In Sandwell, occupational therapy is closely linked to the council’s Equipment and Adaptations Service. For many residents, the OT route starts after contact with Adult Social Care or an equipment and adaptations enquiry. The aim is practical: understanding how you manage at home, what is difficult, and what would make daily living safer and more independent.
Who this page is for
This guide is for adults whose mobility, balance, strength, personal care or home access is getting harder, and for carers who think an OT-led look at the home may help.
How the OT route starts in Sandwell
Most residents begin by contacting Sandwell Enquiry or by discussing equipment and adaptations with a professional already involved. The council’s equipment and adaptations pages explain that, if the referral is suitable, a member of the occupational therapy team will arrange a home visit.
- Adult Social Care / Sandwell Enquiry: 0121 569 2266
- Email: sandwell_enquiry@sandwell.gov.uk
- Housing and Home Improvement Agency routes may also become involved if major adaptation work is needed
What usually happens at the home visit
Sandwell’s published description is very clear. An OT or OT-linked worker will visit your home, look around the property and talk through what is becoming difficult. They may also speak with your carers and any professionals involved, so they can get a fuller picture of what you need.
The assessment is not only about medical diagnosis. It is about function and everyday life: getting in and out of the property, washing, toileting, showering, preparing food, sleeping, moving around safely, transfers, manual handling and whether the current layout of the home is still workable.
What support may be recommended
- Loan equipment for bathing, daily living, lifting, manual handling, showering, sleeping, toileting or walking
- Minor adaptations, such as grab rails or other works costing under £1,000, supplied and installed free of charge
- Major adaptations, such as ramps, widened doors or replacing a bath with a more accessible shower arrangement
- A referral to the Home Improvement Agency where a Disabled Facilities Grant or larger building work may be needed
- Advice about moving if the current home cannot be adapted safely or reasonably
The council also says that if its service cannot help, it will write to explain why, which is useful because it gives you something concrete to follow up.
What usually happens next
If the recommendation is for simple equipment, the next step may be relatively quick. If the recommendation is for more complex adaptation work, expect the housing route, a survey and possibly a financial assessment to become part of the process.
For some residents the OT assessment also links back into a wider care and support assessment, especially if the home issues are part of broader care needs.
Useful Sandwell links
- Help from our Equipment and Adaptations Service
- Alarms, adaptations and equipment
- Home Improvement Agency
- A guide to Disabled Facilities Grant
- Contact Adult Social Care
