Occupational Therapy

Focus on the activities that matter to you

Occupational therapy looks at practical activities you want or need to manage in everyday life. These might involve washing, dressing, preparing food, studying, working or taking part in your community. Before contacting a service, note the activities that have become difficult and what you would like to be able to do.

An appointment should start with your circumstances rather than an assumption that one piece of equipment or a particular exercise is the answer. Check whether the service works with your age group and the type of difficulty you want to discuss.

Finding an appropriate route

In England, NHS guidance suggests speaking to your GP about a referral or contacting your local council to ask about occupational therapy. NHS or social care access depends on your circumstances. Check local eligibility, referral arrangements and waiting times rather than assuming that every service offers the same support.

You can also contact an independent occupational therapist. Ask whether a referral is needed and what information they require. Elsewhere in the UK, check your local health or social care service's arrangements.

Prepare examples from daily life

Write down a few specific situations: which part of a task is difficult, when it happens and what you have already tried. Include the things that matter most to you, rather than trying to list every problem.

Ask how the assessment will take place and whether it involves discussing or observing activities. Agree where to meet, who can attend for support and any communication or access adjustments you need. Follow the service's instructions about what to bring.

Check the therapist and the service

Ask for the occupational therapist's name and HCPC registration details, then check their individual entry on the HCPC Register. Ask about experience relevant to your circumstances.

Confirm who will carry out the assessment and who will oversee any further work. A directory listing is a starting point for questions, rather than proof that a particular service fits your needs.

Agree goals, costs and follow-up

Discuss what you hope to change and how you will review progress together. If equipment, adaptations or further sessions are suggested, ask why they are proposed and who arranges them.

For private work, request a clear price covering the assessment, travel, reports and follow-up where relevant. Ask which items cost extra. For NHS or social care support, check what the local service provides and any separate funding arrangements before buying equipment.

Find out what written information you will receive, who else can receive it and whom to contact if the plan is unclear.

Read next

• Preparing for a GP consultation
• What to expect from physiotherapy

Sources

• NHS: Occupational therapy
• RCOT: Find an occupational therapist
• HCPC: Check the Register
• University Hospitals Plymouth: Occupational therapy appointment information