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Moving & handling

If you have client or family member with moving & handling needs our team of expert moving & handling OT’s will work with you in a flexible and adaptive way to advise on equipment, help train carers, as well as provide up to date guidance on legislation and best practice.

Find out how we can help

What is moving & handling?

We refer to moving and handling as the need to move freely around our environment. Sometimes the ability to complete this independently can be compromised temporarily or permanently due to illness or injury for example. It is when assistance maybe required that a moving and handling occupational therapist can help. Some of the activities a moving and handling expert may be involved in are advising carers on the safest way to support movement, recommending specialist equipment such as hoists and beds or developing more formal bespoke training and risk management plans.

Our approach

We aim to provide relevant and timely advice on moving & handling issues in our client's own home. The assessment involves looking at the environment as well as the client and carer needs to ensure the recommendations we make are practical and achievable. Our collaborative approach with the client at the centre involves working with other professionals (case managers, therapists) family members and carers to ensure risks are identified and managed. We also ensure all moving & handling techniques are in line with current legislation and best clinical practice.

Why use The OT Practice to provide moving & handling advice?

We provide advice from the moment you first call us. Our moving & handling enquiries are answered by a member of our client management team who will be able to provide relevant information about our service, answer any questions you may have and provide guidance on next steps.
Using us allows rapid access to expert occupational therapy moving & handling services avoiding long NHS or Social Service waiting lists.
We have a nationwide team of expert moving & handling occupational therapists and will select the best therapist based on location and clinical need.
Our packages of care are provided into client’s own homes meaning that advice is realistic based on the environment and resources available.
We have established relationships of experienced companies to provide support with moving & handling equipment trials or purchases to make the process as easy as possible for you.
We provide an all inclusive cost to ensure that our services are fully transparent from the start.

Packages of care

Assessment & advice

A moving & handling assessment for an adult or child will involve the OT looking at the client, the environment, the carers, current methods and equipment and more. The assessment ideally takes place at home but can also be delivered in a rehabilitation or respite unit with a subsequent visit to the property. During the assessment we aim to provide guidance on best practice and techniques where appropriate.

Once we have a clear picture of the current and likely future moving & handling needs, and possible risks, we will document this in a report. The comprehensive report will include detailed recommendations, a risk assessment and a moving & handling plan. The recommendations may well include an equipment trial, purchase of equipment or additional training.

Equipment trials & quotes

We aim to provide practical advice and solutions to minimise the risk for all involved in the safe moving & handling of clients. Sometimes in order to recommend the most appropriate item of equipment both clinically and for use in the desired environment, a trial maybe beneficial. Our OT can arrange and attend trial sessions with you to ensure the correct specification is taken and quoted for, so as to avoid costly mistakes.

Training

Our team of specialist moving & handling advisors are skilled at training staff, family or carers on the correct techniques and equipment use to maximise safety when completing moving & handling manoeuvres.

Whether it be formal one-to-one or group sessions relating to the specific moving & handling plan for a client or a more generic training course to a staff team, we ensure that the latest legislation and best practices are adhered to.

We also provide commercial practical and theory training to individuals or groups of carers in manageable lengths of time for your organisation, i.e. half days, full days or more comprehensive courses.

Waiting list clearance

Our team work with NHS trusts and social care teams across the UK to reduce moving & handling waiting lists.

When the in-house team are at capacity and moving & handling cases come in, we have the capability to respond immediately ensuring a prompt assessment is delivered, mitigating risks and enabling the client to remain in the community.

Bulk assessments

Our moving & handling team work with organisations to plan and complete large volumns of assessments and reviews ensuring plans and risk assessments are fully up to date.

Whether it be a number of residents in a care home or a children in a school, if there is a moving & handling need our team can provide assessments, plans, reviews and training promptly to maximise safely and minimse risk.

