Occupational/lymphadema therapist joins local hospital staff

SUBMITTED ARTICLE - AMH

This winter, Sheleene Charf, OTR/L, CLT, certified lymphedema therapist, began providing contracted occupational therapy services at Antelope Memorial Hospital. She joins Dorian Morrison, MS, OTR/L, Amy Scott, OTD, OTR/L, and Sydney Schlenger, certified OT assistant, of MSM Enterprises. Her services include helping individuals achieve independence in all areas of their lives by restoring function and/or helping them to compensate for impairments or deficits.

"I became an occupational therapist because I love helping people," said Charf. "Being an OT brings so many rewards. What I enjoy most about my job is thinking of new or different ways of performing life tasks/skills or by introducing adaptive equipment."

"We often work closely with individuals who may feel they'll never be independent or able to enjoy life again," added Charf. "However, when you show them how they can – words cannot describe how rewarding it is. My grandma always told me, 'If you have the will to do something, you can always find a way.'"

As an occupational therapist, Charf assists individuals who struggle with chronic pain, injuries of the upper extremities or other physical impairments.

Through meaningful activities, she helps patients develop, recover and improve the skills they need for daily living and working. This allows them to have improved function and sustain or restore the highest level of independence possible.

Charf also offers specialized services as a certified lymphedema therapist. Lymphedema is the stagnation of lymph fluid which collects in a portion of the body, usually the arms and legs. Common causes of lymphedema are surgery, injury, venous insufficiency and cancer treatment.

"I enjoy specializing in lymphedema therapy," added Charf. "There is much that can be done to help those afflicted with it. For other OT services, I work with patients of all ages. I help pediatrics to reach developmental milestones and schoolchildren to participate to the best of their ability in school. I help patients who have had an injury, illness or recent surgery to regain independence and return to normal function in their environments. Plus, I provide home safety assessments for individuals who are having difficulties at home or have experienced a fall."

The assessment is used to determine if medical equipment or modifications to the home would be beneficial.

Originally from Neligh, Charf currently resides in Chambers. She is the daughter of Sid and Sharon Charf of Neligh. Sheacquired her bachelor of health science degree from Vardȧhogskolan University in Lund, Sweden.

She has three children, Madeleine, 27; Viktor, 25 and Emma, 17. Charf's interests include spending time with her children, being outdoors and helping others.

Individuals interested in more information about OT services or attending the special "aquatic for arthritis" classes beginning in June may call Antelope Memorial Hospital at 402-887-6203.