Meet Melissa! Melissa Smith, OTR/L is new to ATF Medical, but not to adaptive housing projects.

ATF Medical is genuinely excited about our new occupational therapist, Melissa M. Smith, OTR/L, ECHM, CHAMP, CAPS. Melissa has dedicated her OT career to helping injured people obtain home environments that are safe, and accessible, and facilitate mobility. We sat down with her to learn why she became an OT and what led her into an adaptive housing practice. What can you tell us about occupational therapy? Occupational therapy takes a unique, holistic approach to working with people. We look at the health conditions—whether they come from an injury or progressive condition—and how their conditions impact them, how it affects … Continue reading Meet Melissa! Melissa Smith, OTR/L is new to ATF Medical, but not to adaptive housing projects.

Karissa Watson has been promoted to Director, Adaptive Housing Solutions

Join us in congratulating Karissa Watson on her promotion to Director of Adaptive Housing Solutions for ATF Medical.  In this role, Karissa and her sharp team of adaptive housing coordinators work closely with occupational therapists and Assistive Technology Professionals to design and implement home modifications. “We collaborate to create a comprehensive solution that integrates the complex rehab technology and mobility equipment with any construction or other adaptive housing changes,” Karissa said.  Changes can involve reinforcing structures so that the home can handle the size and weight of the recommended equipment. “We turn to our OT Melissa Smith to make sure the project … Continue reading Karissa Watson has been promoted to Director, Adaptive Housing Solutions

Creating Adaptive Housing Solutions for Bariatric Patients

Obesity rates are climbing. Over 41% of US adults are considered obese, and that rate is predicted to be over 50% by 2030. That’s a mere seven years from now. And claims costs for bariatric workers are three times higher than those for healthy weight injured workers with comparable injuries according to NCCI.  What does this mean for us? We need to equip more bariatric injured workers for independence and prepare payers for higher claims costs.  In this WorkCompWire article, Melissa Smith, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CHAMP, our Clinical Specialist for Adaptive Housing Solutions, discusses the specialized home modification requirements for this population.  Some … Continue reading Creating Adaptive Housing Solutions for Bariatric Patients

Rehab Technology Specialist Kevin Wallace Discusses Bariatric Equipment

WorkCompWire just published an insightful article on bariatric equipment by our Kevin Wallace, ATP, CRTS, Rehab Technology Specialist. Not only does Kevin bring over 30 years of knowledge and patient care experience to the topic, but he brings a deep level of sensitivity and compassion. The topic is a tricky one – equipping a claim for an obese injured worker.  When Kevin started working with obese patients, bariatric beds, wheelchairs, and other equipment were so heavy and unsightly that injured workers refused to use chairs outside their homes or have people over to visit. Fortunately, the industry gave bariatric equipment … Continue reading Rehab Technology Specialist Kevin Wallace Discusses Bariatric Equipment