OT Taking On COVID-19 Challenges
Occupational therapists stepped up to the plate and showed what they're best at doing. We were all able to adapt and continue servicing clients during a pandemic that caused unimaginable changes in day-to-day life's routines. COVID-19 did not stop us from using occupation to help clients perform their daily activities as independently as possible.
Running a private practice during these unprecedented times was not easy. The uncertainty of what is next is unsettling, especially while adjusting to relocating a business during a health crisis. On February 27, 2020, Sensory Street's soft opening at a new Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn location, felt great. Most of our loyal clients followed us, the business continued, and things started to run slowly as usual. While COVID-19 numbers were climbing, we all were optimistic that things would work out.
As a business owner, you always think ahead and try to have plans A, B, C, and D, but this time was different. The Nation did not know how to fight COVID, " the invisible enemy," so it affected everyone's plans. With no time to prepare, the business had to shut down 23 days after opening. It felt surreal; how could this be happening now? When we realized that this was the new norm, the anxiety and overwhelmed feeling of having no control shattered all plans for our services, summer activities, and marketing.
It took about three days to let things settle and for the wheels to start spinning. When confirmed notification that services could be done remotely and covered by medical insurance, the mode quickly changed to "Game On." Online team meetings and plans to learn and adjust to the new normal took about one week. There was no time to dwell on the challenges and wonder if things will work out. We just did what had to get done, and within two weeks, online services began.
COVID-19 slowed us down, but it did not stop us. Since the shutdown, we found creative ways to keep things running and learned a lot about our strengths, weaknesses, and improved services. Occupational Therapists are the best at tackling challenges and change.