Sefton Council is expanding its successful Occupational Therapy Mobile Clinic after helping over 300 people since May.

A trial for a mobile version of the Council’s Occupational Therapy service was launched in May to help reduce the time people have to wait before receiving minor aids and equipment at home.

Help at home

Since its launch, the service has visited roughly 72 homes each month. The team are now looking to introduce two more vehicles, increasing the number of possible visits to around 240 each month.

Currently the mobile clinic visits people who have been referred to the Adult Social Care team and are in need of basic equipment to support their independence. This includes items such as  kitchen trollies, perching stools, bath seats, bathboards and toilet frames.

When visiting a home, trained staff will be able to assess a person’s needs, drop off and install helpful equipment and help point people in the right direction for any further support. This might include community groups, helpful technology or supportive charities and organisations.

Expanded service

With the introduction of new vehicles and working in partnership with the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, this equipment offer will be expanded to include small technology items and grabrails. People will also be able to get help from the service when leaving hospital to help them settle back in at home.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Our Occupational Therapy team has been working incredibly hard during the mobile clinic’s pilot and we’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents.

“By visiting people in their home to perform an assessment and drop equipment off on the same day, we’re helping people to remain as independent as possible. People can rest assured that when our mobile clinic turns up, they’ll be getting the help they need.

“The new vehicles will mean that we can expand the amount of equipment and technology that we have on hand, further reducing any wait times for additional support. Our goal is to keep residents comfortable and safe in their own homes for as long as possible, and the mobile service clinic is a shining example of that.”

The service will expand when the new vans arrive early next year. People who need extra support to get around the home or community can receive personalised recommendations through the Council’s Ask SARA service.

People can find out more about the Ask SARA service at https://sefton.livingmadeeasy.org.uk.