INDEPENDENT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAMMES AND ASSESSMENTS

As an Independent Occupational Therapist based in Brighton, Sussex I work with adults and older people who have a wide range of conditions and presenting difficulties. I offer assessment, advise and interventions to people in their own homes or community settings both short and long term and I am able to refer to other Private and Public Sector Therapists and Health Professionals ie: Physiotherapists whom I work alongside if needed. 

NEEDS: Do you have an illness, injury or disability? A visual impairment? Do you suffer with chronic pain or fatigue? Are you experiencing increasing difficulties with the little tasks that you always took for granted? or Have you received an assessment from statutory services but don’t meet their criteria for equipment/services? You may have difficulty in the following areas and if so; as an Independent OT I can assist you.

Getting about – difficulty standing for long periods or walking inside and/or out and using transport. Independently using your chair, bed, toilet or car seat.Personal care – washing, bathing, showering, toileting, dressing, maintaining your appearance, eating and drinking, managing medication. Preparing meals, shopping, cleaning, laundry and ironing. Do you look after someone and is it impacting on your physical and emotional health and wellbeing. Do you feel you have lost your autonomy, independence and leisure activities due to ill health and loss of function.If any of the above resonates with you, Occupational Therapy can meet your needs through the following interventions and could also include and a Graded Personal Training Programme to regain lost skills:

Advise and support. I can advise on the best pathway or referral that you may need and availability in your area of services you can access.

Rehabilitation including Falls Prevention Programmes. Compensatory techniques. Rehab programmes that can incorporate equiment initially to support the journey to full independence or use to maintain. Person lead approach is always centre of my work, you are unique and therefor your needs will be to. 

Equipment. This may be anything from a walking stick/frame, bathroom rails or advise on specific pieces of furniture to meet your current and future needs, ie: Riser Recliner Armchair or Bed.

Adaptations to your home. Sometimes a more permanent solution is required and adapting your current home is preferable to moving. However if a move is needed then guidance on properties and possible solutions can be jointly looked at; along with advise on Grants available to help you achieve your need. 

Care / support guidance and referral. Local authorities offer registered lists of Care Agencies etc and i can help sign post you in the right direction and even join you for a joint visit to a facility if needed. 

Please read the page on Personal Training and Exercise Referral as these could be use alongside the Occupational Therapy intervention so that you receive an Holistic assessment and provision that not only meets your needs now but is a start to your 'lifestyle' change. 

Falls Prevention Programme: Falling over is a major cause of disability in the UK, with around half of falls resulting in significant injury leading to reduced confidence, social isolation and subsequently loss of independence. Many falls are easily preventable with a few adjustments around the home, along with physical activity to increase strength and balance. I offer a 12-week Falls Prevention Programme, all conducted within the home, to reduce the risk of falling while increasing mobility and confidence, including:

A full initial assessment of the person’s physical aptitude, their domestic environment and their mobility out-of-doors; with a full Report provided after the assessment and frequent reviews during the programme. Recommendations for home adaptations to reduce the risk of falls (installation can be arranged if desired) An individualised, illustrated exercise programme to help increase strength, balance and flexibility. Guidance and practical demonstrations to help you cope in the event that a fall does occur. Advice to family and carers. Nutritional support can also be given with referral to a qualified practitioner or GP for those with special dietry needs due to their health condtion. I am able to assist with Nutrition using the Healthy Eating Guidelines for General Health and Well Being of healthy adults. (See Personal Training). Please contact me for prices. 

I accept referrals from individual clients and their families/carers, GPs, local authorities, housing associations, charities, and care providers.I cover all of Sussex and I am willing to travel further afield, depending on your own requirements. To arrange a meeting or to discuss a referral, please call my mobile 07488359130 or use the Contact page on this site, thank you.

General Practitioners (GP) and Health Professionals: If you have a patient / client who would benefit from an occupational therapy assessment and intervention, contact me to discuss how I can help. Assessment and advice. Rehabilitation relating to physical, cognitive, psychological and social difficulties. Individual or combined rehabilitation sessions. Working in a graded way to support people to improve independence, quality of life, and occupational engagement in a safe and supported way. Assessment for aids and adaptations. Attendance at case conferences. Supported hospital discharges for private patients or those wanting a more bespoke service than is available through statutory services. Risk assessment and supported transfer of care from residential placements back to an individual’s own home. Education and health promotion regarding acute and long term conditions relating to how they impact on individuals’ lives and those around them, such as families and carers and incorporate an Exercise Referral Programme which I would deliver.

Any questions please feel free to contact me for an informal chat, I look forward to hearing from you.

‘Occupational therapists aim to enable people to achieve as much as they can for themselves, so they get the most out of life. When people cannot do things which are important to them, an occupational therapist can help them in many ways, based on each individual person’s needs and lifestyle.’ 

Reference: College of OT March 2008