Assistive technology and occupational therapy

Information, advice and assistance for adults with physical disabilities in Newport

If you are recovering from illness, adapting to a disability or in need of support with daily living, Newport's occupational therapy service can help you regain your confidence and independence.

We can do this by offering information and advice on techniques, equipment and adaptations to your home.

Information and advice

Ask SARA  - an online tool that provides expert advice and information on products for older or disabled adults and children. 

Dewis Cymru - local health information, help and services

Adaptations and equipment

Adaptations, e.g. the installation of grab rails, ramps etc, may allow you to move more safely around your home and help you to live more independently.

If your home is privately owned or rented, contact Newport Care and Repair.

If your home is rented from a housing association, please contact your landlord, e.g. Newport City Homes 

Read the housing grants page for more information.

We may advise you to consider buying equipment or it may be provided through Direct Payments.   

Smart Hub

The council’s Smart Hub at Newport Market showcases the latest in assistive technology available that can support people to live safely and independently at home.

The technology available to view includes the Komp, an age-friendly assistive technology that enables elderly people to connect with those most important to their health and wellbeing. 

Other smart tech on display includes the Amazon Alexa, Ring doorbells and Hive heating systems, as well as telecare systems and various motion or fall sensors.

The hub is also a place where residents will be able to speak to members of the council’s occupational therapy team and get advice about using the different technology.

Book an appointment to visit the Smart Hub

Download A Guide to Assistive Aids & Technology (pdf)

Occupational therapy services

We can assess your needs during a phone call and may be able to offer information and advice without carrying out a specialist assessment. 

Occupational therapy is delivered by various teams in Newport including the community resource team, which helps adults to remain independent in their homes and the integrated hospital occupational therapy (IHOT) team and community occupational therapy service, which provide specialist assessments for adults requiring short or long-term support.

We will advise you on which team is best placed to work with you.

Request occupational therapy support

What happens next?

All requests are prioritised according to need and in order of urgency or risk, e.g. people who are terminally ill, unable to stand or have a rapidly deteriorating condition.

Other requests are seen in date order unless you tell us of a change in circumstance which may lead us to see you sooner.

We will telephone you to arrange an appointment when we are able to visit. 

If we cannot reach you by telephone, we will send a letter requesting that you contact us.

If we receive no response within 14 days the referral will be closed and you will need to contact us again when you are able to.

If for any reason you no longer require an appointment or assessment, please contact us on (01633) 656656 to cancel your request.

We can arrange assessments at home or at day-care centres. 

Once we have met and made an assessment we will discuss the options available to you.   

Request an assessment for occupational therapy by telephoning Newport City Council on (01633) 656656, emailing [email protected], or clicking on the button below.

Request occupational therapy support