Senior Occupational Therapist, Mental Health Service of Older Adults

Dublin & Midlands Mental Health Service

Biography

Riona is a Senior Occupational Therapist (OT) working in the Mental Health for Older Persons in the Dublin South Community services for the past 12 years. As an OT, she focuses on how the relationship between the person, their occupation and their environment can support the person’s everyday functioning. Riona uses sensory, trauma informed and neurodivergent lenses to assess and support a person’s needs. She has a particular interest in how environmental design can support a person’s mental, cognitive and physical well-being and recovery. Riona has successfully led environmental upgrades within the Acute Psychiatric Unit in St. James’s Hospital, meeting older persons needs and promoting meaningful occupational engagement. She is currently developing an environmental upgrade package with service users that can then be used through the service.