Progressive, chronic, life-limiting illness may affect a person’s ability to carry out activities that are important to their sense of wellbeing and their daily living. Boredom is individually determined and is often not well understood or acknowledged by healthcare practitioners. The impact of illness on a person’s ability to carry out meaningful activity following terminal diagnosis is explored in this article and the concept of boredom is addressed.
The occupational therapist (OT) maximises patients’ quality of life, by the use of equipment, adaptations
to the home environment, education regarding the management of symptoms and the resultant deficits,
plus ongoing support and collaboration with the patient, carers and members of the multiprofessional
team. Within palliative and end-of-life care, OT interventions must be prompt due to patients’ changing
functional status and health. Flexibility, problem-solving skills and continuity are essential for effective
This two-day conference showcases examples of exemplary practice in care homes demonstrating what can be achieved by staff who embrace the challenges of caring for very frail older people at the end of life.
