Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with a range of people, including those who have physical, mental and/or social care needs either as a result of an accident, illness or ageing.

They have the skills and expertise and understand the impact that these changes in circumstances can have on an individual’s independence and confidence.

An occupational therapist can help people of all ages do everyday tasks. They look at what you want to do and what tasks might be harder for you to carry out. Then, they make a plan just for you, based on your strengths and what you can currently do.

Depending on your specific difficulties it may be possible to arrange for small adaptations or equipment to be directly provided. However, if the intervention you need is more complex, and you have an eligible need, they will arrange for a referral to be sent to your local Occupational Therapy Team for Hampshire. This assessment may take place at a clinic, at your home, by telephone call or virtually using video calls.

A variety of organisations help with occupational therapy. Read the following information to understand what we are able to help with, and what other organisations, such as the NHS, will provide.

When you contact us, you will be given advice or help about:

• getting in and out of your home
• managing the stairs
• getting in and out of chairs and beds
• getting on and off and using the toilet
• using the bath or shower
• managing kitchen activities, for example standing at the sink, getting food to a table

Types of solutions available may include:

• advice or the provision of grab rails or banister rails
• small pieces of equipment and minor adaptations to support everyday activities
• advice on easier ways of managing everyday activities

There are lots of small inexpensive pieces of equipment that you can purchase yourself to help you maintain your independence at home. The wait for equipment and/or minor adaptation from Hampshire County Council can take a number of weeks.

The waiting list is triaged to ensure the most urgent needs and hospital discharges are resolved quickly. If you have been advised that you are on a waiting list, there is no need to contact us again unless your needs change.

If you are able to, you can purchase small and often inexpensive pieces of equipment yourself. See the Equipment House for ideas and solutions to keep you independent.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide help with:

• wheelchairs, walking sticks and aids – you can contact your GP about these types of mobility equipment, read more information from the NHS. Some charities can help and you can purchase them privately. Read more information about mobility equipment
• mobility scooters – it is your responsibility to store, charge and maintain your scooter
• problems with your mobility including falls – if you’ve had a fall or have a problem with your mobility, contact your GP
• equipment you’ve received from the NHS to support you after a short stay in hospital. Read more about NHS equipment
• please ask your district nurse about pressure mattresses, cushions and bedrails, or contact your GP for a referral

If your home requires more substantial changes, for example a stair lift or level-access shower, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant to contribute to any alterations. You should be aware that these are grants and they are means-tested, and applicants must have a permanent and substantial disability to qualify.

First, we recommend using The Foundations website's means-test calculator. This tool will help you determine if you are eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. It is best to check your eligibility early to avoid waiting times if you do not qualify for the grant. If you do decide to apply for a grant you may need an OT assessment to support your application.

You will need to apply for this grant through your local borough or district council. Your application may require you to have an OT assessment to support your request. We recommend checking your local council's website to see if they have their own OT services available, as this could help to reduce your waiting time.

You can find your local council by using the post code look-up from GOV.UK.

Please note, you will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of equipment or adaptations purchased and provided through the Disabled Facilities Grant.

Contact the Occupational Therapy Team and speak with someone trained to give you specialist advice about the difficulties you are having.

You can do this by:

• raising an online enquiry via our request form
• contacting your GP for pressure relief items, for example a pressure cushion, mobility aids and wheelchairs

Before making a referral

If the individual you are supporting requires major adaptations and lives in a district or borough with their own OT team, you may wish to support them to contact their local council, as this may reduce their wait time.

You can find someone’s local council by using the post code look up from GOV.UK.

Look at the local district and borough council website to find further information.

Things we cannot help with

We often get referrals from professionals for things that we are unable to help with, which can result in delay for the individual to get the equipment and support they need. Please do not submit a referral for any of the following, as we cannot offer help in these areas:

• wheelchairs, walking aids and problems with mobility, including falls
• pressure mattresses and cushions - please ask the patient's district nurse for these, or contact their GP for a referral.

However, if the patient has a wheelchair or mobility aid and struggles to get in or out of their home or move around inside it, you can request an assessment.

Things we need to know

When you submit a referral, you will need to tell us:

• the individual’s name, address, date of birth, NHS number and contact information
• about any existing equipment or adaptations they have
• whether you have the person's consent to share their information, and if not, why
• if you have any safeguarding concerns
• property details such as access, accommodation type and tenant/ownership status
• details of care needs
• medical details such as height, weight, conditions, medication and mobility
• their GP details

Complete the referral form.

Supporting someone with substantial adaptations to their home

If you are supporting someone who wants to explore making substantial changes to their home, for example adding a stair lift, or level access shower, please encourage them to complete the means-test calculator which will give an indication on whether they would be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. An early indication will help prevent the individual from delay and disappointment.

The Foundations website has useful information to help professionals assist people with major adaptations via a Disabled Facilities Grant.