When 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. Assessment of Client’s Needs:

 I will conduct an assessment of the client’s mobility, strength, balance, and any specific challenges they face while using stairs.

2. Home Assessment:

Without fail, I will always visit the client’s home to evaluate the layout, dimensions, and design of the staircase. I’ll also consider factors like the presence of handrails, any tight corners, or potential obstacles.

3. Discussion of Options:

Based on the home assessment, I will discuss different stairlift options with the client. This could include straight or curved stairlifts and considerations for the client’s specific needs.

4. Safety Considerations:

I will emphasise safety features, such as seat belts, sensors, and emergency stop buttons. I may also discuss additional safety modifications to the home like handrails or non-slip flooring.

5. Demonstration:

If possible, I recommend my client to visit a stairlift showroom to try out different models to get a feel for how they operate. They might also demonstrate how to use the stairlift safely.

6. Budget and Funding Options:

I’ll provide information on the cost of different models and suggest potential funding sources, such as county council grants.

7. Recommend Stairlift Company:

I’m in a fortunate position in that I work for Beechfield Healthcare which are the company behind Beechfield Stairlifts, Ireland’s largest supplier of stairlifts. I have no hesitation in recommending Beechfield Stairlifts.

8. Documentation and Records:

I  document every aspect of the home assessment, recommendations, and any specific instructions given to the client. This information can be useful for future reference or for grant purposes.

It’s important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the client’s unique circumstances, such as their physical abilities, the layout of their home, and their budget constraints. My goal is to help the client make an informed decision when buying a stairlift that enhances their safety and independence at home.

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 important to consider the pros and cons of both the electric wheelchair and the mobility scooter. Below we have listed some of these to help you with choosing the correct mobility product for you.

Electric wheelchair

Benefits/Features

• 4-6 wheels
• Steered by a joystick
• Highly Manoeuvrable
• Tight turning circle
• Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use
• Wide variety of seat options
• Comfortable for long periods
• Support for postural issues
• Highly durable and stable
• Easier to use on public transport
• Ability to get closer to tables/countertops
• Options for folding versions

To Consider

• A powered wheelchair will be heavier than an entry level mobility scooter
• May require a car hoist/wheelchair accessible vehicle
• Usually more expensive
• Less storage
• Usually drives slower 

Mobility scooter

Benefits/features

• Mostly outdoor use
• Wide variety/models available
• More affordable
• More storage space.
• Usually drives quicker
• Easier to carry or put in/out of a vehicle
• Options for folding versions

To Consider

• Usually not as stable
• Not as comfortable for long periods
• Usually only appropriate for people with good upper body strength and dexterity to control and operate the scooter
• Has a wider turning circle – is usually not as appropriate for indoor spaces

So, mobility scooter vs powered wheelchair – which one? Choosing the right mobility product depends on a variety of factors including how/when it will be used. If you have any difficulty in deciding on which product is right for you – why not call your local Occupational Therapist or use our Find An OT – OT HUB (it’s FREE). Your local OT will help provide you with the help/advice on which product is most appropriate for you.

The American Occupational Therapy Association state the people with and ID have ‘’limited cognitive capacities and adaptive behaviours.” Occupational therapists work to help people perform their activities of daily living (ADLs) effectively and with the aim to help promote confidence, self-esteem, self-concept, overall happiness and often independence. As with any other patient population, occupational therapists help play an important role in aiming to promote meaningful engagement in a range of activities in a person-centred manner. Often this can involve engaging with the person themselves, their families, schooling/education systems, workplaces, government and councils and carers.

Depending on the person’s physical, cognitive, communication and sensory requirements, a range of interventions may be worked on with an occupational therapist. As part of any intervention the occupational therapist may also work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including GPs, nurses, care staff, physiotherapists, speech and language therapist, teachers, social workers, and dieticians to name but a few. Furthermore, an occupational therapist may work with the person in a variety of settings including their home, schools, day services or community settings, work, respite services or residential services.

According to Justice et al., (2021) – some key areas an occupational therapist may work with this population include.

• Sensory interventions
• Seating
• Equipment provision
• Adapting environments/ environmental recommendations
• Use of natural environment
• Education for the person, family, care staff etc.
• Adapting activities of daily living
• Adapting roles and routines
• Visual arousal monitoring tools

Throughout Ireland, occupational therapists work in network disability teams (NDTs), charities, schools, and community teams with this population. Private occupational therapists may also work with this population. If you are looking for any additional information on what benefits an occupational therapist may have when working with you or someone you know with an ID – contact your local OT and learn more about the services they offer.

The 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 accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s new.

1. Increased Grant Limits

One of the most significant changes for 2025 is the increase in grant limits, reflecting rising costs in construction and materials:

• Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability: Maximum grant increased to €40,000 for homes built more than 12 months ago.

