We are a unique company. As housing occupational therapists we can interpret complex medical conditions into architectural designs. As manual handling experts we know exactly how much space is needed in every room and where equipment needs to be placed. As therapists we ensure privacy and dignity are paramount. We are therefore able to give the best advice on purchasing, designing and adapting properties for people who are disabled.
We have helped clients with brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, polio, mesothelioma, and loss of limbs. We do not limit our work to people with physical disabilities – we are also very skilled at helping clients with visual, cognitive or emotional impairments
We provide expert witness services under Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules. Our reports are undertaken by Anava Baruch, who is known for her ability to think out of the box and find creative solutions for complex problems. We offer national and international coverage:
Our occupational therapists can work with either whole properties or individual rooms, such as wet rooms or kitchens. They regularly work with architects and surveyors to help them ensure their plans meet clients’ care and rehabilitation needs. We are also able to project manage small internal projects and can liaise with local authorities on your behalf.
We make certain that we are up-to-date with the latest equipment, furniture and fittings for assistive living, including assistive technology. This enables us to regularly save our clients substantial amounts of money by ensuring they purchase only the equipment they need.
We are able to carry out both risk assessments and training, and are qualified at IOSH Train the Trainer level. Our training always takes place in the client’s home using their own equipment, and is for both formal and informal carers:
OTs, like other professions, have areas of speciality. Housing OTs specialise in making alterations to the environment to increase safety and independence; rehabilitation OTs specialise in increasing the client’s ability to function.
We’ve put together a range of resources that cover the most common areas we are asked about by individuals who need housing Occupational Therapy support – from installing a stairlift to manual handling and the Disabled Facilities Grant
At Design for Independence we are very experienced at completing these assessments, and will identify and minimize all the risks involved in manual handling activities. We will also ensure consistency between different carers.
Most informal carers would not think twice before helping their loved ones off their chair, in and out of the bath or changing their position in bed. No one wants to be hoisted or to have to ask for support when getting off their chair. Some formal carers working for a busy home care agency might consider poor methods in order to save time. However poor manual handling techniques could lead to injuries and pressure sores.
Our training is always in the client’s home and is delivered either in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. This ensures all carers have sufficient time to practice and become efficient in their news skills. We provide courses for both people completely new to manual handling, and also refresher courses for experienced handlers.
We are IOSH certified People Handling Train the Trainer level.
We want you to be able to care for others for as long as required. This can only happen by making sure you don’t injure yourself or others.