Haere mai Sean

4 minute(s) to read

Having been a live-in carer for a man with Parkinson’s Disease and dementia, Cubro’s new Equipment Specialist Sean Douchay knows first-hand what a difference the right equipment can make.

“I understand the demands on family members and the physical strain that it can take to look after somebody,” Sean explains. “I experienced the process of his deteriorating mobility so we went through a range of equipment options that made all the difference to his quality of life.

“This previous experience has helped me understand the importance of finding the best possible solution for each person I work with. I love being in a role that’s so client focused and where we can make a difference for someone’s dignity and independence.”

New role

Sean joined Cubro’s team in February and is also a registered Occupational Therapist. He will now work one-on-one with clients and OTs in the Auckland community to provide equipment advice and find the best solutions to help with transfers, pressure care, postural care and personal care (showering and toileting) needs.

“I’ll be completing assessments for equipment and other aids to help support clients with their activities of daily living. I can script solutions, and set them up for people to make sure it works for them. I love working in the community and with people in their own home environments – that’s something that really attracted me to this role. Cubro is very solutions-focused and they’re a forward-thinking company too which I think is brilliant.”

Depth of expertise

Sean grew up on the Hibiscus Coast and holds a Bachelor of Sport & Recreation, as well as a Bachelor of Health Science in Occupational Therapy. After graduating from AUT in 2015, he worked at Whakatane Hospital and gained a thorough grounding in occupational therapy before heading off on his OE.

“I worked as a locum OT in the UK and also as a live-in carer. Back in New Zealand I spent two years working at the Laura Fergusson rehabilitation centre where I gained quite a bit of experience working with complex clients who had a range of neurological conditions and ACC-related injuries.”

With such a broad range of experience under his belt, Sean is a great asset to Cubro’s Community Care team. “I worked with Cubro’s other Auckland-based reps, Garry and Tony, in the community when I was an OT and they were always just so helpful and knowledgeable. I saw the difference that they made to people’s lives and I want to do the same thing.

“I like that I can continue to use my occupational therapy skills and get a holistic sense of each person I work with – not just considering their physical needs but their cognitive abilities, their roles and responsibilities, how they interact with others and finding out what’s meaningful for them. I have always wanted to do something that could enable others and help them be as independent and fulfilled as possible.”

“I worked as a locum OT in the UK and also as a live-in carer. Back in New Zealand I spent two years working at the Laura Fergusson rehabilitation centre where I gained quite a bit of experience working with complex clients who had a range of neurological conditions and ACC-related injuries.”

Keeping busy

Outside of the office, Sean and his partner, Emma, are tackling New Zealand’s Great Walks and have already ticked the Routeburn, Heaphy and Tongariro Crossing off their list. “Anything active and outdoors is great. I’ve done an ultramarathon and I’m thinking about an ironman too if I can get my swimming up to scratch. In the winter my family and I like to get down to the mountain for some skiing when we can as well.”

Sean acknowledges there’s a lot to learn in his new role, as the breadth of equipment Cubro supplies is extremely large. “There’s such a great range of options. You never feel like you’re trying to push clients in one direction or another. It’s all about problem solving and finding the best solution that works for them.

“Working at Cubro is great because I can wear my OT hat but also provide that practical, customised solution and product knowledge for somebody that makes a real difference. I’m really looking forward to developing those practical skills. There’s a lot of tinkering with bits and pieces to get equipment just right and I know I’m going to find that quite satisfying. I can’t wait to get started. If any clients or OTs want to get in touch they can just give me a call and I’ll be happy to support them with whatever they need.”

If you're a Therapist and Auckland and you're after some help, get in touch with Sean on 0800 101 211 or 021 228 8679. Or you can email him at [email protected]