Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy for adults aims to help people over 18 years with everyday activities, which may have become difficult because of illness, accident, getting older or disability.
The Occupational Therapy Team assesses the needs of people who have significant difficulties in carrying out essential activities of daily living, which may include:
- getting in and out of bed
- getting on and off the toilet
- getting up and down the stairs at home.
We will consider people’s needs in relation to their environment, social and family life and we will also assess the needs of their carers at the same time.
Following an assessment, we will work in partnership with you in order to meet your assessed needs and to increase your independence. This may include:
- equipment
- Small adaptations such as grab rails and stair rails
- Major adaptations to your home
- Information and advice on issues relating to disability.
Equipment and minor adaptations are provided to those people with critical or substantial need following an assessment.
If we are unable to help, we may offer to refer people to other organisations who can offer advice in areas such as education, leisure and training.
If you have a friend or a family member providing support to you, they may qualify for a carers assessment to have their own needs assessed.
The equipment is provided free on loan to help people and their carers. There may be a charge for adaptations and a financial assessment is required for a Disabled Facilities Grant application.
Self Assessment for equipment and minor adaptations
If you need a piece of equipment or minor adaptation to meet your needs, you can complete a self assessment form 
(PDF: 103KB) and return it to the Occupational Therapy Team (contact details opposite).
The self assessment form allows you to participate more fully in the assessment process without the need for a home visit. This form will enable us to identify the equipment you might need, and if appropriate we will arrange to deliver or install the equipment for you.
Equipment and Minor Adaptations Questionnaire 2008
In February 2008, the statutory Equipment and Minor Adaptations Quality and Outcomes Questionnaire was sent out in order to explore the views of adults aged 18 and over receiving community equipment and minor adaptations funded by Adult Social Services. This questionnaire had been developed by the Department of Health and the Commission for Social Care Inspection and was carried out in order to explore peoples’ views about the assessment process and what effect the equipment and minor adaptation to their home had on their life. The Equipment and minor adaptions fact sheet (PDF:1.73KB) contains the results from questions in the survey.
Further information
More information can be found in the Occupational Therapy booklet (PDF: 685KB). You can request a printed copy by using the contact details opposite.
Comments, Compliments and Complaints
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