Can I assess my own needs?

Yes.   There are now a number of options for finding help and advice regarding the kinds of services which Occupational Therapy teams provide.   If you feel that your needs can be met by provision of “simple aids to daily living” such as a bath aid or grab rail you can use the following options:

Please be aware that any “simple aid to daily living” or minor adaptations to your home which are recommended from the following sources will need to be privately purchased.

1. Online “Self Assessment Tool”  which can be accessed on the internet.   It will enable you to identify suitable equipment and minor adaptation options and local suppliers.   You will need to complete a self assessment providing details of the specific area of difficulty you are experiencing. Click here – to access the self assessment website
2. Cumbria County Council – Local Library  if you have difficulty using a computer or do not have a computer at home, you can use any Cumbria County Council ‘Internet access point’ found at your local library.   Here you will find help to ‘log-on’ to complete your own self assessment. Click here – to find your local library
3. Advice Centres  have been established throughout Cumbria where you can discuss your equipment or minor adaptation needs with specially trained staff called ‘trusted assessors’.   They will listen to the difficulties you are experiencing, often help you use the online self assessment tool and advise on appropriate solutions.   For more details  Click here – to download our booklet “Advice Centres”