Assessment & advice
Equipment trials & quotes
Training
Waiting list clearance
Bulk assessments

A few of our moving & handling specialists

Meet a selection of our occupational therapists specialising in moving & handling

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

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Mental Health

Hayley is an experienced OT who delivers expert Functional Rehabilitation to clients across East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, Norfolk, Suffolk

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

OT Pilar provides Functional Rehabilitation, Manual Handling, and Pain and Fatigue Management across East Sussex (Brighton) and South London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, East Sussex, West Sussex, London - South, Brighton

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills

Based in Newcastle, Kathryn is an expert OT working with clients with rehabilitation needs across the North East of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

TBI

Suzi, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in moving and handling, routine planning, daily living skills, and planning and execution.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands

Specialisms

Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Planning & execution

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

Aaron, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, functional rehab, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, Leeds, Manchester, Wakefield, Hull

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Routine planning, Community access

OT Stephanie specialises in Functional and Neurological Rehabilitation, and Moving & Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Postural management, Splinting, TBI

Residing in Cardiff, Amy is an OT who supports clients across Wales and the South-West with physical and cognitive needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Wales, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Somerset, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea, Torfaen, The Vale of Glamorgan

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Postural management

Hampshire and West Sussex based occupational therapist Jennie specialises in mental health, Moving & Handling and Housing.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Hampshire, West Sussex

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Daily living skills

Based in Buckinghamshire, Sherean delivers specialist housing & equipment and rehabilitation assessments to clients at home.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS, BIA

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Sensory integration, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Emma an experienced OT based in Hull and provides expert rehabilitation to clients across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Riding of Yorkshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Train the trainer, Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Fatigue management, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Balance, Self care

Ziggy, an Southern based Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, alongside moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care

Based just outside of Gloucester, Rachel is an expert OT working with adults across South West England and South Wales.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Wales, Avon, Bristol

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Specialist skills

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

Karen, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, functional rehabilitation, and moving and handling, with expertise in sensory integration.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh (City of), Highland, Moray, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration

Specialist skills

Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Learning disability, Mental Health

Supporting clients with physical and mental health rehabilitation, Karen is a highly skilled OT based in North London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Motivational issues, Daily living skills, Community access, Balance, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation

Located in Edgeware, Miriam is an expert OT who supports adults of all ages with rehabilitation and housing needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - North, London - East, London - West

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Pain management, Daily living skills, Balance, Co-ordination, Self care, Postural management

OT Claire delivers Seating & Postural Management, Functional Rehabilitation, and Moving & Handling services in Wales (Cardiff, Monmouthshire) and Bristol.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Wales, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, Cardiff

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Self care, Postural management

Lauren, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, and functional rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, The Vale of Glamorgan, London - Central

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Therapeutic listening

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Self care, Postural management, Splinting

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

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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

Specialising in Housing & Equipment, Adaptions, and Moving & Handling, OT Leanne works across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex and Oxfordshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Oxfordshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments

Based in Somerset, Cath is a highly skilled Paediatric OT working with children in their own homes and schools.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Postural management

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

Jennifer is an experienced OT based in Wrexham, providing clients across Wales and the North East with Functional Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside, Shropshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Daily living skills, Balance

Caroline is an Occupational Therapist from Wales, providing Housing & Equipment support to adults with a variety of functional needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Wales, Bristol, Herefordshire, Wiltshire, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Swansea

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Postural management

Elizabeth is a passionate and dedicated Occupational Therapist who has specialised in supporting paediatric clients in London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

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

Working in Kent, Donna is a highly skilled OT specialising in Housing and Equipment interventions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Kent

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Self care

OT Helen works in the Midlands, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Birmingham where she provides Functional Rehabilitation, Moving & Handling and Equipment.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Rachelle is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist specialising in housing, seating, functional and neurological rehabilitation, and moving & handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Hampshire

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Postural management

Based in Northampton, Sophy is an OT with expertise in the field of Neurological Rehabilitation.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Warwickshire, London - North, Coventry, Leicester

