Occupational Therapy

What do Occupational Therapists do?

"Occupational therapists help people who are ill, disabled or feeling the effects of ageing to do the things that are important to them - such as preparing a meal, working, or undertaking a favourite hobby. Their work could involve:

• Giving advice on how the home or workplace environment could be changed (for example, ensuring wheelchair ramps are installed, or using new technology to make home adaptations)
• Helping people to learn new ways of doing things (for example, teaching someone with reduced stamina how to conserve energy when performing daily activities)
• Adapting materials or equipment (for example, adjusting a knife for someone after they have lost hand dexterity)"

(British Association of Occupational Therapists)

If you have hearing or sight loss problems then see the Hearing loss or Sight loss pages, as an Adult Services Specialist Advisor can help.

Assessment - what help do you need?

Everyone is entitled to an assessment of their needs to see if the Department can help.

When you contact the Adult Services Department, someone will ask about the problems you are having. If the outcome of this initial discussion is that you would benefit from further assessment, we will make you an appointment to meet a Care Manager - often in your own home - for a detailed 'assessment' of what help you need. This means that you will be able to talk in detail about the problems you are having and the Care Manager will try to find the best way of helping to reduce the risks that are preventing you living safely and independently at home. Even if you do not need further support from Adult Services, we will offer you information and advice about ways you can find the help you want.

Whenever possible Adult Services will give you choices about the help and services they can give you. When it has been agreed what kind of help you need, and how it will be provided, you will get a written 'care plan'. This plan is regularly reviewed with you.

You are entitled to have an assessment of your needs even if you may be paying for your care yourself, and if you would like support to make arrangements for your care we will also help you with this.

Other sources of help

• Adaptations and equipment for the home
• Specialist equipment for hearing loss
• Specialist equipment for sight loss
• Home fire safety visits

Contacts

• For Hampshire - OT Direct: 0845 600 4555
  Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Fridays 8.30am to 4.30pm
  Fax: 01329 282534
  email OTDirect@hants.gov.uk

• For Portsmouth, Southampton and other authorities see our
  Neighbouring authorities web pages