How to access occupational therapy

You can get a referralfor freeoccupational therapy through yourGP surgery, localcouncil orlocal clinical commissioning group, or you can go private.

The duration and severity ofyour condition determines whether you can access care through your local council or the NHS. In general:

• for short-term conditions, such as after an operation, occupational therapy is usually accessed through the NHS
• for long-term conditions, such as a permanent physical disability, occupational therapy is usually accessed through your local council

If you are not sure how to access occupational therapy, you can contact your local council and ask if they provide occupational therapy to someone in your situation. You cansearch for your local council on theGOV.UK website. If they cannot help you, they may suggest that you speak to your GP.

Private occupational therapy

If you do not want to access occupational therapy through the NHS or your local council, you could contact an occupational therapist directly. If you decide to see a private occupational therapist, make sure they are fully qualified anda member of a recognised body, such as the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT).

Only healthcare professionals registered with theHealth and Care Professions Council (HCPC) are allowed to use the title of "occupational therapist". You can see if your occupational therapist is registered by checking the HCPC online register.

If you choose to access occupational therapy privately, heed the below advice about buying your own equipment.

Short-term conditions

If you require occupational therapy because of a short-term condition, it is usually the responsibility of the NHS to provide this.

Speak to one of the healthcare professionals treating you. They will discuss your needs and decide if you would benefit from occupational therapy.

If it is decided you would benefit from occupational therapy, an assessment with an occupational therapist can be arranged as part of your care.

At your assessment, your occupational therapist will decide if you need any equipment or training.

It may be provided free of charge by the NHS, although this could depend on what is available from yourlocal clinical commissioning group (CCG).

Long-term conditions

If you have a long-term conditionaffecting your ability to carry out most everyday activities, you may be able to access occupational therapy through your local council.

Local councils usually provide occupational therapy as part of their social care services. They may work with local NHS providers and organisations, and other councils to run these.

Councils have eligibility criteria to determine whether someone can receive social care services such as occupational therapy. This is largely based on the Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2014.

The criteria may vary slightly between councils, but should include the following points:

• your needs arise from or are related to a physical or mental impairment or illness
• you're unable to carry out certain necessary tasks as a result of your needs, such as washing yourself, getting dressed or going to the toilet
• being unable to complete these tasks has a significant impact on your wellbeing

You can contact the social services department of your local council to arrange an assessment or your needs, or you can be referred for an assessment by:

• your GP or consultant (specialist doctor)
• a nurse
• another healthcare professional
• a social care professional

Assessing your needs

Anassessor can carry out a health and social assessment to identify what areas of your everyday life are causing problems. They will discuss your needs with you and explain what help is available. An assessment and any advice or information should be free.

These decisions are made as part of your health and social care assessment (see above).

Equipment might include items such as:

• two-handled cups, tap turners and kettle tippers for the kitchen
• grab rails and raised toilet seats in the bathroom
• bed raisers and hoists in the bedroom

However, different local authorities may charge for some pieces of equipment.

You may needadaptations made to your house. These changes may be carried out free of charge, but this will depend on your local authority.

Larger, more expensive items and major adaptations may be the responsibility of the housing department. You may need to contribute towards the cost of these items, or you may be able to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with the cost.

ADisabled Facilities Grant(in England) is a grant from your local council to pay for changes to your home so you can continue to live there. Similar grants are available in Scotland, but each local authority should be contacted to establish what their criteria is.

The amount paid through the grant will depend on your income and outgoings. Contact the disability employment adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus for advice and assistance, or see the GOV.UK website for information aboutAccess to Work.

Buying your own equipment

You may choose to buy your own equipment rather than use the equipment provided by your local council. If you are going to buy your own equipment, it is still a good idea to have an assessment by an occupational therapist. They can provide guidance on what equipment is most suitable and advise you on what is available.

Sources of advice

Ricais a consumer research charity that produces information for disabled and older consumers. All reports are based on independent research carried out by Rica. This includes user trials, technical tests and survey work.

Help is also available from the Disabled Living Foundation. This national charity provides free, impartial advice about all types of home adaptation and mobility products for disabled adults and children, and older people.

Equipment loans

If you need some equipment on a short-term basisfor example, because someone with a disability is visiting youyour localBritish Red Cross can often lend you wheelchairs and other equipment for short periods of time.