For advice and details on products that can make daily living tasks easier, visit the AskSARA website (https://carersuk.livingmadeeasy.org.uk/).

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapy Service helps people who have physical disabilities to live as independently as possible and helps their carers and families to care for them safely. The Occupational Therapist works with you to identify how your disability is affecting your ability to carry out daily tasks such as getting on and off the toilet or getting up and down the stairs.

Equipment

A simple aid is a piece of equipment that helps an individual manage everyday tasks at home, such as eating, getting out of bed or visiting the toilet, which will increase their independence.

Examples of simple aids include bath seats to help with getting in and out of the bath and raised toilet seats to assist those with restricted mobility.

If you or someone you care for needs a simple aid to help with daily tasks, the Occupational Therapist will arrange the provision of the necessary equipment. The equipment will be provided by Medequip.

Minor adaptations

Examples: Grab rail, stair rail, chair raise, step alterations.

Installation of minor adaptations is dependent on ownership of your property. Haringey Council undertakes work for council and owner-occupied properties. If you live in privately rented accommodation, we require your landlord's permission before we are able to install rails or other minor adaptations. Housing Associations usually undertake minor adaptations for their tenants based on our recommendations.

Major adaptations

Examples: Stairlift, ramp for a wheelchair, level access shower.

Occupational Therapy staff will recommend major adaptations if it is necessary and appropriate to meet the needs of a person who has a permanent disability and has a substantial/critical need. The recommendation has to be approved by a panel of senior managers.

Once an adaptation has been agreed, the process of arranging for the adaptations to be carried out will depend upon who owns your home. If you are either the owner or a tenant of your property you can apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) towards the adaptations.

The Surveyors will find builders, obtain estimates and supervise the adaptation to your home. The Financial Assessment Officers arrange for grant assistance, when relevant, and will help you complete the necessary forms.