Occupational therapy

Our Occupational Therapy Service mainly work with adults. We can help you become more independent and overcome the effects of disability caused by:

• physical or psychological illness
• accidents
• ageing 

Request an occupational therapy assessment

If you have difficulty carrying out everyday activities, we can make an assessment for equipment and home adaptations. 

Return your form to:

Email: [email protected] 

You can also contact us to request an assessment:

Telephone: 030 3333 3001

How occupational therapy can help

We may recommend:

• different and safer ways of doing things
• appropriate equipment to help with activities – for example, a higher toilet seat with arms to make it easier and safer to stand up and sit down
• minor adaptations to your home – for example, an additional banister rail to make using stairs safer if you have reduced grip strength in one hand
• specialist removable equipment within your home – for example, a suitable lift to allow you to access essential upstairs rooms in a wheelchair
• structural adaptations to your home – for example, replacing your bath with a wet floor shower area if it is not possible to get in and out of the bath with equipment
• advice about rehousing if your home is not suitable to adapt to your needs

Home visits and waiting lists

We usually need to carry out a home visit to fully assess the difficulties you are experiencing. 

We have a high demand for assessments and operate a waiting list. Our waiting list is prioritised based on the level of risk you are at. It takes into account the possibility to reduce that risk (by not carrying out an activity or doing it in a different way) while waiting for assessment.

Costs

Our information and advice are free.

Any equipment we supply is on loan and is free of charge. Equipment is delivered, fitted and collected by Integrated Community Equipment Services.

Integrated Community Equipment Services – Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership

Minor adaptations

There is no charge for minor adaptations. 

If you live in a housing association property, we will submit a recommendation to your housing association.

Major adaptations

If you live in a privately owned property and need a structural adaptation, you may have to pay a maximum of 20% of the cost.

If you live in a housing association property, we will submit a recommendation to your housing association.

Small equipment

We do not supply small kitchen equipment and dressing equipment. You can buy this equipment from local pharmacies and some larger branches of supermarkets or through online suppliers. These items include:

• specialised cutlery, plates and cups
• jar openers
• lever taps
• shoe horns
• easy reachers
• sock aids
• grabbers

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs for ongoing use are assessed by WestMARC – West of Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Centre. 

Contact your GP surgery to ask if they will make a referral. 

Wheelchairs for short-term use

If you need a wheelchair for short-term use following recovery from surgery or injury, or as part of end-of-life care, these may be available for a maximum of 8 weeks. 

These are usually provided by a health or social care professional working with you. 

You can request one by calling us:

Telephone: 030 33 33 3001

Commodes and incontinence products

To request a commode or incontinence products, contact your GP surgery district nursing service.

Mobility equipment 

We do not accept requests specifically for walking equipment, such as walking sticks, zimmer frames and rollators.

If you feel an assessment of your mobility is required, please contact us to request a physiotherapy referral:

Telephone: 030 33 33 3001