OT improves your ability to do everyday tasks if you're having difficulties.
Occupational therapists (OT) help people of all ages by looking at all aspects of daily life. In Adult Social Care they work with people aged 18 and over and will:
- look at what matters to you to help you to live your best life
- look at activities you find difficult and see if there's another way you can do them
- consider all your needs - physical, psychological, social, and environmental
Find out more about occupational therapy
Who can we help
We can help you if you're over 18 and have a long-term health condition resulting in disability. If this means you need help with practical tasks, we may be able to help you:
- enter and leave your home
- wash, bath and use the toilet
- use living and sleeping areas
- use food preparation and cooking areas
- access some of the garden
- reduce risks in your home related to your condition
When can't we help
We are not able to help if:
- your health condition is short term and expected to improve e.g. hip replacement
- you've left hospital in the last two weeks and are being cared for by the NHS
- you need a period of rehabilitation to overcome the physical, psychological and social problems caused by ill health. Speak to your GP about a referral to Community Therapy.
- you need equipment for employment or education
- you need a walking aid, wheelchair or physiotherapy - ask your GP for a physiotherapy referral.
- you only need small items of equipment which you can buy from local shops or online
- you have bought a mobility scooter and need help to store and charge it
How to help yourself
You can buy equipment and daily living aids like adapted cutlery or cups, lever taps or chair raisers to help you around the home.
If you're looking for ideas to adapt your home yourself or buy equipment you can get help at:
Getting an OT assessment
To get an OT assessment call Customer Services on 01803 219700.
When we receive the referral, we triage it and may phone you to assess the best way of helping you.
After the phone assessment, we may:
- give advice or tell you about options that will help you to help yourself
- suggest another service that may be better suited to what you need
- arrange for equipment or minor adaptations to help you stay independent in your home
- visit your home to do a more in-depth assessment