What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy, oftened referred to as OT, is a health and social care profession that can support individuals with physical, sensory, psychological and/or cognitive impairments. Therapists focus on enabling individuals to participate in meaningful activities. These may be basic activities of daily living, such as personal care, mobility, accessing facilities within the home. An occupational therapist can also provide support with more complex tasks, such as getting back to work, achieving in education and participating in group settings.
Do I need to be referred by a GP?
Anyone can refer themselves or a loved one for independent or social care occupational therapy services, with the individual's consent. If you have a social worker, specialist nurse or other healthcare professional involved in your care, they can refer on your behalf.
Who can it help?
Occupational therapy can help you with practical tasks if you:
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are physically disabled
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are recovering from an illness or operation
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have learning disabilities
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have mental health problems
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are getting older
How much does it cost?
Whilst occupational therapy services are available free of charge from the NHS and social services, independent occupational therapists will charge a fee and can usually provide services that are not available from the NHS or social services, and they often have shorter or no waiting lists.