Occupational therapists (OTs) help people to be more able to do the things they want and need to do. Occupational therapy is a science-based health and social care profession which is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Read more from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Who we work with
We work with adults aged 18 and over who are BANES residents.
We work within the homes of people who have long-term disabilities and who are experiencing difficulties with day-to-day activities, particularly when their home environment is limiting what they can do. We can work with you to explore solutions to help maintain or increase your independence.
What we do
An occupational therapist will carry out an assessment in your home to look at the things you are finding difficult and discuss what is important to you.
Following an occupational therapy assessment, we may:
- suggest different ways of managing tasks you have difficulty with
- provide equipment - for example, a raised toilet seat to help you get on and off the toilet independently, or a bath/shower board to help you shower safely and independently
- provide minor adaptations - for example, grab rails to help you get in and out of your front door
- arrange major adaptations- for example, making doorways wider for wheelchair use, stairlifts, and ramps
We also:
- carry out OT housing reports to compliment housing applications, for people who need to move due to accessibility needs
- provide moving and handling risk assessments and give advice and equipment to make things easier and safer for carers
- provide postural and seating assessments
Adaptations to your home
Following an occupational therapy assessment, we may discuss making adaptations to your home. If works cost over £1,000 you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) if you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits.
If you rent your home from a Housing Association they should be able to provide minor adaptations for you without an occupational therapy referral e.g. lever taps, rails. Call them direct or look at their website for more details.
Funding works and equipment
Equipment
Most basic equipment will be provided on loan to you from our Community Stores. If you prefer to buy your own equipment there are mobility and equipment shops both locally and online.
You can visit Ask Sara for information and guidance, including self-assessment tools to guide you towards suitable equipment and signpost you to services and providers.
Minor works under £1,000
If minor works in your home are needed and cost under £1,000, generally you will not need to pay for this.
Works over £1,000
If works cost over £1,000 you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). This is a means tested grant and is for people on a low income. A test of financial resources will apply.
A Disabled Facilities Grant will need to be supported by an occupational therapist as being necessary and appropriate. We will always assess for basic equipment before any major adaptations are considered.
If you are not eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant
If you wish to arrange works privately, we are able to give advice and signpost to services which may be able to help you.
When we can't help
We are not able to help you if:
- you have a short-term health condition which is expected to improve
- you have recently been discharged from hospital (contact the Care Coordination Centre instead)
- you require rehabilitation to help you carry out daily living activities - for example, to make yourself a meal, get dressed, or return to your previous level of function (contact the Care Coordination Centre instead)
- you need equipment for employment or education (contact Access to Work instead)
Walking Aids
You can request these via your GP for a physiotherapy referral, or you can purchase them from a mobility shop.
Wheelchairs
If you require a wheelchair for short term use, please contact the Red Cross.
If you need a wheelchair for permanent regular use due to your medical condition, you can ask your GP to refer you to wheelchair services.
Mobility scooters
If you have a mobility scooter we can give advice about storage, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you can charge it, store it, and access your property with it. If you rent your property you will need to ask permission from your landlord and they may request that you fund your own storage facility, arrange for an external electrical charging point etc.
You can also read our webpages on applying for a disabled parking bay or applying for a dropped kerb.
Get an assessment
To make a referral to the OT service, please call the First Response team on 01225 394570.
We may be able to provide advice over the phone and order some simple equipment for you. If you or need a more comprehensive assessment we will visit you at home.
As we have a high volume of referrals to the service, we have a waiting list in operation. All referrals to the service are triaged by an occupational therapist to ensure that we prioritise people with the greatest need. We will send you a waiting list letter on receipt of your referral.