How OT's help
Occupational therapists are highly skilled at assisting people challenged by the everyday tasks involved in washing and dressing, helping them to remain in their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the most common reasons for seeking our help include:
- Reducing the risk of falling or getting stuck when using the bath, shower or toilet
- Ensuring the bathroom can be reached quickly when necessary
- Coping with difficulties in standing or maintaining posture for a sufficient length of time
- Learning new techniques of personal care after brain, spinal or orthopedic injuries
- Managing the effects of progressive neurological conditions
- Adapting bathrooms to ensure they remain accessible despite reduced mobility or coordination
Our assessment process allows a specialist occupational therapist to identify exactly the personal care problems facing a client so that we can provide the best possible practical advice, as well as instruction in new techniques of personal care appropriate to their circumstances. We can also recommend adaptations or equipment that would help them and (if desired) arrange for its installation.
Our approach
Our aim is to provide practical and cost-effective solutions to maximise your independence and reduce any risks. Our OT assessment may involve looking at:
- Your medical history and current prognosis
- Current and future levels of mobility, hand and upper limb function
- Difficulties with fatigue, concentration or memory
- Changes to your daily routine
- Your home environment, especially its layout in key rooms
- The height and location of bathroom furniture
- Accessibility of stairs
- Your own, your family's or carer's goals and wishes for the future
Common recommendations
Some practical solutions that we may recommend to help you move around your home include:
- Small aids to help in day-to-day activities, such as grab rails or dressing aids
- Larger pieces of equipment, such as beds, chairs or hoists
- Mobility or walking aids, including ramps, wheelchairs or frames
- Stair lifts or through-floor lifts
- Other adaptations to your home, especially kitchens, bathrooms and toilets
- Everyday techniques to maximise your independence and reduce risks around the home
We can help with
If required we can also provide assistance with:
- Sourcing alternative suppliers and quotations - we work with companies nationally to ensure we always offer competitively-priced solutions
- Dealing with representatives who may need to visit your home
- Setting up and training you or your carers in the safe use of equipment
- Reviewing plans with architects and builders to ensure any changes are right for you now and in the future
- Supporting you in returning home following a hospital stay
