The Importance of Knowing a Client's History

Today, I learned about Richard Pryor who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  My take away from hearing about his life is that it is very important to know a client's medical history.  This is something that will be done in the occupational profile and needs to be thorough.  Richard Pryor had a very complicated past and a very hard childhood that exposed him to a lot.  He was a heavy smoker and drinker and had two heart attacks before he was diagnosed with MS.  He also attempted to commit suicide in 1980.  These are all relevant because it would be very important to know how they could impact his current condition. Depression is often a symptom of MS so it would be important to monitor that with his history.  He was a wealthy comedian and had access to a lot of help and maids and that impacted his well-being as well.  They often did too much for him and didn't help him maintain his independence.  It would be important to know that in order to educate the caregivers to let Richard do as much as he good on his own.  This case study truly showed me the importance of knowing someone's background and how it could impact their care.