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Call for more information and costs or if you are enquiring for yourself or a family member you can use our online cost guide for individuals.

Access in & out of the home

Find out how we can help

Peace of mind to move in and out of your home safely & independently

Whether it be getting to the car, the garden, the shops or social activities, being able to access the world outside our home is important for both mental and physical wellbeing. When mobility is reduced, even otherwise simple journeys can become a challenge.

We assist many people facing all variety of difficulties to maintain their independence and access to their community. Our experience also helps ensure that the solutions we provide, as well as being practical and cost-effective, are the best possible aesthetic fit for a client's own home.

How OT's help

Help with access into and out of the home is one of the most common reasons our clients contact us. Whether for a temporary or more long-term solution, the following are examples of challenges we can address:

  • Steps and stairs leading to a property, whether via a communal or private entrance
  • Access to a town-based property from street level
  • External ramps which may be too steep or in a state of disrepair
  • Access to a garden or driveway
  • Risk of falling
  • Reduced confidence moving into and out of the home after illness, injury or a period in hospital

Our assessment process allows a specialised occupational therapist to identify all such problems, make recommendations to reduce them, and (if desired) arrange for any recommended changes to be made.

Our approach

Our aim is to provide flexible, practical and cost-effective solutions for accessing your home and community. Our assessment may involve looking at:

  • Your current and likely future levels of mobility, hand and shoulder function
  • The home environment, including your garden, driveway or street access
  • The layout and style of your property, including shared access areas
  • Any equipment that you currently or are likely to need in the future, such as frames, scooters or wheelchairs
  • Your own, your family's or carer's specific wishes and goals

Common recommendations

Some practical solutions that we may recommend to help you access your home include:

  • Grab rails at the front door
  • Hand rails on existing steps or stairs
  • Installation of smaller half-steps
  • Installation of ramps with gentle gradients that allow for walking, scooters or wheelchairs
  • Installation of stair or platform lifts

We can help with

If required we can also provide assistance with:

  • Sourcing suppliers - we work with companies nationally to ensure we always offer competitively-priced solutions
  • Arranging and managing lift representatives or builders who may need to visit your home
  • Reviewing plans with architects and builders to ensure that any changes to your home are right for you, both now and in the future

Public sector, charities and businesses

Is your organisation looking for professional OT services?

Find out more

Common conditions we help with

Find out more about how our OT’s can help by visiting our pages dedicated to specific conditions associated with home access difficulties.

Why The OT Practice

We recognise the importance of knowing that you are in safe hands. That is why, when you first make contact with us, you will straightaway be able to explain your concerns to a member of our client management team who will be able to provide relevant information about our services, answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on next steps. This dedicated team will then remain in charge of your case through any subsequent assessment and treatment we provide.

Other reasons to rely on The OT Practice include:

  • We visit you in your own home and at a time convenient to you and your family, and are happy to offer evening and weekend appointments
  • We do not have waiting lists and so can offer appointments within 7 working days of referral or sooner
  • Our extensive nationwide network of registered occupational therapists allows us to find you the right local therapist
  • We can provide ongoing support for as long as you need it
  • Our clear, fixed pricing system will be provided to you in writing for you to consider in your own time
  • Your occupational therapist will be a specialist in their field, with over 5 years' clinical experience including time in social services or NHS practice
  • Our team are well connected to networks of local and national equipment providers, stair lift and building companies

Your Clinical Services Manager

Victoria

Victoria

Snr Clinical Services Manager

Victoria, an experienced OT, is the Clinical Services Manager supervising the team looking after referrals from our case managers, solicitors and other professional clients.

Email the team

Services for businesses, organisations and the public sector

Local authorities

Our team provide individual or bulk assessments for local authorities looking to reduce waiting lists or ease pressure.

Find out more

Case managers

Comprehensive, goal orientated OT services for your clients in their own homes and community.

Find out more

Housing associations

Providing reports and recommendations for individual residents or working on large regeneration projects.

Find out more

Charities

Working with charities to provide reports and recommendations for grant funding applications.

