Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy services may be able to help if you are finding it difficult to keep your independence, or if your safety, physical and mental well-being are affected. For example, you may have difficulty with:

washing yourself, dressing, and going to the toilet
moving about in your home
cooking and washing
getting out and about.

Occupational Therapists can offer assistance to friends and family who may be looking after you. Services are available for children (from birth) through to adults in old age. Occupational Therapy services are also provided within the Health Service and by some voluntary organisations.

How can an Occupational Therapist help?

Some of the ways that an Occupational Therapist may be able to help you or the person you care for are by:

finding out the reasons for your difficulties
offering you information and advice to help you and your carer understand and cope with your condition
helping you achieve your work, day-time and leisure requirements
advising you on or providing you with specialist equipment in your home
advising you on or helping you to arrange alterations to your home
seeking the assistance of others on your behalf and with your permission
giving advice and information to others to make sure you can use their facilities, e.g. access to buildings.

How do I get help?

The first step is to contact your local Social Work office. You may wish to ask someone to do this on your behalf, such as a relative, friend, doctor or community nurse. Before receiving a service we usually meet with you to find out what services would best support you. More information is available in our how to get a service pages.

Will I have to pay?

There is no charge for equipment. For alterations to your home, where you own your own home or rent your home from a private landlord, there may be a charge, based on a financial assessment.

More information

You may find the following information helpful:

Occupational Therapy in the Community information leaflet (pdf 55.5Kb)
Borders Ability Equipment Service provides a range of equipment to people across the Borders who are aiming to maximise their independence and mobility.
Home adaptations and improvements grants for people with a disability.