Examples of how occupational therapy can help

Here are some examples to show the positive effect that occupational therapy could make to your life. Please note, these are not real cases.

• Prashant is an independent 85-year-old who loves walking his dog along the seafront. Recently, he hasn’t been able to do this because his rheumatoid arthritis made it difficult for him to get down the two steep steps at his front door. Following a conversation with an occupational therapist, rails and shallow steps were installed. He can now get out and about again.

• Julie is 46 with a deteriorating neurological condition. She needed her home to be adapted so that she could look after her two children and use her bathroom and kitchen in her wheelchair. An occupational therapist worked with her to provide equipment and recommendations about her home. Julie can now get about indoors, cook for her family and use her bathroom independently.

• Tahra is 55 and her needs were identified during a phone assessment.  She emailed us photos of her bathroom and explained the difficulties she was having. We contacted the district council and, using the information from Tahra, recommended that they installed a level-access shower. The district council assessed Tahra’s financial circumstances and approved the adaptation. We also referred Tahra to have a falls pendant. As a result of contacting us, Tahra will be able to continue living in her home and carry out day-to-day activities independently.

Children's occupational therapy

Henry is four. He has cerebral palsy. Following a home visit, we contacted Henry’s physiotherapist and arranged an assessment for specialist seating and bathing equipment.

We recommended Henry for a Disabled Facilities Grant for housing adaptations, including level wheelchair access into his home and to the living and sleeping areas and . Following the adaptations, Henry and his family could be supported to live in their accessible home, with increased independence, quality of life and safety.