Alexandra
Podell,
OT, OTD, OTR
Occupational Therapist
810 MS Specialty Center; Spaulding Rehabilitation
Alexandra Podell, OT, OTD, OTR is an occupational therapist specializing in neurorehabilitation. She works with individuals with multiple sclerosis at the 810 MS Specialty Center and provides inpatient rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Alexandra earned her Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2024. For her capstone, she developed and piloted a virtual support group for stroke caregivers. Her professional interests include neurological rehabilitation, caregiver support, and interprofessional approaches to optimizing function and quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions.
Presenting at the Nexus Summit:
This lightning talk will describe an initiative that promotes stroke caregiver health. Stroke survivors have a high rate of disability and significant chronic needs. Informal caregivers play a critical role in aiding the recovery process, preventing further strokes, and maintaining the stroke survivors’ involvement in their communities. Caregiving is an all-encompassing role, and stroke caregivers experience negative changes to their health and wellness. Physiological and psychological impacts include cardiovascular disease, risky health behaviors, depression, anxiety, stress, decreased…