Find out more

Construction companies

Individual or bulk housing assessments and recommendations for kitchen, bathroom or access projects.

Find out more

Care homes

We provide individual equipment recommendations or advice on environmental accessibility

Find out more

Next steps

Initial enquiry

During your initial call to us you can discuss your concerns with a member of our client management team, who will be able to understand what your difficulties are, provide information and advice on our services and identify the right OT from our team.

Quote

If therapist input is recommended, we will send you a detailed quote via email or in writing explaining what, after a full assessment, we would propose and how much it would cost, as well as rates for further work that might be recommended in the future.

Referral

Once you have had time to consider the options and costs, and if you would like to go ahead, the next step would be to fill in our online referral form. In the meantime, if you have further concerns or questions then our client manager will be happy to discuss them with you.

Assessment

Our therapist will then contact you within 24 hours to arrange a visit at your home. Normally this first visit will comprise a full assessment, after which you will receive a comprehensive written report.

Advice

The report will include a clear record of our findings and recommendations. These may include useful items you can buy or activities you can do independently, but they may also include more complex recommendations such as home adaptations or additional treatment by the occupational therapist. Where additional involvement is required, we will follow up the report with a detailed quotation so that you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

As Private Occupational Therapists our aim is to provide choices and guidance to help you decide what the best options are for you

A few of our housing specialists

Meet a selection of our occupational therapists who are specialists in assessing access needs and planning adaptations.

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Karen

Greater Manchester, North West England

Occupational Therapist Karen specialises in Rehabilitation for adults and older adults, focusing on Mental Health, Dementia, and Physical Health Conditions.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Cheshire, Greater Manchester

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Joy

Derbyshire, East Midlands

Joy is an expert Occupational Therapist, delivering specialist rehabilitation and seating assessments to clients at home.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation

Katie

London - South, London

Based in London, Katie provides expert Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, Seating and Postural Management, and Functional Rehabilitation assessments.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London , London - Central, London - North, London - South, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Community access, Behaviour management, Balance, Co-ordination

Stella

Kent, London

Stella offers tailored Occupational Therapy services, specialising in Housing and Equipment, Functional Rehabilitation, and Moving and Handling.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

Financial management

Sue

Bristol, Bristol

Sue specialises in Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural Management, and Moving and Handling assessments for both children and adults.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Wiltshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Rachael

Bedfordshire, East Anglia

Based in Bedfordshire, Rachael is a specialist OT providing housing and rehabilitation assessments to clients across East Anglia.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London - North

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH, BIA

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care

Lisa

London - South, Kent

Lisa is an expert Housing and Equipment Occupational Therapist, delivering specialist assessments to clients in London and Kent.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Kent, London - Central, London - South

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Sarah

Greater Manchester, North West England

Specialising in complex physical and mental health conditions, Sarah provides expert Occupational Therapy assessments to clients across North West England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Joy

Leicester, Northamptonshire

Midlands based Joy is an Occupational Therapist specializing in Housing & Equipment, Functional Rehabilitation, and Moving & Handling.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, Bedfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Fiona

Edinburgh, Borders

Experienced in providing specialist Neurological Rehabilitation, Functional Rehabilitation and Moving and Handling assessments, Fiona covers Scottish Borders, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Scotland, Tyne and Wear, Borders, East Lothian, Edinburgh (City of), Falkirk, Glasgow (City of), Midlothian, Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle upon Tyne

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

Counselling, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health, TBI

Sharon

London - West, London

Sharon is an experienced Occupational Therapist in London, specialising in Housing and Equipment and Functional Rehabilitation for mental health conditions.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - North, London - South, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Mental Health

Heidi

Bristol, West and South West of England

Serving clients across the West and South of England, Heidi is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in Functional Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care

Natasha

Kent, South East of England

With over two decades of experience, highly skilled Occupational Therapist Natasha provides specialised therapy services across South East England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, South East of England, East Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

PIPs, Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Social integration, Sign Language, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Rosey

