Compensatory Frame of Reference

  • The compensatory frame of reference (FOR) aims to increase occupational performance and facilitate independence by utilizing compensatory techniques. It is used to compensate dysfunction in desired occupations, e.g., using assistive device or equipment such as Ergonon/Reflex knife during meal preparation, to compensate difficulty with using traditional knife. This FOR also includes environmental change, e.g., altering layout of living environment or using splints. These environmental changes sometimes are important for an individual to regain a valued role such as getting access to bathroom for bathing and grooming using wheelchair. The FOR aims to facilitate the clients’ independent functioning. It assumes that the dysfunction is considerably irreversible. The clients may find it difficult to accept the techniques at first as they may remind the clients of their lost functions. Therefore, compliance and engagement are important in getting successful outcome. Except physical injury, some clients who experience a stroke or other neurological disorder may be also suitable to apply this FOR. Compensatory strategies on memory or concentration may be applied to facilitate role performance. Task modifications are sometimes used to modify the task to compensate for the loss of function in order to increase independence. An educational approach is usually used in conjunction with this FOR to explain the purpose to help client understand the purpose and precautions. The ultimate goal is to use compensatory techniques to increase occupational performance and enable the clients to regain independence.

Summarized by

  • Macey Cho

Type

  • Frame of reference

Population

  • Child
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Elderly

Disability

  • All

Domain of occupation

  • Unspecified

Application Note

  • It is used to compensate considerably irreversible impairment in order to maximize independence within the constraints of injury.

Key Reference

  • Addy, L. (2006). Occupational therapy evidence in practice for physical rehabilitation. Oxford: Blackwell.

Year Published

  • 2006

Primary Developer

  • Lois Addy

Primary Developer Email

  • enquiries@LDAlearning.com

Related Models

Rehabilitative Frame of Reference

  • Rehabilitative frame of reference (FOR) considers rehabilitation as the process of facilitating patients in fulfilling daily activities and social roles with competence. This FOR is used with clients whose underlying impairments are unlikely to remediate and be considerable permanent, or the clients who lack motivation to participate in remediation. The theoretical basis of this FOR is that the client must focus on the remaining abilities, despite of any disabilities, to attain his/her highest level of functioning in the desired occupational performance.

A Conceptual Model of Occupational Therapy in Low Vision

  • This model suggests that occupational therapists working with older adults with low vision should extend beyond compensatory techniques (e.g., modifying physical environmental and providing technology) to the community for social integration. Occupational therapists can accompany clients to nearby grocery stores, places of worship and community centers. Occupational therapists can also make recommendation to owners to eliminate environmental barriers and encourage clients to self-advocate.

Children’s Hand Skills Framework (CHSF)

  • The Children’s Hand Skills Framework (CHSF) is used as a conceptual guide to analyze and describe children’s hand skills in the assessment and intervention process. The CHSF divides children’s hand skill use into six major categories, based on the extent to which the hands contact objects/parts of the body or not. The first two categories are manual gesture and body contact hand skills that do not contact specific objects.

Meaning Perspectives Transformation Model

  • The Meaning Perspectives Transformation Model is characterised by three phases: the trigger phase, the changing phase, and the outcome phase. These three phases move the process of meaning perspective transformation in the physical, emotional, cognitive, or spiritual dimensions. Critical self-reflection acts as a catalyst and represents as a moment of “readiness of change”. This allows clients to identify their assumptions, question meaning, and develop alternative ways of performing.

Model Type

Population

Disability

Domain of Occupation

  • © 2024 HOTheory - All rights reserved.