Get equipment or make changes to your home (occupational therapy)

Request an occupational therapy assessment if you struggle with everyday tasks in the home. We can recommend equipment and tell you about any changes to your home that might help.

Who occupational therapy can help 

Occupational therapy can help you if you struggle with daily activities in your home. This might be because you: 

• are physically disabled 
• are recovering from an illness or operation
• have learning disabilities
• experience mental health problems
• are getting older

Things occupational therapy can help you with

An occupational therapy assessment looks at your needs and suggests equipment or changes to your home to help you:

• move around inside your home
• get in and out of your home
• use the stairs
• wash, dress and use the toilet
• get in and out of a bed or a chair
• make food and drinks
• perform caring duties 

The right equipment or home adaptations can also help prevent accidents such as falls.

Things you should contact your GP or the NHS about

Occupational therapy does not replace services the NHS provides if you have long-term healthcare needs.

We cannot help with:

• physiotherapy or walking aids: ask for a referral from your GP or contact Sutton Heath and Care
• wheelchairs or scooters: ask your GP for a referral to wheelchair services
• adjustable beds, pressure mattresses and pressure cushions: speak to your district nurse or ask your GP for a referral
• recovery after a fall: contact Sutton Health and Care’s Falls Prevention Service

What an occupational therapy assessment involves

Start the process by completing the online form on this page. Someone from the occupational therapy team will then contact you to get a better understanding of your needs.

We might need to arrange a home visit so we can see how you’re managing. We’ll agree a convenient time with you and talk you through the process.

Outcome of the assessment

At the end of the assessment we’ll:

• recommend equipment or home adaptations that could help you
• give advice or refer you to other agencies

We might be able to lend you some items of equipment. You can keep these for as long as you need.

If we think you’d benefit from having a carer, we might recommend a care needs assessment.

Equipment to help you with daily tasks

A wide range of equipment is available to make everyday tasks easier, including:

• bath seats, bath boards and bath lifts
• raised toilet seats and toilet frames
• furniture raisers
• chairs with hidden toilets (commodes)
• cutlery with special handles
• bottle, jar and tin openers
• hoists or slings to help move you

Buying your own equipment

We might be able to lend you some items. You can buy your own equipment if you’d prefer.

Get more information about buying equipment on the Living Made Easy website

Repair, replace or return equipment

Contact our equipment provider, Croydon’s Community Equipment Service, if you need to repair, replace or return items. They will collect equipment when you no longer need it.

Call: 020 8664 8860

Email: cesadmin@croydon.gov.uk

Making changes to your home (adaptations)

You can make changes to your home to help you manage better. These are sometimes called adaptations.

Minor changes

These are small adaptations that don't require a lot of work. They include things like:

• grab rails to help you access different parts of your home such as bathroom, toilet and front and back steps
• rails to help you get up and down stairs

Major changes

These are bigger adaptations. They include things like:

• stairlifts
• access ramps and wheelchair lifts
• widening doorways
• replacing a bath or shower unit with a level-access shower
• changing your toilet
• installing low level kitchen units for wheelchair users

Paying for changes to your home

You won't need to pay for minor changes.

To help with the cost of major changes, you might be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant.

Repairing home adaptations

Responsibility for repairs depends on who owns your home and how the adaptation was funded.

• If the adaptation was funded by a Disabled Facilities Grant and is under warranty: call the manufacturer.
• If you own the property you live in or rent it privately: the adaptation is your responsibility.
• If you rent your home from Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP): contact SHP.
• If you rent your home from a housing association: contact your housing association.

What occupational therapy will cost you

Occupational therapy assessments are free. We won’t charge you for any equipment we lend you.

Ask us for an occupational therapy assessment

Complete our online form to request an assessment for yourself or another adult.

Request an occupational therapy assessment

How long you’ll wait for an assessment

Our occupational therapy service is in great demand. After receiving your request, we aim to contact you within 10 working days to let you know about waiting times.

If your circumstances change after submitting a request, call the Contact Centre on 020 8770 5000.

Make a professional referral

Get in touch with us directly to make a professional referral. Email: referralpoint@sutton.gov.uk

Pay for a private occupational therapy assessment

If you prefer, you can pay for a private assessment by a registered occupational therapist.

Find an occupational therapist on the Royal College of Occupational Therapists website