Our Frequently Asked Questions

HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS 2025The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability play a critical role in empowering individuals to live safely and independently at home. The 2025 updates introduce transformative changes designed to enhance...

TRANSIT OR SELF-PROPELLED?A question I get asked a lot when it comes to wheelchairs is "Do I need a transit or self-propelled wheelchair?" Wheelchairs play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with mobility challenges. Among the...

OT Advice On Buying A StairliftWhen I’m advising a client on buying a stairlift, I’ll consider my client's individual needs, abilities, and living situation. Here are some steps I might take when going through the evaluative process to consider buying a stairlift: 1....

Guide To Buying A Lightweight Aluminium RollatorBuying a lightweight aluminum rollator can offer a range of benefits for individuals who may need mobility assistance. Here are some advantages of choosing a lightweight aluminum rollator: 1. Portability: Aluminum is a...

Worth Its Weight In Gold - The Bellavita BathliftThe Bellavita bath lift was once described to me as being worth its weight in gold; that from a client who was able to rediscover the joys of being able to take a warm and luxurious bath. It's true, the rejuvenating...

5 Key Benefits Of A Home AssessmentAn occupational therapist home assessment is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional to assess an individual's living environment and determine its suitability and necessary modifications to improve their functional...

How Can I Continue To Use My Bath?For many people, bathing is an important aspect of their lives. Bathing is known to be an important contributor to self-care, bathing also helps with mental and emotional health, helps soothes muscles and joints, not to mention...

What Type Of Hoist Do I Need?Hoists may be used with people who have limited mobility while also helping to support any carer(s) in reducing the risk of injuries due to patient moving and handling. Prior to using a hoist, it is recommended to have an assessment...

Can A Stairlift Help Maintain A Person's Independence?Installing a stairlift can help maintain a person's independence in 5 key ways: Mobility: A stairlift allows a person with reduced mobility to move easily and comfortably between floors in their home. This can...

What Is The Cost Of A Stairlift?Stairlifts can vary in price depending on the type and model you choose. On average, a basic straight stairlift can cost between €1,599 and €2,500, while a curved stairlift can cost upwards of €4,500.  A curved stairlift is a type of...

Why Buy A Riser Recliner? A riser recliner, also known as a lift chair, is a type of chair that can be adjusted to support the user in a variety of positions. Some of the key benefits of a riser recliner include: 1. Improved comfort: Riser recliners are designed to...

What is the Role of an Occupational Therapist Working with People with an Intellectual Disability?The American Occupational Therapy Association state the people with and ID have ‘’limited cognitive capacities and adaptive behaviours." Occupational therapists work to...

What is the Role of an Occupational Therapist in a Mental Health Setting?An Occupational Therapist working in mental health may work in several areas. These setting will vary and may include working with people across the lifespan of their engagement with mental...

What does an Occupational Therapist do in an Acute Setting?Did you know that hospitals are one of the largest employers of occupational therapists (OTs). Acute care is a category which entails the treatment of sudden, serious injury and illness. Typically, OTs work...

What are the key financial considerations when working with an Occupational Therapist?In this post, we cover the 5 the key financial considerations when working with an Occupational Therapist.  We finish off with a link to research that proves the cost effectiveness...

How can an OT help children and teenagers in their everyday activities?Occupational therapists can work with children and their families on the development of skills for everyday life. Skills may include dressing, eating, handwriting, riding a bike. It may also...

What types of daily living aids will an Occupational Therapist recommend?An Occupational Therapist is trained in assessing physical and psychological conditions in patients. They achieve this through observation, liaising with the client and/or their family and/or...

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy?Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (Physios) can sometimes be confused as both professions can work with similar groups of people. Physiotherapy focuses on improving a person’s...

Pressure care – why is it important and what is the role of an occupational therapist?When sitting or lying for long periods of time there is significant pressure on the bony prominences in the body. This can be different depending on someone’s seating or lying...

Here are 10 ways to reduce the risk of falling when engaging in your normal everyday activities.Firstly, it is important to note that the first thing anyone can do the ensure they are maintaining their mobility and safety around the house is to encourage walking when...

I think me or someone I care for needs a wheelchair. What do I need to know about the process?To start, Occupational Therapists (OTs) are skilled in the prescribing and trialling of wheelchair options that will meet your needs both in the short term and long term....

Mobility scooter vs powered wheelchair – which one should I choose? With the better weather upon us - deciding which product is most appropriate is an important choice and there is a variety of factors to consider. To help people make an informed decision it is...

Should I sell my car and use a scooter?Many people can be quite reticent about selling their car as they feel like it's a loss of independence. Whilst you don't have to sell your car, it is advisable to consider whether it's actually worth keeping it. A car costs...

Can you please tell me what OT's do? Good question as many people are unsure was to what we actually do. Occupational Therapists, or OT's for short, work with people with live with intellectual and physical disability and developmental delays, physical illnesses and...

What is involved in the assessment process?If you are applying for a grant from a local authority you will be asked for an occupational therapist’s report with advice on how best to adapt your home to meet your needs. The Occupational Therapist will organise a time...

Do I need an OT assessment if I am not applying for a grant?If you are purchasing a product such as a stairlift privately, you do not require an OT assessment but it is always advisable to get one. An Occupational Therapist can identify key areas where you may need...

What are the main benefits of occupational therapy? It's not a straightforward task to list the benefits as each patient (child, young adult, adult, senior adult) will require a programme of treatment tailored to their unique circumstances. Having said that,  in...

I'm not sure what conditions can benefit from occupational therapy?Great question! Occupational therapy helps patients in four main areas: With fine motor skills (smaller movements such as picking up objects between the thumb and finger), Visual-perceptual skills (the...