Lewisham's Community Occupational Therapy Service assists physically disabled people. We help them to increase or maintain their independence. We also give advice to disabled people and their carers.
Our community occupational therapy team:
- Provides information and advice on managing daily activities in the home for people with disabilities and their carers
- Carries out assessments of the abilities and needs of disabled people in relation to day to day activities such as getting around safely at home, toileting, dressing, mobility, bathing
- Assists with the provision of independence equipment or alterations to homes to make these tasks manageable for disabled people
- Gives advice on accommodation needs if access in and around the home remains difficult.
Who is eligible
To qualify for this service, you must be:
permanently and substantially disabled
a resident of the London borough of Lewisham
experiencing substantial difficulties at home.
We also provide a service for those with critical needs, such as those with terminal illness or those who find their care situation is breaking down.
How to access the service
You can contact us by telephone Monday to Friday 9am to 4.45pm. Alternatively, you or your representative, GP or other health professional can write to us.
Accessibility
Information about this service is available in large print, other languages or by home visit. There are no facilities for a drop-in service, but we are available on the telephone. If you are eligible for a service, an Occupational Therapist will arrange to visit you at home.
What happens next
When you phone or write to us about this service, in most cases the Duty Occupational Therapist will contact you for more information. If you are eligible for a service, an Occupational Therapist will then phone or write to you and arrange to visit you at home to assess your needs and discuss how we can help you. Depending on the urgency of your needs, you may be visited within a few days. It may take longer if your needs are less urgent and there are other people waiting for a service.
FAQ
Can I have a shower installed in my bathroom?
Equipment and adaptations are provided only following a thorough assessment of your needs. The provision of a shower facility is only one way that might be considered. We have to consider a suitable, cost effective way to meet your needs.
Will I have to pay for this service?
The Occupational Therapy service is provided free of charge. Most equipment is provided on loan, and there is usually no charge for adaptations. Some adaptations are provided through a Disabled Facilites grant which is means tested so some people are required to contribute to the cost of the work.
What can I do if I do not agree with the outcome of my assessment?
Your concerns are taken seriously, and you can make a complaint to the service manager or through Lewisham Council's complaints service.
I am disabled. Can you help me to be rehoused?
We may be able to help you depending on the nature of your disability.
Can you get me a wheelchair or walking frame?
Although we do not provide wheelchairs, your GP can refer you to the specialist wheelchair service. Your GP can also refer you to the phyisotherapists in the Primary Care Trust who can assess you for a walking frame.
I have difficulty in walking unaided. Can you help?
Our Walking Stick Clinic provides free help and advice. This clinic is held once a week to help people to use walking sticks correctly. We can provide you with a stick if this is appropriate for you. You can refer yourself to this clinic.
- Where: AccessPoint, Laurence House, Catford.
- When: Tuesday
- Time: 11am-12pm
- Cost: Free
Where can I find out about other organisations who might be able to help with equipment and adaptations to my home?
Information about businesses that supply services and equipment for disabled people is available in Lewisham Council's Directory of Care and Support Services for Adults in Lewisham (see link, right). The directory is updated regularly.