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Anxiety management & relaxation, TBI

Sarah is an experienced OT specialising in housing & equipment and vocational rehabilitation, serving Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, East Midlands, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire

Specialisms

Vocational Rehabilitation, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

AMPS, CBT

Specialist skills

Motivational issues, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation, Mental Health

Kate is an experienced OT based in Stratford-upon-Avon, specialising in Housing & Equipment and Moving & Handling with adult clients.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, West and South West of England, South of England, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Coventry

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation

Roisin is an OT that specialises in Paediatrics, Seating, Functional Rehabilitation and Moving & Handling throughout Hampshire, specifically Southampton.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South of England, Hampshire, Southampton

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Behaviour management, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Social integration, Learning disability

Helena, a highly skilled occupational therapist based in the Northwest of England, specifically Manchester, Salford, and Greater Manchester

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Greater Manchester, Manchester, Salford

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Motivational issues, Daily living skills, Community access, Planning & execution, Self care, Anxiety management & relaxation

Cathy is an experienced OT working in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire with adult clients with physical needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, East Anglia, London, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Suffolk, London - North

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation

Livonia, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, seating and postural management, and moving and handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London

Specialisms

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

Suzanna is an expert Occupational Therapist based in Wales, specialising in Housing & Equipment, and Moving & Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, Learning disability

OT Jodie provides Neurological rehabilitation in the South East of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling, Neurological rehabilitation

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Planning & execution, Self care, TBI

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

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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

Working in North West England (Greater Manchester, Lancashire & Merseyside) OT Fran specialises in Paediatrics, Seating and Moving & Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Postural management

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

Specialising in Housing & Equipment, Chandrajeet is an experienced OT based in West London.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

London, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London - Central, London - West

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

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

Based in Somerset, Sarah is an OT with expertise in Housing & Equipment assessments and interventions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon, Somerset

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Self care, Postural management

Jacqui, an OT with a focus on housing and equipment, moving and handling, and functional rehabilitation, is based in Surrey.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Surrey, West Sussex

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Roberta is an experienced OT based in Northampton, offering specialist Housing & Equipment, Seating, and Moving & Handling recommendations.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Warwickshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

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

Visiting clients across the South-West, Katie is an OT with expertise in Housing & Equipment, Seating, and Moving & Handling.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, PIPs, Fatigue management, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation

Anna, a dedicated Occupational Therapist based in the Midlands, serves Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and Stoke-on-Trent and has multiple specialisms.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, East Midlands, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

BOBATH

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Splinting, TBI

Based in Solihull, Catherine is an OT with over 15 years’ experience and particular expertise in Trauma and Orthopaedics.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West Midlands, Warwickshire, West Midlands

Specialisms

Seating and Postural management, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Blue Badges / Mobility Assessments, Daily living skills, Self care

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, Bristol, Swansea

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Further qualifications

Certificate in Education

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Wheelchair accreditation, Anxiety management & relaxation

Located in Devon, Amy is an expert OT who provides specialist interventions for clients across the South-West of England.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

West and South West of England, Devon, Dorset, Somerset

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Train the trainer

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Gross motor skills, Self care, Postural management, TBI

Tanya is an OT in Housing & Equipment and Moving & Handling, visiting clients across Hertfordshire, London, and East Anglia.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Anglia, London, South of England, South East of England, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, East Sussex, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Northamptonshire, Suffolk

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Motivational interviewing, DFG Assessments, Fatigue management, Pain management, Motivational issues, Routine planning, Daily living skills, Community access, Self care, Social integration, Postural management, Anxiety management & relaxation, Learning disability

Amy is an OT based in Staffordshire, delivering expert Housing & Equipment assessments for adults with physical disabilities and conditions.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, West Midlands, East Midlands, West and South West of England, South East of England, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Devon, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Kent, Leicestershire, Merseyside, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester, Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, PIPs, Daily living skills

