The date March 2, 2020 looms large in my mind. That is the date of the last occupational therapy mental health group I led, and I have proof: The date is still written on the dry-erase board in the rehab gym.

Since March and the onset of COVID-19, so many changes have occurred at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital in Baltimore, where I work as an OT (occupational therapist). Occupational therapists treat people who are recovering from illness or injury, focusing on ADL (activities of daily living)/IADL (instrumental activities of daily living) as well as cognition and psychological function. I mostly work on the four inpatient Brain Health units, with patients diagnosed with dementia and/or mental illness. I also cover on acute rehab, sub-acute rehab, and the “Households” (similar to assisted living) as needed.