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Personal care & dressing

Find out how we can help

Restoring independence and dignity through practical advice and solutions

We aim to restore the skills needed for essential personal care tasks such as washing and dressing after these are impaired by accident, illness or advancing age.

Working collaboratively with clients to identify their goals for each day, we help to break these down into manageable steps and integrate them into a daily routine. We are also experts at adapting bathrooms so that they remain a safe and accessible space designed to accommodate changing needs.

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

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 personal care & dressing 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

Case managers

We help your client's achieve optimum independence through assessment, treatment & advice.

Find out more

Healthcare concierge

Assessment and treatment services for clients in their own homes both in the UK and internationally.

Find out more

Solicitors

We provide solicitors with professional reports for educational tribunals or rehabilitation needs.

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 rehabilitation specialists

Meet a selection of our occupational therapists who are experienced in helping maximise independence with personal care and dressing.

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Sharon

London - South, South East of England

With over 30 years’ experience, Sharon is an expert OT specialising in Housing & Equipment and Seating & Postural Management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Kent, London - Central, London - South

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Postural management

Jane

Wiltshire, South of England

With over three decades of experience, Occupational Therapist Jane provides expert therapy services across the South of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire

Specialisms

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

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.

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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

Anna

Kent, South East of England

An expert OT in Neurological Rehabilitation, Anna works with adult clients in Kent and London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Kent

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Splinting

Kirstie

Edinburgh, East Lothian

Kirstie provides expert Occupational Therapy services, specialising in housing, equipment, and moving and handling, with over 30 years of experience.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Scotland

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care, Postural management

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.

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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

Hazel

Cardiff, Cardiff

Cardiff, Newport and North Somerset based Occupational Therapist Hazel specialises in Seating and Postural, Housing & Equipment, Moving & Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Wales, The Vale of Glamorgan

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation

Benedicta

Buckinghamshire, West Midlands

Benedicta is a dedicated occupational therapist specialising in Functional Rehab and Housing & Equipment solutions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, West Midlands

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

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.

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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

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.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Cheshire, Greater Manchester

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Lara

Hertfordshire, London

Occupational Therapist Lara provides Neurological and Vocational Rehabilitation to clients in both Hertfordshire and London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Essex, Hertfordshire, London - Central, London - North

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, TBI

Julia

London

Visiting clients across London, Julia is an experienced OT with expertise in orthopaedic conditions and brain injuries.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Angela

Glasgow, Glasgow (City of)

Working throughout London, Occupational Therapist Angela provides Neurological Rehabilitation and enjoys helping those who have experienced a Stroke.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Glasgow (City of), Glasgow

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

Counselling, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Postural management

Janet

London - South, Kent

Janet is an expert Occupational Therapist specialising in paediatrics and neurological rehabilitation, she works with children at home and school.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Kent, London - Central, London - South, London - East

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Social integration, School Based Therapy/Support, Learning disability

Christine

East Riding of Yorkshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Qualifying in 1992, Christine specialises in moving & handling, housing & equipment and neurological & functional rehabilitation for adult clients.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire, Humberside, North Yorkshire, Hull

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care

Mary Kate

Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Mary Kate is an OT in Northern Ireland, specialising in Seating & Postural Management and delivering expert wheelchair assessments.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Northern Ireland, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry, Tyrone, Belfast

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation

Joanne

London - East, Essex

Based in London, Joanne is a specialist OT offering neurological rehabilitation for clients with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Community access, TBI

Fiona

Belfast, Antrim

Fiona specialises in functional rehabilitation, fatigue management, daily living skills, balance, and self-care. She works across the South of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, South of England, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, Tyrone

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Balance, Self care

Jacqui

Flintshire, Wales

Based in Flintshire, Jacqui is an experienced OT specialising in Functional & Neurological Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Shropshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

BIA

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, Learning disability

Georgia

London

OT Georgia has experience in vocational and functional rehabilitation, as well as expertise in seating and postural management.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Kent

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation

Jordan

Birmingham, West Midlands

Jordan, a Specialist Occupational Therapist in the West Midlands, provides expert support in housing, equipment, rehabilitation, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, West Midlands, Birmingham, Wolverhampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Sam

Cheshire, North West England

Working in the North West and West Midlands, Sam is an expert OT specialising in Neurological Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, West Midlands, East Midlands, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Newport, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Splinting, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Naheed

Coventry, West Midlands

Occupational Therapist Naheed specializes in functional and neurological rehabilitation, housing and equipment, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Ergonomics

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability

Carole

Greater Manchester, North West England

Carole is an experienced Occupational Therapist, supporting clients across North West England with complex needs, home adaptations, and equipment provision.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Greater Manchester, Manchester

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Balance, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Darragh

Dorset, South of England

Darragh is a highly specialist Occupational Therapist who practices in Major Trauma & Orthopaedics & Neurotherapy.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, South of England, South East of England, Dorset, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Behaviour management, Planning & execution, Self care

Sara

Cardiff, The Vale of Glamorgan

Experienced Occupational Therapist, Sara specialises in rehabilitation, delivering compassionate, person-centred care across Wales and South West England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Wales, Avon, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Flintshire, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Torfaen, The Vale of Glamorgan, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Balance, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, Splinting, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Emma

North Yorkshire, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Rebecca Collins is a highly skilled occupational therapist with a specialisation in Functional and Neuro rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, East Riding of Yorkshire, Humberside, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH, AMPS, Train the trainer, Postgraduate cert. Vocational Rehab

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Planning & execution, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Sharne

Hampshire, South of England

Sharne is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Functional Rehab as well as Housing & Equipment. Sharne visits clients across Hampshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, South East of England, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, West Sussex, Brighton, Southampton

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

Jo

Gloucestershire, West and South West of England

Jo has almost two decades of experience in major and minor housing adaptations, moving and handling & rehab in Gloucestershire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Gloucestershire

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation

Stefanie

Southampton, Hampshire

Trained in Sensory Integration techniques, Paediatric Occupational Therapist Stefanie helps families by treating children across Hampshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Functional rehabilitation

Sue

Gloucestershire, West and South West of England

As an OT with nearly 40 years of experience, Sue is an expert in paediatrics; vocational and functional rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, West and South West of England, Wales, Avon, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Worcestershire

Specialisms

Paediatrics, Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, School Based Therapy/Support, Learning disability

Client feedback

Further reading

Our Experts' Blog

Stepping stones to independence – Dressing skills

Dressing is a key step towards independence for children, involving complex motor and sensory skills. This article explores typical dressing development, practical tips for parents and carers, and how occupational therapy can support children facing dressing related challenges.

Read more

Our Experts' Blog

The role of Occupational Therapy in Hand Trauma

Hand therapy is crucial for restoring function and improving quality of life for individuals recovering from hand injuries, as it addresses both the physical limitations and psychological impacts of trauma.

Read more