Occupational therapy

We want to help you to be as independent as possible in your own home.

We offer:

• advice on managing the difficulties caused by physical disability
• equipment to help with daily living and personal care eg a raised toilet seat
• minor home adaptations eg grab rails and stair rails
• recommendations to District Councils or housing providers for major structural alterations to kitchens and bathrooms, stair lifts and ramps

Other organisations can provide:

• beds, cot sides, specialist mattresses and continence pads - District Nurse via your GP
• walking sticks or walking frames - physiotherapy service via your GP
• wheelchairs - wheelchair service on  01296 566362
• small pieces of equipment to help with everyday tasks such as dressing, food preparation or eating difficulties - local retailers who will advise on suitable equipment to assist.

Assessment

Call us on 01296 383204. After an initial telephone assessment, we'll see if you are eligible for the service. To be eligible, your needs should have a critical or substantial effect on your ability to be independent, be putting you at risk and be as a result of a longstanding condition rather than temporary illness.

After your assessment you may be sent an equipment voucher. You can then visit a local retailer and advice centre to discuss what equipment could help you. If we need to visit you in your own home to find out what help you need we'll arrange a suitable time. We do not charge for the visit to your home, the assessment or the work we do on your behalf.

If we assess that your  home needs major adaptations, we will refer you onto the relevant Housing Authority or District Council to assess whether you are able to access funding for these adaptations, you may need to contribute towards the cost. We will discuss this with you at your assessment.