Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy aims to help those with physical disabilities to achieve an optimum level of functions and mobility. This may include arranging for walking aids or other equipment or referring service users to other agencies that can also assist. The authority usually works with local health providers to assess need and provide appropriate support.
Occupation means any way in which people spend their time from personal care (washing, dressing, toileting) to productivity (paid or unpaid work, housework, education); to leisure (games, sports, hobbies, social activities).
Examples of essential activities may include -
- managing personal care, e.g. getting to the bathroom and transferring on/off toilet.
- safe mobility around your home to enable you to prepare meals, get in/out of bed, manage the steps and stairs.
- enabling an individual to take up or stay in paid or unpaid work.
- enabling your carer to care for you.
Occupational therapists can help or provide information about -
- raising the height of the bed/chair so that standing is much easier if a person has stiff, painful hips and knees.
- making a home safer for getting around by the installation, for instance, of hand rails and ramps.
- reducing anxiety and helping people raise their confidence about getting around or manage their disability.
- information on ways of obtaining appropriate support and helping people to connect to other relevant agencies.
- assisting carers to continue to maintain their caring responsibilities.
For people able and wanting to fund their own equipment or adaptations, advice and information is available by contacting our service providers and partners below.
For more information or to access this service
- Adults - contact Occupational Therapy Services (details top right), or the Community Services Access Team
- Children - Young People's Centre for Child Development and Disability
Online form: Occupational therapy enquiry form
Page updated: 25 Oct 2010
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