ModuleDraft

OT for neglect (one-side unawareness) — home strategies + safety

Survivor/caregiver module on hemispatial neglect: what it is, why it’s dangerous, home scanning strategies, setup changes, and OT prompts.

Recovery & RehabCaregiver, SurvivorIntermediate16 minPlain (6–8)

Educational only

Educational only — neglect strategies should be guided by OT/neuro rehab specialists.

Get help now

If there is sudden new weakness, speech trouble, or new stroke-like symptoms: call your local emergency number. For repeated falls or head injury: seek urgent evaluation.

Key takeaways

  • Describe what neglect is and why it’s dangerous
  • Use 5 home scanning/setup strategies
  • Reduce risk during walking, eating, and transfers

What neglect is (simple)

  • Brain misses one side
  • Not a vision problem

Why it’s risky

  • Bumping/ falls
  • Missing food/meds
  • Unsafe transfers

Setup strategies

  • Place key items on neglected side (guided)
  • Use bright cues
  • Mirror checks

Scanning practice

  • Left-to-right sweep
  • Stop points
  • Use phone reminders

Caregiver prompts

  • Short cues
  • Point + pause
  • Avoid arguing

When to escalate

  • Sudden worsening
  • New falls
  • New confusion

Practice check

What you’ll practice

These questions are untimed. After you answer all of them, you’ll see your score and a clear next lesson or reference step.

0 of 4 answered

Question 1

1. Neglect is best described as:

Question 2

2. Neglect is risky because it can increase:

Question 3

3. A helpful strategy is:

Question 4

4. Sudden worsening suggests:

References

  1. NICE guideline NG236
    Stroke rehabilitation in adults
  2. NIH/PMC
    Hemispatial neglect after stroke (review)