Based in Northumberland, Lorraine is an expert Paediatric OT supporting children of all ages with physical and sensory needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

Scotland, Cleveland, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Borders

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration, AMPS, Chailey Postural Management

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Fine motor skills, Handwriting assessment & treatment, Visual perception, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, DMO (Lycra) Splinting, School Based Therapy/Support, Learning disability

Specialising in Housing & Equipment for adult and paediatric clients, Louella is a highly skilled OT based in Buckinghamshire.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

South East of England, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

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

Sally, an Occupational Therapist, specialises in housing and equipment, along with moving and handling. she has expertise working with DFGs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Specialisms

Housing and Equipment, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

DFG Assessments, Daily living skills

Based in Derbyshire, Lisa works across the North of England supporting adults and children with Housing & Equipment needs.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, West and South West of England, East Anglia, London, South of England, South East of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales, Derbyshire

Specialisms

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

Jessica is a highly skilled Occupational Therapist who works with adults across the East Midlands area.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

East Midlands, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, West Midlands, Birmingham, Coventry, Nottingham, Leicester, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

Fatigue management, Routine planning, Financial management, Daily living skills, Community access, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Visual perception, Balance, Co-ordination, Planning & execution, Self care, Postural management, Wheelchair accreditation, TBI

Catherina is an Occupational Therapist specialising in Functional Rehabilitation. She is based in Essex, visiting clients across the county.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

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

Specialisms

Functional rehabilitation, Moving and Handling

Specialist skills

Daily living skills, Self care, Wheelchair accreditation

Stephanie, an accomplished Occupational Therapist residing in Nottinghamshire, serving regions across the north of England and the midlands.

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Profession

Occupational Therapy

Regions covered

North West England, North East England, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, West and South West of England, East Anglia, London, Wales

Specialisms

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

Further qualifications

Sensory Integration

Specialist skills

Pain management, Sensory integration, Gross motor skills, Fine motor skills, Social integration, Learning disability

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, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Shropshire, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Liverpool, Manchester

Specialisms

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

Specialist skills

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

Services for businesses, organisations and the public sector

Care homes

Individual or group assessments with training and equipment solutions.

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Charities

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

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Local authorities

Moving & handling waiting list clearance or management solutions.

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NHS trusts

Assessments, plans, equipment solutions and reviews for in house, community or rehabilitation settings.

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Case managers

A complete moving & handling service including assessment, report, plans, training, equipment advice and reviews.

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Healthcare concierge

Assessment, training and advice for clients in their own homes in the UK or internationally.

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Commonly asked questions about our Moving & Handling service

Questions about how OT's can help with moving & handling

How do I choose the right slings for bathing, toileting and transfers and how an occupational therapist can help?

Choosing the correct sling to assist with moving & handling is key to a successful transfer with minimal risk and maximum comfort for all involved.

Our occupational therapists are experts in this field. Prior to selecting the most appropriate sling we would consider:

The specific activity that the sling is to be used for i.e. bathing, toileting or dry activities.
The details of the person being moved i.e. body shape, height, weight and medical conditions.
The environment in which the sling is being used.
The equipment the sling will be attached to.
The skill level of the carers.

Through focusing on these key principles we can optimise successful outcomes whilst ensuring comfort, support, respect and dignity to our clients and carers.

Find out more about moving around the home and how our OT’s can help.

How do I choose the right hoist?

The selection of the most appropriate hoist is dependent on a number of factors including:

The client’s body shape, size, weight, height, medical conditions and their cognitive abilities.
The reasoning for its use.
The environment in which the hoist will be used in and available space.
The skill level and physical capabilities of the carers.

The appropriate selection of the most suitable hoist can reduce the number of carers required for transfers thereby reducing costs and maximising the client’s dignity and privacy. It is general practice for 2 people to operate a mobile hoist and 1 or more people to operate a ceiling track hoist (although this is depending on the factors listed above).

