Patients may be referred by their Consultant or Rheumatology nurse practitioner for assessment by an experienced Occupational Therapist
This can be at the point of diagnosis or at any time later on to help you adjust and understand your condition, or at times when it may be impacting on aspects of daily living, work or leisure activities. Interventions range from practical advice on protecting painful joints, suggesting alternative methods to cope with everyday tasks at home, work and leisure, as well as managing fatigue and emotional adjustment to coping with your diagnosis. We can also advise on small aids and gadgets that might be helpful to make some difficult tasks easier.
Sessions may take place in person or sometimes by phone.
We aim to see patients where this is most convenient for them.
You may be seen at one of three locations:
- Western General Hospital
- East Lothian Community Hospital
- St John’s Hospital, Livingston
Social Work Occupational Therapy Services:
Social work occupational therapist can:
- provide help in relation to assessment for equipment or home adaptation
- provide assistance and advice on a number of issues, including care services and benefits.
Patients can self refer in relation to assessment for equipment or home adaptation.
Useful phone numbers are below.
| Edinburgh | Social Care Direct | 0131 200 2324 |
| West Lothian | 01506 284440 | |
| West Lothian Patients and families can self-refer for consideration of home help/packages of care | https://westlothianhscp.org.uk/article/28180/Supporting-Adults-at-Home Email: adultsocialcare@westlothian.gov.uk | 01506 284848 |
| East Lothian | Community Access Team | 01875 824309 |
| East Lothian | Care and Repair (if you own your house and need rails etc labour is free) | 01620 828445 |
| SMART CENTRE, Astley Ainslie Hospital | For small aid trial and advice ( by appointment) | 0131 537 9445 |
Online Resources
https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library
https://www.selfmanagementuk.org
https://www.versusarthritis.org/
https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/joint-care/
https://westlothianhscp.org.uk/article/28180/Supporting-Adults-at-Home
