Coronavirus Service Information: The ICDS Occupational Therapy Team is currently completing essential home visits only and is continuing to provide services for families through alternative methods (e.g. telephone), wherever possible.
ICELS (British Red Cross) is continuing to complete deliveries of essential standard stock equipment where families wish for these to go ahead, as doorstep drop-offs where possible. Minor adaptations and special equipment orders (processed through ICELS/British Red Cross) are restricted to those considered essential. If you are expecting an equipment delivery, please inform your Occupational Therapy worker as soon as possible if you (or a household member) receives a diagnosis of COVID19, self-isolates or develops a fever or persistent cough.
If you have any concerns regarding equipment or adaptations at home, please contact the ICDS Occupational Therapy Duty worker on 0115 8041273.
The children's Occupational Therapy team is based within the wider Nottinghamshire Integrated Children's Disability Service.
The team provides specialist assessment for disabled children and young people resident in Nottinghamshire up to the age of 18, who have a permanent and substantial disability which has an adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities within the home environment.
Occupational Therapy aims to provide support and intervention to help children and young people with disabilities develop to their full potential, taking into account the stage of development the child/young person has reached. It can assist with overcoming practical problems and maximising a child/young person's independence in their own home, as well as supporting parents/carers to care for their disabled child/young person safely.
Following assessment, the support from Occupational Therapy could include:
- Assistance in arranging minor alterations such as grabrails and second stair rails.
- Assistance in arranging essential major adaptations such as ramps, lifts or larger scale works. Funding of the adaptation work will depend on who owns the home - the OT worker will explain this and make any necessary recommendations to the relevant agency.
- Support and advice on moving to a more suitable property to meet long-term needs.
- Advice on managing everyday tasks, such as managing personal care and safe mobility around the home.
- Assessing transfers and provision of plans to promote safer moving and handling.
- Provision of specialist equipment on long term loan such as specialist cots/bed, bathing equipment and toileting equipment.
- Specialist equipment on long term loan for children/young people who are Deaf/deafened/hearing impaired, blind/visually impaired, or have dual sensory impairment.
- Provision of specialist seating on long term loan to support postural care and development.
- Advice, guidance and signposting to appropriate services.
The team also co-ordinate a short term equipment loan scheme for holidays.
The Occupational Therapy team does not assess or provide wheelchairs or provide equipment to meet short term needs e.g. following surgery.
