Illness can compromise the way people manage day to day activities whether personal, domestic or social. The OT service aims to maintain quality of life, encourage independence within realistic goals and support the patient, their family and carers in adjusting to life-limiting illness and changing abilities. This can be achieved by careful assessment (which will include the assessment of functional abilities) suggesting strategies, teaching new skills, giving advice and information about equipment and minor home adaptations.

Occupational Therapy can also help patients who experience fatigue, anxiety or breathlessness and the therapists can give advice on ways to conserve energy.  As part of the approach, relaxation techniques can be explored and taught.

Home visits can be arranged following a referral by one of the members of the Hospice Clinical Team.

An Occupational Therapist can also see patients, family and carers during an In-patient stay, when attending the Day Therapy Centre or as an outpatient.

An Occupational Therapist can assist with: 

• Managing everyday activities;
• Getting around indoors;
• Conserving energy;
• Coping with fatigue and breathlessness;
• Relaxation techniques;
• Getting out and about;
• Information and advice regarding specialist equipment such as wheelchairs, stair lifts, electric riser recliner chairs and bath lifts (whether through service provision, private purchase or independent hire);
• Making recommendations and arrangements for the completion of minor home adaptations.  These may include grab rails at front or back door, additional stairs rails, grab rail by toilet, bath or shower.