How OT's help
Maximising independence in the home is at the heart of an occupational therapist's vocation. Whether you are enquiring on behalf of yourself or a client, partner, family member or friend, we are perfectly placed to understand your concerns and advise on the next steps to take.
The following are among many examples of challenges within the home with which we can help you:
- Difficulties in remaining upright while preparing meals and drinks
- Preparing meals after a stroke, brain injury or mental illness
- Using cultery, cooking utensils and appliances after strength or dexterity has been compromised, for example due to amputation or illness
- Moving meals and drinks from work surfaces to tables
- Maintaining an orderly and clean home after life-changing events
- Minimizing the risks of falling in the home
Our assessment process allows a specialist occupational therapist to identify any 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 to maintaining and improving your independence around the home. Our assessment may involve looking at:
- Your current and likely future levels of mobility, standing tolerance, strength and upper body function
- The home environment, including your kitchen, stairs, bedroom and bathroom
- Your daily routine, and that of those you care for or who care for you
- Any equipment that you currently or are likely to need in the future, such as walking frames, wheelchairs or memory aids
- Your own, your family's or carer's specific wishes and goals
Common recommendations
Some practical solutions that we may recommend to help you maintain or improve your independence at home include:
- Reliable routines and memory aids
- Small items of equipment, such as trolleys or special utensils to make things easier
- Techniques to conserve your energy, achieve your goals and maximise your independence
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
- Working with you and your family to establish realistic and practical routines that allow you to grow and maintain your independence