An occupational therapist who specialises in moving & handling can offer expert advice on hoist types specific to that client therefore optimising successful outcomes.

What is the difference between a mobile and a ceiling track hoist?

Mobile hoists are used to assist the safe and effective transfer of a client over a short distance. They can be flexible, portable and cost-effective. However it is recommended that 2 carers are present for their use as they are required to push or pull the weight of the hoist and the client during the transfer. Mobile hoists can be categorised into manual or electric operating systems.

Ceiling track hoists are physically easier for the carer to use as they do not require them to physically manoeuvre the hoist and the weight of the client. Ceiling track hoists enables the carer to glide the client along the track with minimal effort. They are typically used when environmental space is limited and the use of the hoist a more permanent solution.

A ceiling track hoist can be more expensive to install than a mobile one and can be categorised into single or crossing track operating systems depending if their use is from one single point to another or if there is a requirement for the client to be transferred for varying locations in range of the tracks.

What moving & handling training do I or carers need?

This can vary depending on the nature of your employment or caring requirements. However, it is essential that you know about the safe movement and handling of clients to prevent injury to yourself or them. It would be relevant to explore what types of movements you need to assist your clients with and within what environmental areas for example:

Within the bedroom your client’s may require assistance to get in/out, reposition or to sit in bed.
In the bathroom they may need assistance to get on/off the toilet, to access the bath/shower.
They may require assistance to get on/off chair, to stand, to walk or to transport in a vehicle.

The most common injuries with moving & handling are back injuries which will limit your movement and ability to care and fulfil your employment duties.

There are several ways in which you can minimise these injuries including specific training to your area of work or caring environment, support and the purchase of appropriate equipment.

How do you complete a moving & handling risk assessment and plan?

The aim of a moving & handling plan is to identify and mitigate the risks that may occur when moving a person or load. Whether it be for an individual client in a care setting or the movement of loads in the workplace, a moving & handling plan is a vital part of reducing the risk of injury.

An occupational therapist who specialises within moving & handling can assist you to complete the assessment and would seek to explore:

The type and frequency of moving & handling tasks.
Your equipment needs.
Staffing levels.
The environment.
What is required in emergencies such as fire evacuations or falls.

Once the risks are identified, your occupational therapist can advise on appropriate precautions to mitigate them.

How can an occupational therapist help with hoisting in the community?

When an occupational therapist assesses and advises on hoisting in the community they are looking to:

Identify current challenges and risks both during the day and at night.
Assess environmental restrictions.
Identify the abilities of the current carers.
Establish the moving & handling goals of the client and the carers.
Pressure care and the medical requirements of the client.

The information is gained through:

Observation of current techniques.
Establishing a current list of equipment and observing its use.
A collaborative assessment of, and with, the client and carers.

Once our occupational therapist has a clear picture of the hoisting needs of a client, they will provide practical advice and recommendations on what can be implemented to minimise risk and promote the safe moving & handling for all parties. Recommendations may include:

Training for carers and the client.
Equipment trials.
Provision of new equipment such as hoists, beds or slings.
A detailed moving & handling plan to be shared with all parties and to travel with the client should they be admitted to hospital for example.

Questions about conditions that impact on moving & handling

Can you hoist an amputee?

Yes. However a full moving & handling risk assessment would need to be completed to ensure you have selected the most suitable hoist and sling type and the carers are appropriately trained. An occupational therapist can complete a specific assessment of a client's moving & handling needs both during the day and at night and advise accordingly.

Find out more about amputations and how our OT’s can help.

Which hoists and slings are best for neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis?

There are a number of hoists and slings available for a large range of conditions including neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

However, the type of hoist and sling recommended would depend on the individual client and the impact of the condition on their ability to transfer.

An occupational therapist can complete a specific assessment of a client's day and night time moving & handling needs. This would allow them to make recommendations about the most appropriate hoist and sling to meet the client's needs.

