Occupational therapy, equipment or adaptations

Get support to help you stay safe, independent and comfortable at home.

Adult Community Occupational Therapy (ACOT) is a social care service supported by occupational therapy staff from both health and social care teams.

Occupational therapists support adults who are living with a disability, long-term health condition or illness. They can also provide advice and support to carers, family members, friends and neighbours who help someone with daily living activities.

Occupational therapy focuses on helping you manage everyday activities both at home and in the community, so you can remain as independent as possible.

How occupational therapy can help

An occupational therapist can assess your needs and recommend practical solutions to help you manage daily life more safely and independently.

We can help if you are finding it difficult to:

  • get in and out of the bath or shower
  • move around your home safely
  • access key areas of your home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, stairs or living areas
  • get in and out of bed
  • enter or leave your property
  • get out and about in your local community
  • carry out personal care tasks and other daily activities

You may benefit from occupational therapy if:

  • you are finding everyday tasks harder to manage
  • you feel unsafe in your home
  • you are at risk of falling
  • your home environment no longer meets your needs
  • you need support to remain independent

How we assess your needs

A member of the team will contact you by phone or arrange to visit you at home.

During the assessment, we will discuss the activities you are finding difficult and look at how you manage daily life in your home.

We will consider:

  • your ability to move around your home safely
  • how you complete everyday tasks
  • any risks to your safety and independence
  • the suitability of your home environment
  • the support available from carers, family members, friends or neighbours

If someone provides regular support to you, they may be considered your carer. We will also consider their needs and ability to continue providing support safely.

Where appropriate, we may work with other health professionals, services and organisations to make sure you receive the right support.

What happens after the assessment

Following your assessment, we may provide advice, information and guidance, or make recommendations to help you manage daily activities more independently.

This may include:

  • helping you find different ways to complete tasks that you find difficult
  • recommending equipment to support daily living
  • arranging minor adaptations, such as grab rails
  • recommending major adaptations, such as ramps or stairlifts
  • providing advice and equipment to help carers support you safely
  • identifying ways to reduce risks and help you remain independent

Recommendations are based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Request occupational therapy support

If you think you would benefit from occupational therapy support, we will talk to you about your situation and discuss how we may be able to help.

To get started, complete our online referral form.

Start now

Other sources of support

Get support with your wheelchair

If you need help with a wheelchair, contact the Wheelchair Service through the Provide Equipment Hub.

Daily living equipment

You can buy many small daily living aids directly from retailers, including:

  • grab sticks
  • raised toilet seats
  • kitchen aids
  • kettle tippers
  • easy-grip cutlery

Living Made Easy provides information, advice and supplier details to help you choose equipment that meets your needs. We recommend comparing products and prices before making a purchase.

If you are unsure which equipment is right for you or need specialist advice, an occupational therapist may be able to help.

Age UK

Age UK provides information and advice about equipment and home adaptations that can help you continue living independently.

Your GP

If you have concerns about walking indoors or getting around outdoors, your GP may be able to refer you for a mobility aid or wheelchair assessment.

Help with home repairs

You may be able to get help with repairs and maintenance to your home through our Staying Put service.

Equipment collection, exchange or repair

If you no longer need equipment that has been provided to you, or it needs repairing, visit equipment collection, exchange or repair.