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Support for disabilities

Equipment, adaptations and occupational therapy

You could benefit from some equipment or adaptations if you’re struggling with tasks around the house.

Before adapting your home an occupational therapist will assess you at home and work to find the best way for you keep your independence.

You’ll be assessed on:

  • If you can get in and out of your home
  • Access to facilities in your home
  • Your ability to use the toilet
  • How you get out of a bed or chair
  • If you can make a hot drink and food

Equipment

Equipment could include:

  • Rails around the home
  • Bathing equipment
  • Chair and bed raisers
  • Specialist chairs and shower chairs
  • Hoists

Paying for equipment:

  • some equipment can be loaned to you for free
  • if you have to pay, some or all cost can be covered by direct payments
  • an occupational therapist can suggest a disabled facilities grant if major adaptations are needed

Adaptations

Home adaptations could include:

  • wheelchair access within the home
  • lowering kitchen surfaces to wheelchair height
  • lifts to access upstairs
  • downstairs toilets or showers

Get an in-home assessment by:

Further information

The Disabled Living Foundation can give you free, impartial advice about all types of daily living equipment.

Help from Occupational Therapy

If you have a permanent and serious disability you may be able to get occupational therapy.

Assessments and advice may be given if you struggle:

  • getting in and out of their property to reach the public highway
  • getting access to essential facilities in their home
  • using the toilet
  • getting out of a bed or up from a chair
  • to prepare hot drinks and food 
  • maintaining personal hygiene

You may be assessed in your home and the Occupational Therapy Service will recommend what equipment or adaptations may be needed to help you stay independent.

If major adaptations are needed, the Occupational Therapist may recommend a Disabled Facilities Grant (you will need a financial assessment) and help you through the process.

Recommendations could include:

  • vertical lifts
  • level access showers or specialist bathing equipment
  • ground floor toilets
  • wheelchair access in the home such as widening doorways
  • lowering kitchen surfaces to wheelchair height
  • ground floor extensions
  • ramps for wheelchair access to and from the property

Request Occupational Therapy help by calling 01634 334 466.