The assessment will look at:

The client’s current and likely future clinical and medical needs.
Pressure care.
The level of support they are currently requiring.
The environment that equipment is likely to be used in i.e. how much space is there?
If equipment is likely to be required to be transportable for holidays or short breaks.
The ability and knowledge of carers.
The goals and wishes of the client and their carers.

Once the above information is collated, the OT can advise on the next steps. Sometimes we are able to recommend appropriate equipment immediately after an assessment, in which case all relevant details will be provided. However if the client’s needs or requirements are more complex, the OT may well recommend a trial with an experienced and knowledgable hoist and sling company. This ensures that the purchase of equipment is suitable for both the immediate and long term needs of the client.

Our OT can arrange for equipment trails to happen in the client’s home at a time suitable for them. It is always advised that the occupational therapist also attends this appointment to ensure that the most clinically and cost effective solution is purchased.

Find out more about multiple sclerosis and how our OT’s can help.

What advice can you give for hoisting someone that goes into spasms and how an occupational therapist can help?

The advice given will depend on the person and the nature and duration of their spasms. An occupational therapist can complete a specific assessment of a person's moving & handling needs. This will enable us to explore the requirement of specific equipment and to make cost-effective and clinically relevant recommendations as to which hoist/sling type would suit them best.

What advice can you give for hoisting someone a high spinal injury and how an occupational therapist can help?

The advice given will depend on the client and the nature of their injury. An occupational therapist with specialist experience in the moving & handling of client's with a spinal injury, can complete a specific assessment of the moving & handling needs. This will enable them to:

Recommend specific equipment such as hoists, slings, beds and chairs.
Training for carers.
environmental alterations such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Specialist equipment trails.

Find out more about spinal injury and how our OT’s can help.

How can an occupational therapist help with hoisting someone with Dementia?

An occupational therapist with experience in the special considerations for a client with dementia, can complete a specific assessment of a client’s moving & handling needs. The assessment will look at:

The client’s current and likely future clinical and medical needs.
Pressure care.
The level of support they are currently requiring.
The environment that equipment is likely to be used in i.e. how much space is there?
If equipment is likely to be required to be transportable for holidays or short breaks.
The ability and knowledge of carers.
The goals and wishes of the client and their carers.

This will enable us to explore the requirement of specific equipment and to make cost-effective and clinically relevant recommendations that may include:

Specific equipment such as hoists, slings, beds and chairs.
Training for carers.
environmental alterations such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Specialist equipment trails.

Find out more about dementia and how our OT’s can help.

What advice can you give for hoisting someone following brain injuries or stroke and how an occupational therapist can help?

An occupational therapist, with experience in the special considerations for a client with a brain injury can complete a specific assessment of a client’s moving & handling needs. The information gathered in the assessment will inform the occupational therapist to be able to provide tailored advice on the moving & handling needs of the client. Recommendations may include:

Equipment such as hoists, slings, specialist beds or chairs.
Training for carers.
Trails of more specialist equipment.
Environmental alterations to allow the use of the required equipment and minimising risks to carers.

Find out more about brain injury and how our OT’s can help.

Questions about seeking independent occupational therapy moving & handling assessments or advice

What is involved in a Moving & Handling assessment and how long does it take?

Initial moving & handling assessments can take between 2 to 3 hours. The assessment generally includes:

Discussions with the client and their carers over the previous, current and desired future moving & handling plan.
Assessment of the client’s current and likely future physical and cognitive needs.
An environmental assessment.
Observation and analysis of the current moving & handling techniques and equipment being used.
Observation and analysis of the equipment currently being used.
Review of carer training to date and their level of ability and knowledge.

The assessment is a combination of observation, activity analysis and clinical interview.

What happens after the assessment?

Following the assessment, the OT will complete a comprehensive moving & handling assessment report, risk assessment and handling management plan.

