this assessment, as well as the utilization of others, such as the Scale of Independent Behaviours – Revised (SIB-R), each client attending the program has the opportunity to be assessed over a wide range of areas. Such assessments provide valuable information as to each individual’s strengths and needs. This information can then be utilized for determining appropriate levels of housing for eventual community integration.

The Dual Diagnosis Centre provides one-on-one support as well as a number of groups, including drama, music, stress management and computer training. Since its beginning, attendance and programs offered have been steadily increasing. The Centre now includes not only staff and clients, but also peer volunteers and volunteers from the community. Plans for implementation of new programs will encourage even more community involvement in the future. A Social Skills group, to include clients of the centre and community-based clients is anticipated and therapists from MHS and DDCOT will facilitate this. In April, the new group ‘Bodyworks’ will focus on health and sexuality.

Embracing the ever-forward movement of technology, the Dual Diagnosis Centre plans to create its own ‘Wii-habilitation” program – rehabilitation through the use of a Nintendo Wii. Promoting learning through the use of this technology, participants of the program will develop greater proficiency in areas such as balance, posture, eye-hand coordination and range of motion, as well as general cognition, such as problem solving. It is hoped that Queen’s University students will lead the assessment of the clients prior to the “Wii-habilitation” in areas such as grip strength and eye-hand coordination. They would then monitor the results of the program. This clinic is just one of the ways in which the Dual Diagnosis Centre aims to promote learning and best clinical practice.

Reflections by volunteers, staff, and students of the Dual Diagnosis Center:

“It’s refreshing to see an interactive environment where the patients have the ability to work with their tactile skills and learn in a fun environment.”
“Coming to the Dual Diagnosis Centre is a wonderful experience. It allows you and the clients to forget or set aside their illnesses and enjoy the time here and now. It gives them the opportunity to let go and truly enjoy themselves doing a range of activities and not being judged.”

“The Dual Diagnosis Program allows patients to express themselves in an environment that understands, supports, and enhances creativity. Interaction among patients and health care workers promote autonomy that develops skills necessary for everyday living.”

“Walking into the Dual Diagnosis Centre while a program is in full swing is a wonderful experience! The sounds of laughter and excitement greet you and a warm, encouraging atmosphere permeates. It is a place of learning, a place of mutual respect; it is a place where an individual can be him or herself and uniqueness is embraced. More than just a centre, the staff and volunteers work hard to maintain an environment that is fun, creative, and supportive. There is a genuine enjoyment that is expressed by all those that attend (both clients and staff) … it is infectious!”

Ellie Smith – MSc (OT) Candidate (2009)