What is equipment?
Equipment broadly includes anything that can be re-used once you no longer need it. So it isn’t usually something that is fixed permanently in your home.
What is an adaptation?
An adaptation to your home is basically anything that alters it physically including things that are fixed in your home in order to assist your movements.
Equipment
How do you get equipment if you have been in hospital?
If you have been in hospital and you need equipment to help you in your home once you return, your needs will be assessed by a hospital based OT or other professional such as a community nurse or physiotherapist. For further information about Occupational Therapy in NHS Highland you can visit their website at: www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk
You don’t need to organise or arrange any of this. The hospital based staff will make sure that you are properly advised and that appropriate equipment recommended for your home. They will also make arrangements for the equipment to be delivered to your home. This may be done by Community OTs who work for The Highland Council Social Work Service.
If you need further help with equipment (or adaptations) in your home once you have returned, the hospital staff will refer your case to The Highland Council Social Work Service OTs who will then contact you. To find out more about Social Work Service OTs follow this link or follow the links through the Social Work Service page from the main Highland Council website.
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How do you get equipment if you live at home?
If you are at home and you think equipment would help you in your home, you should contact your local Social Work Service office in order to request a visit and assessment by an OT.
Your OT will advise what equipment is suitable and available to help you and make arrangements for it to be installed to your home. Your OT will also make sure you are comfortable using the equipment.
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Is there a charge for equipment?
There is currently no charge for equipment provided.
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What happens when you no longer need the equipment?
Your OT will be responsible for arranging for the collection of equipment once you no longer need it.
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Adaptations
How do you get your home adapted if you are a Council tenant?
In order to be assessed for an adaptation in your home you should contact your local Social Work Service office. Alternatively you could contact your local Housing Office who will pass your details to the Social Work Service OTs
Your details will be recorded and an OT will visit you and carry out an assessment of your home. In some cases, depending on what you have asked for, you may be able to fill out a self assessment form instead of having the assessment done by the OT – see the section on self assessment for more information about this. You will be advised on the options available to you and if your home is suitable for an adaptation
If an adaptation is suitable and necessary for your home your details will be forwarded to Housing Services to carry out the work. Your OT will take care of this.
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What about self-assessment?
Self assessment is done by giving you a form to fill out giving details about what you need and why. Some minor adaptations are available in this way. If you meet certain criteria based on the information on your form you will be put forward for an adaptation to your home without the need for a visit by an OT. Your local Social Work Service office will advice you of the criteria you should meet to be considered for this and send you a self assessment form.
Once they have received your form and your request for a minor adaptation has been accepted your case will be referred to Housing Services to carry out the work.
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What about fast track?
In some areas of Highland there is also a fast track system in place for level access showers and also for a change of heating system. You need to meet certain criteria in order to be considered for this.
Your local Social Work Service office will advise you if fast track is available in your area and if you meet the criteria to be considered for this. You will be sent the appropriate self assessment form to fill out and if you meet the criteria your adaptation request can be referred to Housing Services to carry out the work without the need for a visit from an OT.
Please note: self-assessment and fast track does not necessarily mean that you receive your adaptation more quickly. It can however speed up the assessment process because you don’t have to wait to see an OT.
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Is there a waiting list?
There may be a waiting list to see an OT and/or get your home adapted.
The people with the greatest needs will be given the highest priority. You should be given guidance on how long you may have to wait once you have asked you local Social Work Service office for an assessment.
Once an assessment has been carried out by an OT, there may also be a wait for any adaptation works to be done. There is a limited budget for adaptations work to be carried out and how long you have to wait will depend on the priority you have been given and the budget available. You will be given guidance on this once your case has been referred by your OT to Housing Services.
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Is there a charge?
If you are a Council tenant, Housing Services will carry out the work for you free of charge.
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What about Equipment and Adaptations if you are not a Council tenant?
If you are not a Council tenant, please go to the Equipment and Adaptations page for information.
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