The Housing Adaptations Occupational Therapy Team

The Housing Adaptations Occupational Therapy Team consists of a Specialist Housing Occupational therapist, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants and an Adaptations Officer.

The team provides a service to adult residents of Southampton across all tenures, who require a major adaptation to enable them to access essential facilities as defined by legislation.

Once a case is allocated a member of the team will arrange to visit the client in their home to carry out an assessment in relation to activities of daily living. This will include looking at mobility around the home, access in/out of the property, transfers, access to bathroom and toilet facilities, and access to kitchen facilities for meal preparation.

An Occupational Therapist will identify a client’s need for major adaptations and discuss solutions in terms of adaptation options to meet those needs. This may include seeking feasibility advice from surveyors and obtaining quotes for stairlifts, specialist shower chairs or automatic door openers if required.

The Occupational Therapist will then submit a major adaptation request with their recommendations for suitable adaptations including a drawing of proposed works if recommending a shower or kitchen adaptation. If feasibility is required, they will carry out a joint visit with a surveyor to clarify the works required and solutions possible.

They will agree the final plans drawn up confirming they meet the client’s needs and liaise with the client and other professionals regarding progress and gathering information if needed. This includes housing allocations if a move is more appropriate and other professionals such as care managers, supported housing and health colleagues.

The team will also signpost clients to other teams/resources if required for example carer assessments, telecare, moving and handling assessments, safeguarding, care support, respite.