Something really positive to report! Less than a fortnight after being referred for a home Occupational Therapy assessment, I have already got a new stair rail, perching stool and bath hoist. And all for free!
It might be helpful for you to know how that happened.
First, unlike my previous OT referrals - which were requested by my rheumatologist - this one was triggered by a Care Coordinator in the local A&E Department. She visited me on the ward during the second of my two recent spells as an emergency admission. I suspect the key thing was that I said the critical incident that led to the second admission was not being able to get upstairs to bed on that particularly bad day.
Anyway, the OT arrived at my home just 3 days later. She was sympathetic and actually listened to what I said about my daily routine.
The VERY NEXT DAY, a man in a van turned up and 20 minutes later, I had a new stair rail. Today, another man arrived and installed a bath hoist and the perching stool. Some custom made walking sticks are on the way too. I haven't had to fill out a single form, nor provide a letter from the GP, or consultant, or the Queen. There is no deposit, or 'trial period', not even a receipt to sign.
This has all been done through a local Social Services multi-agency team. I love them.