Spotlight On: Occupational Therapy

When White House Healthcare resident Mr. M. was admitted as a subacute patient after a frightening fall and stroke, he was incapacitated, in the early stages of dementia, and completely dependent on others for all his basic needs. That is until he met Bong.

Angelito Anonuevo, OT/L, is lovingly known here at White House as “Bong”. As Rehab Director, he is always thrilled to see the effect that his team’s care has on the lives of patients like Mr. M.

“Mr. M. made tremendous improvement and gained a new level of independence,” Anonuevo says. “His family was so highly satisfied with the care he was receiving at White House that they made the decision to have him stay on as a long-term resident. Today he is a happy and cheerful gentleman who can be seen walking around our halls.”

According to Anonuevo, Occupational Therapists play a vital role in the rehab spectrum by providing residents with the training they need to get back to their prior level of functioning in terms of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as dressing and feeding themselves. Proof of the power of rehab is in the exemplary recovery of residents like Mr. M.

Tirelessly helping others has always been in the cards for Anonuevo, who comes from a family where health care plays an integral role. “My grandfather, father, and sister are all healthcare providers, and it was my sister—a Physical Therapist—who influenced me to go into this field,” Anonuevo says. “After so many years of practice, I can definitively say that I would not choose to do anything else. I love what I do!”

Be sure to say hello to Bong the next time you see him in the halls at White House and take a moment to witness for yourself his passion for occupational therapy.