Hampshire, South of England

Rosey is an experienced Occupational Therapist specialising in Housing and Equipment, supporting clients with various conditions across Southern England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire, West Sussex, Southampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments

Louise

Essex, East Anglia

Louise offers expert assessments and interventions in paediatrics, moving and handling, and housing and equipment across Essex and East Anglia.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Essex, Suffolk, London - East

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, School Based Therapy/Support

Kate

Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Working across Yorkshire, Kate is an OT with over a decade’s experience in Seating and Postural Management and Functional Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Manchester, Wakefield

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

Postural management, Learning disability

Whitney

Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Whitney is a skilled Functional Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist helping adults and older adults across East Anglia achieve their full potential.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments

Sian

Southampton, Hampshire

With over two decades of experience, Occupational Therapist Sian provides expert rehabilitation services across the South of England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, West Sussex, Wiltshire, Southampton, Swindon

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, PIPs, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Claire

Buckinghamshire, South East of England

Claire, an experienced Occupational Therapist based in Buckinghamshire in the South East of England, specializes in housing and equipment.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Buckinghamshire, London - Central

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access

Louise

Derby, Derbyshire

Based in Derby, Louise provides expert Occupational Therapy helping clients with Housing & Equipment and Neurological Rehabilitation.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, London, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Channel Islands, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Ekaete

Essex, London

Ekaeke is a Neurological Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist specialising in Brain Injury based around Chelmsford and working in Essex.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Essex

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

Gaya

Kent, South East of England

Working across Kent, Gaya provides expert Occupational Therapy to clients in their own homes and workplaces.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Kent

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Postural management, Splinting, Wheelchair accreditation, TBI

Ellie

Southampton, Hampshire

Ellie is an expert Occupational Therapist specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome covering Hampshire and the South.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Rebecca

Edinburgh, Scotland

Specialising in Neurological and Functional Rehabilitation, expert Occupational Therapist Rebecca offers holistic care for complex conditions across Northumberland and Scotland.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Northumberland

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Rachel

Hertfordshire, South of England

Rachel is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist supporting children in the South of England with diverse developmental, behavioural, and learning challenges.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South of England, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, School Based Therapy/Support, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Claire

Liverpool, Greater Manchester

Specialising in Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling, and Functional Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist Claire works across North West England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, Wales

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability

Natalie

Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Occupational Therapist Natalie specialises in rehabilitation, equipment provision, housing modifications, and paediatrics, supporting client independence through tailored assessments and interventions.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, School Based Therapy/Support, Anxiety management & relaxation

Roxanne

Bath, Avon

Roxanne is a skilled Occupational Therapist, specialising in rehabilitation, adaptations, and paediatrics, supporting diverse needs across South West England.

View profile

Profession

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Avon, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

AMPS

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, School Based Therapy/Support, Wheelchair accreditation, Learning disability, Mental Health

Jo

Buckinghamshire, South East of England

Experienced Occupational Therapist Jo specialises in Neurological Rehabilitation, supporting adults with various conditions across the South East of England.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire

Specialisms

Hand Therapy, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Train the trainer, Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Balance, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Lucy

Cambridgeshire, East Anglia

Lucy delivers expert Functional Rehabilitation and Housing & Equipment assessments for clients across East Anglia.

View profile

Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, East Anglia, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Suffolk

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Vocational Rehabilitation, Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

AMPS, Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Behaviour management, Co-ordination, Self care, Social integration

Client feedback

Further reading

Our news & press

How Can Occupational Therapy Help Reduce the NHS’s Bed Capacity Problem?

With the public sector currently in crisis, considering a deeper relationship between the private sector and the NHS is essential. Utilising the independent sector fully will significantly reduce the bed capacity challenges facing the NHS today.

Read more

Interested in Private Practice

Supporting Housing and Equipment OTs in Clinical Practice

Alongside The OT Practice is a network of 300 OT associates working in the community, and this number is continuing to grow. Find out how Di, our expert Housing and Equipment Clinical Lead, offers support to our therapists and the advice she has to offer to those considering private practice.

Read more