Mobility problems

Mobility problems can be dealt with by both physiotherapists and occupational therapists and there is often confusion as to who provides what.

Contact your GP surgery and ask for an appointment with a physiotherapist if the person you are caring for has difficulty walking and/or managing steps and stairs and you feel they would benefit from an assessment for a walking frame or other mobility equipment. A physiotherapist may suggest an exercise programme to improve walking and/or provide a walking aid.

Contact Adult Services OT Direct and ask for Occupational Therapy advice in the following situations:

• If difficulty getting around at home is primarily due to the home environment, that is the construction of steps and stairs, narrow doorways or lack of space
• If the person you are caring for has difficulty managing everyday activities like getting in and out of bed, on and off a chair or the toilet
• If you are struggling to cope generally for whatever reason, there is risk of injury, and you need help to manage

Independent advice on suitable adaptations

• College of Occupational Therapist - you can arrange for an assessment and they will be able to advise on what is suitable to meet your needs, particularly if you are planning to fund any work yourself.

Independent agencies who could provide adaptations

• Home Improvement Agency (HIA) also known as In Touch. The staff at your local HIA can help you with your application for the Disabled Facilities Grant. If you do not qualify for a grant, HIA staff can suggest other means of funding the work.
• Design Options for a Versatile Environment (DOVE) - Staff can give advice and suggestions about how you could adapt your home to meet your needs, including trying out a stairlift. Tel 02392 78 7788

Help from Hampshire County Council on suitable adaptations

• Occupational Therapy - you can get information, advice and help on all aspects of making alterations to your home from Occupational Therapists, who can carry out an assessment of what you can and can’t do. For further information or to arrange to see an Occupational Therapist, contact OT Direct.

Local Housing Authority who could provide adaptations

• Your Local Council Housing Department can provide Disabled Facilities Grants to pay, or help pay, for alterations. Grants are means-tested and people also have to meet the medical criteria which apply. These include an occupational therapy assessment to support the request for a grant.
  Contact OT direct  to discuss whether you are eligible for an occupational therapy assessment to support the request for a grant. You need to be registrable as disabled and meet the medical criteria which apply.