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 The Occupational Therapy (OT) Service assesses
your needs for special
equipment or adaptations to your home, if you have difficulty
with daily living tasks due to a physical disability or
frailty.
An occupational therapist or rehabilitation co-ordinator will
provide advice on possible solutions.
This may include, for example, the provision of bathing
equipment or the installation of a stair rail that gives you safer
access in your home and a greater degree of independence.
The OT Service provides:
- Assessments for grants available through
district or borough councils to help with the cost of major
adaptations to disabled peoples' homes.
- Assessments for
equipment and minor adaptations to enable people to live safely
and independently.
- Short periods of rehabilitation at
recuperative care centres for older people who need to practice
daily living skills.
- Information and advice for disabled people and their carers
about sources of help.
Who qualifies for an assessment?
If you think that you may be entitled to this type of help, we
will need to carry out an assessment to establish your level of
need. To qualify for help you must have a moderate, substantial or
critical level of need, as determined under the
Fair Access to Care Services legislation
(this link will open in a new window).
As a guide, your disability must be significantly affecting your
ability to carry out at least one of the following essential daily
activities:
- Accessing essential facilities within the home
- Using the toilet
- Getting in and out of a bed or chair
- Preparing hot drinks and essential food
- Maintaining personal hygiene
- Getting in and out of your home
Who can make a referral and how?
Referrals to the OT Service can be made by anyone. You could
make a referral for yourself or it could be made by a relative,
neighbour or a professional such as a nurse or doctor on your
behalf. Referrals are usually taken by phone so that we can ask
specific questions about your needs.
You can also make a referral by
post, fax or email, provided contact details are given. An
online self-assessment service is also available.
What type of assessment will be carried out?
Normally, a telephone assessment will be carried out by a
trained duty officer who will take basic details of your
difficulties and ensure that you, or the person speaking on your
behalf, are directed to the right department. Once the case has
been allocated to a worker, a more detailed assessment is carried
out to identify your needs and to agree a plan of action.
This assessment is usually carried out at home and aims to
increase your independence.
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