The OT will make practical recommendations on what can be implemented to reduce risk and maximise safe and efficient transfers.

Following an assessment, where do you source your equipment?

We will always recommend the most clinically appropriate item of equipment for the client. The OT Practice have a large network of supplies to offer a range of equipment solutions; we recognise that everyone’s handling needs are different and frequently arrange for rep visits to trial equipment rather than recommend ‘off the shelf’ products.

What training do you provide for support workers and family members?

If the OT identifies that training for support staff and carers is required then a bespoke training package can be provided. The sessions could be for groups of employed carers or one to one sessions for a family carer.

The sessions are structured around the individual needs of the client and their family or care team. Handouts are provided to support the session and we will use the moving & handling plan as the base for teaching so that it becomes a familiar and working document for the family and carers.

Who else do you provide training for?

In addition to providing training for carers of clients, The OT Practice can provide theory and practical training for care service providers, schools / colleges, nursing / residential homes and businesses at a location of their preference. The OT Practice will provide all course materials and handouts.

What is covered in a training session?

This list is not exhaustive and can be tailored to meet your specific needs and requirements:

Relevant legislation, employer and employee responsibilities.
Spinal function; the importance of good back care including static postures and other risk factors of back pain.
The principles of normal human movement.
Controversial techniques.
Risk assessment documentation.
An awareness of workplace hazards and risks.
Principles of safe moving & handling using an ergonomic approach.
Practical demonstrations of safer manual handling techniques using the principles of biomechanics.
The use of problem solving scenarios.

Training sessions can vary in length from a few hours for a private client to 1 or 2 days initial or refresher training for staff groups; course content will be adapted accordingly.

Do you provide training certificates?

Yes, certificates of competence will be provided at the end of the training session.

Do you supply your own handling aids/hoists for the training?

We are happy use equipment that is already in place, provided it is fit for purpose and in safe working order. If we need to bring our own, this can be arranged at an additional hire charge.

I have heard of ‘train the trainer’ what does this mean?

These are specific training courses for clinicians who are involved in the training of others. There are a number of reputable organisations providing people handling training in the UK; these are usually 4-5 days in duration and provide theory and practical knowledge, skills and course materials to design, develop and deliver training to groups of staff including carers, nursing/residential homes and home care agencies.

Courses are accredited with the CPD Certification Service. Refresher training is recommended every 2 years.

How do you recruit your moving & handling experts?

All our OTs are interviewed prior to joining us. We ask for a minimum of 5 years post qualifying experience and they must be registered with the HCPC and members of The College of Occupational Therapists. Many of our Moving & Handling advisors are also members of the National Back Exchange. We obtain copies of all relevant documentation such as DBS, HCPC and professional body registration certificates. Through this process we select the OTs that are experts in their field and have the knowledge, skills and experience required to work to a high standard expected in private practice

Can you explain the difference in terminology between Manual Handling and Moving & Handling?

There has been a shift away from the rather outdated term Manual Handling as this suggests physical labour involving bodily force and effort; going back 15 years, many of the recommended techniques involved ‘lifting’ such as the Australian lift, Orthodox lift and Drag lift. These moves are deemed to be higher risk to both the client and carer. Good practice indicates that these moves are only to be used on life threatening/emergency situations. Moving & handling is a better description of our focus on how people move or are assisted to move.

Moving & handling

What is moving & handling?

Our approach

Why use The OT Practice to provide moving & handling advice?

Public sector, charities and businesses

Common difficulties we treat

Common conditions we help with

Packages of care

Assessment & advice

Equipment trials & quotes

Training

Waiting list clearance

Bulk assessments

A few of our moving & handling specialists

Khatira

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Hayley

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Pilar

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Kathryn

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Suzi

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Mary Kate

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Aaron

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Stephanie

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Amy

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Jennie

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Specialist skills

Sherean

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Emma

Profession

Regions covered

Specialisms

Further qualifications

Specialist skills

Ziggy

Profession