Occupational Therapy Assessment
An OT assessment identifies what help you need to live safely and independently at home — and can unlock equipment, adaptations and care package changes.
Key Facts
- Free OT assessments are available through the NHS and local council
- OTs assess how your condition affects daily activities and recommend solutions
- Recommendations can include equipment, home adaptations, and care changes
- You can self-refer to community OT services in many areas
- Private OT assessments are available if NHS waiting times are too long
- OTs can support discharge planning from hospital
What Does an OT Do?
An occupational therapist assesses how your health condition, disability or age-related changes affect your ability to carry out daily activities — getting in and out of bed, bathing, cooking, using stairs. They then recommend practical solutions: equipment (grab rails, bath seats, raised toilet seats), home adaptations (stairlifts, wet rooms, ramps), or changes to your care package.
How to Get an OT Assessment
You can ask your GP for a referral to NHS community OT services. You can also contact your local council's adult social care team and request an OT assessment. Many areas allow self-referral directly to community OT. If you are being discharged from hospital, the hospital OT team should assess you before you leave.
Waiting times for NHS OT can be long. If you need an assessment urgently, a private OT can often see you within days — expect to pay £150–£250 for a home assessment.