Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people to have as much independence and quality of life as possible.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) work with people in the community to overcome limitations caused by injury, illness, disability or the effects of ageing.
How we can support you
We work with people in their own homes and in clinics based in primary care centres.
After an assessment, the Occupational Therapist will set goals to maintain or improve your daily activities. Interventions may include; advice on adapting your environment, guidance on compensatory strategies to carry out your daily tasks, provision and training on use of enabling equipment as well as education and support to yourself and your carer.
All Occupational Therapists working for the HSE are registered with CORU.
Who benefits from Occupational Therapy
People who may have some of the following conditions:
- Chronic health conditions that are impacting on one’s ability to do activities of daily living
- A suspected or diagnosed dementia or memory problem
- Neurological disorders and disabilities, for example brain injury, MS, MND, Parkinson’s Disease
- Older adults who need assistance to engage with activities
- Adults who have sustained a physical injury that has reduced their ability to be independent
- Persons requiring end of life care or palliative care
Getting referred
A referral can be made by your GP or any health professional. However, you can also self-refer into the OT department for an assessment or a review.
Please complete the form below and post back to:
Postal address: into your local primary care centre or OT central office.
OT Central Office address: Occupational Therapy Department - Community Healthcare West, St Marys Headquarters, Castlebar, Co Mayo F23 HP58
Referral forms are also available from the receptionist in your local primary care centre.
Mayo Community Occupational Therapy Referral Form
Contact Details
All referrals are first processed centrally through the Duty Occupational Therapist. However if you have any queries please contact:
Phone OT Administration: 094 9049272 (there may be limited cover however please leave a message)
OT Dept opening hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Closed on Bank Holidays).
Many OTs are based in primary care centres around Co. Mayo however the central OT Dept office is based at: Occupational Therapy Department - St. Marys Headquarters, Castlebar, Co. Mayo F23 HP58
Equipment
Broken/ unwanted or unused equipment supplied by the HSE OT department
Contact Mayo Community Stores or your local OT department to get your equipment fixed or collected
Phone: Community Stores 094 9042274, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Please contact 0818 929644 for out of hours equipment break down services.
If you do not want to wait for a HSE OT assessment
There is a list of private Occupational Therapists on the Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland (AOTI) website.
You can also purchase small items of equipment from medical supply shops or online.
Bigger equipment can be available to hire.
Check with your private health insurance company. Many policies will pay for items, including wheelchairs.
Please note any mobility aids (wheeled walkers, frames etc.) are assessed and provided by the physiotherapy department.
You do not need a medical card to see the OT
Referrals are accepted for anyone over the age of 18 who lives in the Co. Mayo catchment area.
Adapting your house
The community OT department do not provide handrails/ rails/ stair rails.
People with a disability or older people may apply to their local county council for a home adaptation grant.
You may be asked for an OT report for some grants. Please note that HSE Community Occupational Therapists do not do provide housing reports. Mayo County Council have an Occupational Therapist on contract to carry out these reports, or you may submit a private OT report. Not all housing adaptation grants require an OT report, therefore please link with your local council housing office for advice.
You can contact the Association of Occupational Therapist of Ireland (AOTI) to find a list of private Occupational Therapists.
Occupational Therapy tips and strategies for adults
Below are some leaflets that provide useful tips and strategies to help manage your daily activities.
These were designed by the Cork and Kerry Primary Care Adult Occupational Therapy Department (consent gained to add to this website).
Other Resources
The following links also provide additional useful information and links for services.
