Melinda Martin, Care/Occupational Therapist

Professional Experience

I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1996 and specialise in physical disability.

I currently work as a Housing Occupational Therapist as the relationship between housing and health is my particular area of interest. My current role involves assessing a broad range of applicant's functional needs and completing Housing Needs Reports. I mainly assess adults with a range of physical conditions including arthritis, degenerative disc disease and pain conditions including fibromyalgia. Other conditions include CVA, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, COPD, anxiety and depression. I am also involved in completing assessments and reviews to assist with responding to enquiries from the Housing Ombudsman.

I started my career in acute rehabilitation which involved the assessment and treatment of people with neurological conditions mainly CVA, multi trauma, amputations and physical impairments resulting from road traffic accidents. I then developed my skills as a community based occupational therapist and was involved in assessment and recommendations for equipment, complex adaptations, moving and handling care plans and housing needs reports.

I assess social housing to confirm accessibility standards, identify the potential for adaptations and to provide advice on the suitability of nominees under the Choice Based Lettings scheme. I review planning applications and conduct site visits for adaptable and accessible new build properties and provide advice regarding if standards have been met for wheelchair users.

Professional Development

I maintain my professional development and HCPC standards by attending relevant training.