• Housing Aid for Older People: Maximum grant raised to €10,700 for essential repairs like roofing, wiring, or heating upgrades.

• Mobility Aids Grant: Now provides up to €8,000, fully funded for eligible applicants, covering essential adaptations like stairlifts and ramps.

2. 100% Grant Coverage for Low-Income Applicants

For households in the lowest income bracket (earning up to €37,500 annually), the grants will now cover 100% of eligible costs, up from 95%. This change ensures the most vulnerable applicants can afford vital adaptations without any financial burden.

3. Revised Income Thresholds

The income bands for grant eligibility have been expanded to allow more households to qualify. Here’s the new breakdown:

• Up to €37,500: 100% of costs covered.

• €37,501 – €43,750: 85% of costs covered.

• €43,751 – €50,000: 75% of costs covered.

• €50,001 – €62,500: 50% of costs covered.

• €62,501 – €75,000: 30% of costs covered.

• Over €75,000: No grant payable.

4. Easier Application Process

To streamline the experience for applicants, the grants will move toward an online application system, allowing users to submit and track their applications digitally. The process will also be standardized across all local authorities to eliminate inconsistencies.

5. Support for New Builds

Applicants building new homes can continue to apply for Housing Adaptation Grants. Applications can now be submitted once planning permission is approved, making it easier to incorporate adaptations into new constructions.

6. Flexibility in Means Testing

The means test has been updated to account for a broader range of deductions, including:

• Caregiving expenses.

• Mortgage or rent payments.

• Expenses for children or dependents in the household.

• Nursing home fees or in-home care costs.

These changes ensure the means test reflects real household financial burdens more accurately.

7. Increased Exchequer Contribution

To ease financial pressures on local authorities, the Exchequer contribution will rise from 80% to 85%, reducing the local authority contribution to 15%. This ensures better funding availability for grant applicants.

8. VAT Hardship Relief

To address affordability challenges, measures will be introduced to eliminate the need for applicants to pay VAT upfront and claim it back later. This change reduces financial strain during the adaptation process.

9. Staged Payment Options

A new option for staged payments will be introduced, allowing applicants to receive funding incrementally as works progress. This reduces the need for bridging loans or upfront payments for extensive adaptations.

10. Support for Assistive Technology

Grant guidelines will now include assistive technologies to reflect modern adaptation needs, covering advanced tools that improve accessibility and independence at home.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 updates to Housing Adaptation Grants mark a significant step forward in supporting Ireland’s aging population and individuals with disabilities. These changes ensure that more people can access the resources they need to live independently and safely in their homes, while making the process more affordable and user-friendly.

With these updates, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for creating accessible and inclusive housing solutions across Ireland!

Click here to download the updated Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People application form.

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 stairlift that is specifically designed to be used on staircases that have curves or turns in them. This type of stairlift is typically custom-made to fit the exact measurements and specifications of the staircase it will be installed on, allowing it to navigate the curves and turns in the staircase safely and smoothly. Curved stairlifts are typically more expensive than straight stairlifts, but they are a valuable investment for anyone who needs assistance with mobility on a staircase that has curves or turns.

 Keep in mind that the above prices are just estimates, and the actual cost of a stairlift will depend on a variety of factors, such as length of your stairs, the complexity of your staircase (straight or curved) and any additional features you may want.

 It’s always a good idea to get a quote from a reputable stairlift company to get a more accurate idea of the cost. You may be entitled to a grant of up to €6,000 which may cover 100% of the cost of the work.

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 health services. Some of these areas include:

• Maternal mental health
  • During pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum.
• Children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
  • For the first 18 years of a child’s life – this may include both inpatient and community-based work.
• Adult mental health services
  • This includes everyone from the age of 18+. This may include work in a forensic setting, acute/subacute, community or a mixture of these.
• Older persons
  • This work may be done with people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, people with dementia or other memory and cognitive issues while working with families and carers.

Occupational Therapists work with people and their families to increase / maintain engagement in meaningful activities to help promote mental wellbeing. An OT will conduct an assessment with the person and their family / carer if relevant. Following on from the assessment,  the OT will jointly develop a range of goals with the person.

Depending on the area and goals of the person, this can include a wide range of activities. Some of these activities may include – social engagement, arts/crafts, schooling, sports, memory tasks, puzzles, reading, gardening, yoga, meditation and sensory experiences.

An occupational therapist may conduct a variety of assessments and use a variety of models and frames of reference to assist the person to become more self-empowered.

Throughout the process an OT may work with the person on their own or as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Some other professionals may include social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech and language therapist, nurses, art therapist and play therapist.

If you or someone you know is looking for more details on the work an OT can do in this area – contact your local OT who works in this area to discuss.

