Occupational therapy

OTs work in hospitals and in the community, and are employed by:

• Health authorities.
• Local authorities.
• OT agencies.
• Some OTs are self-employed.

Where we can provide help

We can help people with a disability from a long-term health condition. To be eligible, you must live in Harrow. We can help you:

• Enter and leave your home.
• Wash, bathe, and use the toilet.
• Use living and sleeping areas.
• Use food preparation and cooking areas.
• Access some of the garden.
• reduce risks in your home related to your impairment.

When we can not provide help

We are not able to help if:

• Your health condition is expected to improve. For example after a hip replacement.
• You need equipment to help you with a hearing or visual impairment. See our sensory services page.
• You need rehab to overcome the problems caused by ill health. These are physical, psychological, and social. In such cases, you need to speak to your GP about a referral to the appropriate team.
• You need equipment for employment or education.
• Where an assessment is needed for mobility equipment. For example, walking aids or wheelchairs. Instead, you can ask your GP to refer you to a physiotherapist or wheelchair services.
• You need only small pieces of equipment. You can buy these from local suppliers, pharmacies, or online.
• You have bought a mobility scooter. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can store it, charge it, and access your home with it.

How you can help yourself

You can buy your own equipment. This includes adapted cutlery, cups, lever taps, and high-backed chairs. You’ll find suppliers at:

• Medequip
• Mobilityworld
• London Mobility
• NRS healthcare
• Complete care shop

You can also visit Disabled Living Foundation (DLF). They give advice on independent living. DLF is a national charity. They can help you with mobility and disability aids, and daily living equipment.

If you do not want to go through us, you can contact an OT directly. The professional body for OTs is the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). They work in a wide range of areas across the UK.

To find out how much help you need, an OT or a trusted assessor must assess you. They will check your eligibility, agree your needs, and discuss how they can help. This could include signposting and advice.

Or it could be providing equipment (e.g. a raised toilet seat, a perching stool, grab rails). Sometimes, these pieces of equipment are all you need. They can help you maintain your independence and wellbeing.

Equipment and minor adaptations

We have a contract with Medequip. They provide equipment and minor adaptations. They do the following jobs for home care equipment:

• Delivery.
• Installation.
• Repair.
• Maintenance.
• Collection.
• Cleaning.
• Recycling.

If you have equipment from Medequip, and it needs repairing, please contact them. If you no longer need the equipment, they will collect it. This is if it's worth over £25.00, or if there are more than one item.

Single items of equipment are often cheaper to buy new than to collect and clean. So you may be advised to take the equipment to a charity shop where it can be cleaned and sold.

Adaptations and disabled facilities grants

If you are disabled and struggle with daily tasks, an adaptation to your property may help. An OT will assess if an adaptation is needed and suitable. If it is, a referral will be made to our Home Improvement Agency. For more information, see our home adaptations grants page.