Triple skill craftsman smoothens rehabilitation journey

Li Chun-kai
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital

With a pair of good hands, Occupational Therapy Assistant Li Chun-kai has loved woodwork, metalwork, and sewing since childhood. These three skills, essential craftsmanship required in the making of various gadgets for rehabilitation, have proved to be immense assets for him at work over the past 20 years. Kai makes specially designed rehabilitation equipment for patients, drawing inspirations from daily life as well as meeting the needs of patients. In his spare time, he enjoys scouting around for various materials and tools.

The gadgets made by Kai are varied and widely used by different patients, such as patients injured on duty on training before returning to work, dementia patients practising their memory, stroke patients learning activities of daily living. “I support occupational therapists by making assistive devices which are tailor-made to suit individual patient’s needs.” Kai says humbly, “Practice makes perfect. The secrets of success are dedication and communication. I engage patients in training, listen to their thoughts and encourage them. Patients feel my passion and positive ambience, hopefully they are able to complete the journey of rehabilitation without much stress.”

Being a devoted employee, Kai has never been late to work in Tai Po even though he lives in Tin Shui Wai. His compassion and ingenuity are not limited to therapy rooms. After the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, Kai helped occupational therapists and doctors by producing stump socks, pressure garments, and assistive devices for victims. Kai also supports other departments in the hospital by making equipment such as knee X-ray positioning platform and high-low chairs for patients recovering from hip surgery. No wonder Kai is highly trusted by patients and colleagues for his passionate commitment and positive work attitude.

Kai’s works of creativity

Grow-with-the-child chair

Tailor-made for children with cerebral palsy, this chair can be easily adjusted as the children grow. Used for daily activities such as playing, eating and learning, the tilt-in-space chair is light-weight and ensures a child’s sitting posture to prevent them from leaning forward. It is very functional and affordable. The chair is welcomed by parents and teachers who find it much better than commercially-available products.

Materials: Metal, wood, synthetic leather, strap

Turn-buckle splint

This device fixes on a patient’s arm and is adjustable. It helps patients with bone fracture and dislocation to resume the ability to bend and stretch their arms.

Materials: Metal, plastic, Velcro strap

Eyelid-lifting device

Patients who suffer from neurological problems sometimes develop drooping eyelids which interfere their vision. This device fits to patients’ own glasses and allows them to see clearly at all times.

Materials: Wire, hot-melt adhesive