Rheumatoid Arthritis Case Study

This essay aims to demonstrate the highly significant relationship between one’s health and their occupation/s. The complexities of this relationship is demonstrated through the dimensions of health and transition through their occupations. This essay utilities the case study of Ben Horgan, who has lived with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) for nearly 30 years as evidence of this correlation. For the purpose of this essay, ‘occupation’ is defined as groups of activities of everyday life that are given value and meaning by individuals and a culture, including self care, leisure and productivity (Law er al, 1998). Defined by Houghton Mifflin Company (2004), engagement is to involve oneself or become occupies where as performance is defined …show more content…
By applying Townsend and Polatakjo’s (2013) ‘Basic Assumptions’ to Ben’s occupations, further conclusions can be made about the connection between health and occupation. Finally, the evaluation of importance of the relationship between health and occupation can be assessed through drawing on the above points from a professional view. Thus, the complexity of this association is examined through multiple areas of occupation.

By distinguishing Ben’s health as an individual with JRA, further connections are made on health’s affect on his occupations and his participation in them. Health, defined by WHO (1948) , is “a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. JRA refers to conditions consisting of …show more content…
According to Eakman & Eklund (2012) meaningful occupations and occupational value have a substantially higher influence in the satisfaction and meaning of life. Being associated with the Juvenile Arthritis Youth Forum brought Ben’s “greatest award” which was a sense of belonging and embrace whilst attending these Footloose Camps. The meaning associated with this occupation is a unique and highly personalised experience which is derives from an Ben’s values, interests and exercise of choice (Kielhofner, 1997). According to Yerxa (1998) engaging in occupations which hold meaning and value to the individual, enable the individual to participate in social and place themselves within their own culture. Illustrated through this intrinsically motivating occupation which begun as a committee to support the kids with JRA but has now become an organisation involving lectures and workshops and over 88 participants from all over Australia and New Zealand. As shown, this ‘Basic Assumption’ shows the meaning and value which advocating hold to

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