If you or your child has difficulties in accessing your home or facilities in your home, or need help living independently in your own home, we may be able to help.
The council's team of children's and adult occupational therapists have a range of specialist skills, knowledge and information about managing the practical difficulties with daily living at home.
Our services have eligibility criteria, which must be met to access an assessment from our service. However, even if you are not eligible, we can provide you with advice and information to support your difficulties at home. This could include information on self-purchase of equipment, or sign-posting to other agencies or organisations who may be able to help.
If you are eligible, you can request an assessment to see whether equipment or adaptations to your home environment would meet your needs. We cover the whole of the county and can help you to access appropriate equipment or adaptations (these have been set by the government, Derbyshire County Council and other local authorities) we will support you through the process.
This may include accessing a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) to fund or part fund the works. If applicable, we may apply to the housing association or council on your behalf to request the work to be done as assessed.
If you live in privately rented accommodation, any adaptations to the property would need to be agreed by the owner of the property.
Funding and decisions
The funding for equipment and adaptations comes from different sources. We are responsible for the assessment of your needs and making recommendations about how to meet those needs, but we are not responsible for the decision about whether the funding will be agreed.
The agreement for funding is based on legislation and is the responsibility of the district and county councils to administer. In some cases where the funding exceeds the grants available, you may be asked to seek alternative funding options from yourself, family, charities, loans etc. towards the cost of the adaptations. This is via a means-tested process for adults.
Equipment supplied by Adult Care or Children’s Services
If deemed necessary, the Adult Care or Children’s Services department at the council will complete an assessment of your needs. They can then arrange with the Derbyshire Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) to receive equipment on loan to help you with everyday living within the home.
Contact us
You can make a referral yourself for an occupational therapy assessment by phoning Call Derbyshire 01629 533190. If you already have a social worker, they can make the referral for you.