Occupational therapy services
- What is an occupational therapist?
- What will the occupational therapist do?
- Where do I find an occupational therapist?
- Applying for an occupational therapist
What is an occupational therapist?
If you have a disability, illness or are affected by aging, an occupational therapist (OT) may be able to help you.
Occupational therapists work with you if you have difficulty with practical everyday activities to help you become more independent in your day-to-day life. For example, you may need an OT if you are diagnosed with a neurological problem or a physical injury.
Occupational therapists can help people of all ages including elderly people, adults, babies, children and young people. You can also read our page on caring for a child with a disability.
What will the occupational therapist do?
If you need help to overcome practical problems in your everyday life, the occupational therapist can:
- Provide aids and appliances from the HSE
- Give you a certificate to show you need the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability
- Provide advice and assistance to you, your family or your carers about what changes or adaptations need to be made
How do I get an occupational therapist?
First, an occupational therapist will assess your ability to do daily life tasks, for example – dressing, eating, bathing, etc.
They will also check your home to help them decide what assistance you need from aids and appliances. For example, a wheelchair, chair lift or downstairs bathroom.
Where do I find an occupational therapist?
Many occupational therapists work in Health Service Executive (HSE) in Local Health Offices or Primary Care Teams.
You may have to join a waiting list to see an occupational therapist and applications are prioritised according to the need of patients locally.
You can check this directory of occupational therapists in private practice from the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland.
CORU is the regulator and has a register of occupational therapists in public and private healthcare services
Applying for an occupational therapist
You can apply to your Local Health Office for an occupational therapist, or you can be referred by a public health nurse, family doctor (GP), physiotherapist, speech and language therapist or hospital.
If you are prescribed aids and appliances, you can get them free if you have a medical card, a Health Amendment Act Card or are on the Long Term Illness Scheme.