Adult Community Health: Therapy Services
This page provides an overview of the NHS community therapy services available in the Bollington, Disley and Poynton Care Community area. It covers what our Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists do, how they support care home residents, and what falls outside their remit.
Occupational Therapists
NHS Community Occupational Therapists (OTs) support individuals in their own homes to recover from illness, injury or disability. Their focus is on maximising independence and enabling people to continue living at home safely.
- Equipment provision for toileting, bathing and daily tasks
- Teaching adaptive techniques (dressing aids, adapted cutlery, etc.)
- Support with engaging in meaningful activities
- Hospital avoidance through proactive assessment
- Home environment assessment for falls hazards
- Review of function: personal care, meals and drinks
- Maximising independence to enable home living
OTs in Care Homes
OT input in care homes is limited and typically covers:
- Spot-purchase rehabilitation beds (Pathway 2 from hospital / Discharge to Assess)
- Assessment of needs for residents in short-term respite who need to return home safely
- Advisory role on specific queries
Myth Busting: What NHS Community OTs Do Not Provide
- Wheelchairs – these require a referral to wheelchair services (if appropriate)
- Seating assessments or chairs – these are sourced from private companies or purchased by the home
- Moving and handling assessments – these are the responsibility of your own teams or social services OTs
- Equipment to care homes – OTs do not supply equipment directly to homes
If you're unsure whether a request falls within the OT remit, do get in touch and we can advise on the right pathway.
Physiotherapists
NHS Community Physiotherapists (Physios) focus on restoring physical function, promoting independence, and reducing falls risk through assessment and rehabilitation.
- Restoring physical function after illness or injury (rehabilitation back to baseline)
- Promoting independence with mobility and transfers
- Identifying movement disorders and weaknesses that contribute to fall risks
- Assessing and advising on appropriate walking aids and equipment
Physios in Care Homes
- Assessment of mobility to maintain or improve current function (short-term rehab need)
- Assessing rehabilitation potential and establishing a new baseline
- Providing exercises to support strength and maintenance
- Advising on safe moving and handling when needs have changed
- Falls prevention assessment and advice
Myth Busting: What NHS Community Physios Do Not Provide
- Equipment (walking aids, stand aids) to care homes – the home is responsible for sourcing and maintaining these
- Long-term or maintenance physiotherapy for chronic conditions – community Physios focus on short-term rehabilitation goals
Physios can advise on what equipment might be appropriate, even if the supply route is different.
At a Glance: OTs vs Physios
Occupational Therapists
- Focus on daily activities and independence
- Equipment for home living (bathing, toileting, dressing)
- Home environment and falls hazard assessment
- Adaptive techniques and meaningful activity
- Hospital avoidance
Physiotherapists
- Focus on movement and physical function
- Rehabilitation after illness or injury
- Mobility, transfers and walking aid assessment
- Strength exercises and falls prevention
- Identifying movement disorders and weakness
Questions or Scenarios?
If you have questions about when to refer, or want to discuss a specific resident scenario, contact the BDP community therapy team. We're here to help you find the right pathway for your residents.
Part of the Care Home Support Network · Middlewood Partnership