Are you running out of creative ideas to address simple daily tasks?  You are not alone.  Occupational therapy practitioners reach a creative lull every now and again! 

Here are 3 quick intervention ideas that address a multitude of physical and cognitive components.  The best part is, many of these items can be found in the common kitchen cabinet!

Cut the foam head of a mop into cubes 

The foam head of a mop is minimally resistive, but can address increased grip and coordination for an individual who needs intervention for strength and coordination.

Grasp/release: Ask the client to grasp a handful of foam into their hand and release into a container.  This can be performed at different surface levels to incorporate the shoulder, promote elbow extension, and trunk stability.  Add some water to make this activity a little more creative!  Ask the client to squeeze out the water for increased grip. 

PNF diagonal planes can be used as well, by the client grasping from a raised tabletop and releasing the foam out to the side.  Pay close attention to the movement pattern in the hand.  For example, determine if the client is demonstrating intrinsic tightness or if there are limitations in IP joint ROM.

Make a cup of hot chocolate

It is getting cold outside and your clients may enjoy the comfort of a cup of hot chocolate.  Rather than making it simple, try to give this task a little more challenge.  Find some cocoa the client can use to mix in with milk and sugar. 

This task can address lateral pinch with measuring and pouring ingredients and grasping the handle of a cup.  You can grade the task to incorporate additional proximal movement by the placement of items and the different surface levels you use.  For example, once the client scoops the sugar, have the placement of the container to pour it in at a higher level to promote a challenging proximal position. 

Cognition can also be addressed by assessing how the client can sequence a recipe for hot chocolate, problem solve, safety with objects, and their attention span.  And do not forget about the marshmallows!  You can address a pincer grasp by asking the client to place marshmallows into a cup.

Find an old bottle from a cabinet

Everyone has an old bottle of vinegar or other cleaning supply sitting in the back of the cabinet.  Find those old bottles and clean them out.  These bottles can work as a great intervention.  Whether you mix the caps of the bottles for rearranging, use them for item retrieval, incorporate them into a shopping intervention, or add water for increased weight to address strengthening, you have a ton of options from something that was originally creating dust.

Pouring water from one container into another can address strengthening, coordinated movement, grasp, and/or a lateral pinch, depending on the size and handle of the container.  Be creative with a simple object!