Home Adaptations and Occupational Therapy: How to Get a Home Assessment in the UK

The NHS describes home adaptations as changes you can make to your home so it is safer and easier to move around and do everyday tasks. They can be small or big, such as fitting a stairlift or banister, a bath lift, walk-in shower or grab rail, widening doorways, lowering kitchen worktops, an outdoor ramp or step rail, and security measures such as outside lights and door-entry intercoms. The assessment might also recommend household gadgets and equipment. Source: NHS: home adaptations.

The NHS says that if you, or someone you know, needs help to do everyday tasks or you are worried about falling, you can ask social services for an assessment for equipment or home adaptations by calling your local council or doing it online. The NHS points to GOV.UK for applying for equipment for your home if you are disabled. Arrangements differ between the UK nations, so ask your local council what applies where you live.

The NHS says an occupational therapist will visit you at home, ask questions and walk around with you to see what you struggle with, and you will work out what you need together. Tell them everything you find difficult, even small things such as opening a cupboard. Assessments usually take at least an hour, and you might also be referred for a care needs assessment to see if you could benefit from extra help at home. The NHS suggests having a friend or relative with you, and says you can have an advocate, often free, if you cannot.

The NHS says small adaptations are often free: your council should pay for each adaptation that costs less than £1,000, which usually includes things such as grab rails, a concrete ramp or steps and lights that come on at your front door. For expensive work, like a wet room or widening doors, the NHS says you can try for a Disabled Facilities Grant (see GOV.UK), or Independence at Home, and that a Home Improvement Agency can help you find schemes. Some councils may help with urgent alterations. The NHS lists Living Made Easy, Independent Age and MoneyHelper as sources of free advice. If you are unhappy with an assessment, you can complain to your council first and then to the local government and social care ombudsman.

Occupational therapists are regulated by the HCPC, and "occupational therapist" is a protected title. You can choose a private occupational therapist if you want an assessment sooner, a second opinion, or support beyond what your council offers, for example with daily routines, work, study, sensory needs, equipment choices or recovery after illness or injury. See how to find an occupational therapist and what occupational therapists do. Other professions that may be involved include physiotherapists (movement, strength and falls prevention), speech and language therapists (communication and swallowing) and dietitians.

Whoever you choose, check their register (the HCPC register for occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians and physiotherapists) and ask about fees, session length and what progress will look like. See questions to ask a private allied health professional. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.