Great question! Occupational therapy helps patients in four main areas:

1. With fine motor skills (smaller movements such as picking up objects between the thumb and finger),
2. Visual-perceptual skills (the brain’s ability to make sense of what the eyes see),
3. Cognitive skills (thinking), and
4. Sensory-processing problems (over sensitivity to things in the environment).

The following disabilities and conditions can benefit from occupational therapy treatment:

• Birth injuries or defects
• Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
• Developmental delays or learning problems
• Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
• Spina Bifida
• Chronic illnesses and pain
• Autism or sensory processing disorders
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Mental health or behavioural problems
• Hand or foot injuries
• Memory disorders
• Broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
• Cancer

This is not an exhaustive list but it should give you an idea of the depth and breath of the assistance that an Occupational Therapist can provide.

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 other healthcare professionals, activity analysis and by using other skills. Once the occupational therapist (OT) identifies where the issue lies – the OT may work with the person in regaining the function and to restore their engagement in the occupation to full capacity. There may be a requirement to use a daily living aid to assist the person in achieving their goals.

With constant research and development of new products, there is an ever-growing list of products that can help people regain function in an activity they want to engage in. These aids can help all ages from children to older adults. Below are some daily living aids that an OT may advise a client to get:

• Dressing aids – sock aids, shoehorn, dressing stick
• Washing/personal care aids – long handled brushes, combs, sponges, scissors
• Reading aids – magnifying aids, page holders, book stands
• Writing aids – grips, assistive technology, large
• Weighted/large grip cutlery
• Gardening aids
• Grip aids
• Toileting and bathing aids – raised toilet seats, shower chairs
• Sensory equipment – sensory toys, sensory armchair covers, sensory cushions, LED lights softened by sheer fabric, hand-held colour-changing light.
• Assistive technology – Screen readers, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, amplified telephone equipment, speech generating devices.

Daily living aids are a fantastic option to help improve, restore or maintain function in your normal everyday activities. If you would like more information or guidance – contact your local OT and book an assessment.

An 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 independence and quality of life.

There are five key reasons for getting an occupational therapist to carry out a home assessment. Read the following list and identify and list those that would have a positive impact on your life.

1. Expertise in Assessing Functional Abilities: Occupational therapists specialise in assessing an individual’s functional abilities and how they interact with their environment. They are trained to evaluate a person’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities, as well as their specific needs and goals. This expertise allows them to identify potential barriers or challenges within a home environment that may affect an individual’s independence and safety.
2. Personalised Recommendations: By conducting a home assessment, an occupational therapist can provide personalised recommendations tailored to an individual’s specific needs. They consider factors such as mobility, accessibility, safety, and activities of daily living. They can suggest modifications, adaptive equipment, and strategies to improve the individual’s independence, safety, and overall quality of life within their home.
3. Maximising Safety and Independence: The primary goal of an occupational therapist is to promote independence and safety. By assessing the home environment, they can identify potential hazards, such as tripping hazards, poor lighting, or inaccessible areas, and provide recommendations to mitigate these risks. They can also suggest modifications to improve accessibility, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, which can enhance the individual’s ability to move around safely and independently.
4. Enhancing Quality of Life: Occupational therapists understand the impact that a well-designed home environment can have on a person’s overall well-being and quality of life. Through their assessment, they can identify ways to optimize the home environment, making it more functional, comfortable, and supportive. This can include recommending modifications to facilitate hobbies, leisure activities, social interactions, and other meaningful occupations.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in a home assessment conducted by an occupational therapist can be cost-effective in the long run. By addressing potential barriers and hazards proactively, individuals can prevent accidents or injuries that may result in costly hospitalisations or long-term care needs. Additionally, the recommendations provided by the occupational therapist can help individuals make informed decisions about home modifications or assistive devices, optimising their investment and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

It is important to note that the specific benefits of a home assessment may vary depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances. Having said that, there is no doubt that involving an occupational therapist in the process can lead to a comprehensive evaluation, personalised recommendations, and improved safety, independence, and quality of life within the home environment.

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 that suits you to meet in your own home environment. The OT will then discuss your past medical history, social supports, previous therapy input, and also address any areas of concern you have. The assessment may involve you moving around and interacting with various aspects of your home and generally lasts an hour.  After checking your performance while doing these activities, the occupational therapist will be able to determine if you might benefit by using a technical aid, or by some modification in your environment to improve your level of safety or independence.

Depending on the results of your assessment it may be necessary to complete a follow-up assessment to look into areas of your cognitive function or specific tasks identified in the initial assessment.

The OT may suggest modifications such as the installation of grab rails in the toilet or house entrance, the installation of ramps, as well as major equipment and adaptations such as stair-lifts, bath-lifts, and wet-floor shower areas.