Occupational Therapy Services

Occupational Therapists within Adult Social Care work to help adults with disabilities get the most out of living in their own home.  They particularly focus on independence and safety.

We can advise you on daily tasks such as managing personal hygiene, dressing, eating, drinking, and kitchen tasks.

An emphasis is placed on your personal safety, and (where applicable) support for your Carer. We offer advice on techniques, equipment and adaptations.

How can I get help?

To decide whether you are eligible for equipment or adaptations in your home, you will need to have an Assessment.

Occupational Therapists work closely with other professionals such as District Nurses, Social Workers, and Physiotherapists to ensure that you will receive the most appropriate help.

If Adult Social Care are not able to provide services directly, you will be assisted with obtaining alternative sources of help.

Equipment and Adaptations

Equipment can be provided free of charge if you are assessed as meeting Adult Social Care criteria.

Adaptations may be carried out, by the Occupational Therapist Technician, the council or a private contractor. Adaptations may be subject to a means test. You could be entitled to financial assistance through a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Equipment and adaptations can only be provided to those people who are considered to be at substantial or critical risk if their needs are not meet.

Toileting

Equipment such as rails and toilet seat raisers may be provided to make getting on and off the toilet easier. Advice can be offered to help you maintain your personal hygiene.

Chairs

Your chair may be adapted to help you to get on and off safely, or to give you better support. Alternative seating is available for people with specialist problems.

Beds

To enhance your safety when getting in and out of bed you may be offered equipment to raise your bed, or help you to sit and stand up.

Bathing and showering

Rails and seats may be provided, to enable you to get in and out of the bath or to use a shower. This will depend on whether you have particular medical needs in order to meet the criteria for this service.

Domestic ativities

We can assess your needs in managing basic activities such as cooking and washing up, and transporting items between the kitchen and eating area. Equipment and adaptations may be recommended to enhance your safety and independence.

Access

We aim to enable you to gain safe and independent access to your home and essential facilities within your home e.g. managing steps, stairs and doorways. Your use of walking aids or a wheelchair will be taken into account.

Moving and handling

We work closely with relatives and Carers, to ensure that they have the most suitable skills and equipment to enable you to be supported at home. Specialist moving and handling equipment is funded by Social Services.

Housing

We may be able to support your needs for alternative housing through Swindon Borough Council Housing Department.

Useful contacts

For further information or to request an assessment please contact:

Care Line

Tel: Freephone 0800 085 66 66

For information and to access Adult Social Care for older people, adults with physical disabilities and their Carers.

(See also: Care Line.)

Your views

We would welcome your comments. If you would like to give us your thoughts and ideas about this information or other Adult Social Care publication please contact:

Customer Liaison Officer
Tel: 01793 463496
E-mail: yourcommentscount@swindon.gov.uk

Printed leaflet

The information contained in this web page is also available in a printed leaflet. If you would like copies of this leaflet, or the same information in another format, please contact:

Customer Services
Tel: 01793 445500

The leaflet is also available as a downloadable pdf document:

Equipment and Adaptations