Sobre mí – EN – Healthy & Independent

About me

My name is María N. Gómez Lacalle, and I earned my degree in Occupational Therapy from Brunel University, London, in 2007.

I am a Consultant and Trainer specialized in Occupational Therapy, with a focus on Mobilization and Transfer Techniques with Dignity for individuals. Since obtaining my degree, I have held various roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes.

As the founder and CEO of Healthy and Independent LTD and the Institute of Postural Hygiene, I have dedicated my career to advancing the field of occupational therapy.

I am also the author of “A Dignified Approach to Moving and Handling People: As a Pathway to Empowerment.” This work embody my commitment to enhancing the dignity and empowerment of both patients and healthcare professionals.

Currently, I operate between the UK and Spain, with a vision to expand my courses to other Spanish-speaking countries.

+20

years of experience

12

certificates and qualifications

+2400

practical cases

Certificates & Qualifies

With over twenty years of dedicated experience in Moving and Handling training and Occupational Therapy consultation, my focus is on imparting advanced techniques for mobilizing individuals who require physical assistance. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel and maintaining the dignity of patients.

I promote empathetic practices within the healthcare milieu, fostering an environment conducive to holistic well-being and compassionate care.

2023

RoSPA Level 4 Award in Advanced Manual Handling Training for Single Handed Care

(Risk Solution A1) London.

2021

Train the trainer – RoSPA Qualifications at Advanced Level 4 Edge Services Oxford (UK).

2019

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (online)

2018

Single Handed Care Level 3 RoSPA, (Risk Solution A1), Manchester

2007

BSc Occupational Therapy

Brunel University, London

My book

A dignified approach to moving and handling people

a pathway to empowerment

This book takes a holistic approach and provides a practical step-by-step guide on techniques and aids for mobilizing and positioning people.

Author

Maria N. Gómez

More information

The aim of this book is to increase the dignity, empowerment, and safety of people who are reliant on the support of others for manual handling, whilst reducing the risk of injury to either party and the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Good manual handling should be something that is performed jointly by the helper and the service user as opposed to something the latter is a passive recipient of. In other words, manual handling is something that should be done with, not to.

Some reviews:

As an OT returning to community work, I needed to update my knowledge of Moving and Handling equipment and techniques. My new position in Social Services involves Moving and Handling and Single Carer Assessments and this book has been an absolute lifeline to help me problem solve in the community and has been a valuable and reassuring source of information that I return to again and again. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was lucky enough to receive online trining from Maria before my post started, which was extremely helpful and in combination with reading this book, I have been armed with the confidence to return to an area of work I haven't worked in for several years. Thank You Maria.

This book is refreshing in many ways. It addresses a number of issues encountered on a daily basis when working with service users and families in the area of moving and handling. This book not only provides a theoretical perspective, but it offers practical techniques and assessment tools that can be suitably adopted.
I particularly like the visual aids used throughout the book. A must and highly recommend.

I work as a social worker, in an integrated health care environment. We are expected to guide carers, review the risk assessments of the care agencies and care homes around manual handling,and in many Local Authorities, be trusted assessors and prescribe simple equipment.I consider María’s book such an essential addition to care professions resources! It is written for everyone to understand and the much needed guidance for formal and informal carers alike. I recommend it now, in addition to their formal training, to informal carers and also Personal assistants caring for people.
Thank you Maria !

I would highly recommend this practical and helpful guide to moving and handling people with great illustrations. It is easy to follow and understand either as a professional or carer. Particular highlights are the chapter on mindfulness in social care and health settings and the moving and handling risk assessments which can be used to guide your decisions and practice.

This is an excellent guide to both professional practitioners and people who look after relatives with mobility issues. I have worked with Maria for over 10 years and can personally vouch for her passion, knowledge and compassion in helping people to live a healthy and dignified life. A must have publication.