The occupational therapy service may be able to help if you have difficulty with:
- getting in and out of the bath
- getting in/out of bed
- on/off a chair or toilet
- managing steps into your home or stairs inside your home
- managing everyday activities like making meals or getting dressed
Occupational therapy staff can:
- provide information, support and guidance
- advise on how to carry out daily tasks differently
- undertake a full assessment of need for people affected by a disability
- advise and recommend equipment that will encourage you to be safer and independent
- advise on adaptations to your home
- provide education, support and advice about keeping healthy and making the most of your abilities
The Dundee and Angus Independent Living Centre has a range of equipment and adaptations for people to view and try. You can visit the centre based at Charles Bowman Avenue, Dundee DD4 9UB Monday – Friday 9am-5pm or phone to arrange an appointment 01382 307631.
Alternatively, you can view the Independent Living Dundee & Angus website to view a range of solutions and advice available.
Referrals
Anyone can make a referral to the service on your behalf or you can refer yourself directly.
Email FirstContactOT@angus.gov.uk.
Referrals are prioritised and you may have to wait before we carry out an assessment. If your circumstances change, or if you want to check that we hold the correct information about you, get in touch with First Contact OT using the contact details above.
Assessments
A member of the team will contact you and if required will visit your home to discuss what aids and adaptations you might need.
We appreciate that some people may not want to wait therefore an easy to use online assessment has been developed where you can answer some questions about how you manage around your home and based on your answers you may be offered minor adaptations (such as grab rails) and/or basic equipment (such as raised toilet seats).
Sight or hearing loss
If you have sight or hearing loss and require an assessment, we have an agreement with North East Sensory Services (NESS) to provide advice and information as well as an assessment of your needs.
Contact NESS on 0345 271 2345 or 01224 625622 or SMS on 07593 102004
Adaptations
Occupational Therapists work across all types of housing arranging adaptations to remove barriers within the home which prevent independent living.
Following your assessment, if adaptations are required, the responsibility for the cost of these will depend on the type of tenancy you have. We will discuss this with you during the assessment.
Equipment
A wide range of equipment is available following assessment to allow you to maintain/regain your independence with household tasks. This equipment is provided on a loan basis for as long as you need it.
If equipment has been loaned to you by the equipment loan service and you no longer require this or want to report a fault, contact the equipment store on 01382 307631.
Wheelchairs
Tayside Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Service (TORT)
TORT will assess, prescribe and provide wheelchairs for those in need of a wheelchair for permanent and substantial use (normally longer than six months).
TORT will also accept referrals for consideration of short-term loan of wheelchairs for:
- end-of-life support
- paediatric orthopaedic needs
- in-patients with specifically assessed clinical needs for non-weight bearing discharge from hospital
Referrals for provision of wheelchairs by the TORT regional wheelchair service will only be accepted by formal referral from a healthcare practitioner.
For information and referrals email tay.atservice@nhs.scot
If you or a family member have input from a GP, Occupational Therapist (OT), Physiotherapist (PT) or nurse, you can speak to them directly as they may be able to make a referral to TORT.
Other options
If you need a wheelchair for more social, short-term occasions and aren't eligible for one from TORT, you could buy or hire a wheelchair.
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) can't make recommendations, but we are aware of the following options:
AHSCP also have five wheelchairs. These may be available for loan in an emergency. If you have an AHSCP worker ask them for more information.
The Red Cross no longer provide wheelchairs on a short-term loan basis.