“Good occupational therapy isn’t just about what someone can’t do — it’s about finding practical solutions that help people live safely and independently in their own homes.”
Sarah is one of Medella’s most experienced occupational therapists, bringing over two decades of expertise from local authority adult social care. Her unique combination of frontline clinical skills and senior leadership experience means she understands both the practical and the systemic side of getting people the right support.
Local Authority Expertise
Sarah spent the majority of her career within a local authority setting, working both as a hands-on occupational therapist and as part of the senior leadership team. This dual perspective gives her an exceptional understanding of the systems, legislation, and funding pathways that support people living at home — including the Disabled Facilities Grant process for home adaptations.
Mental Capacity & Safeguarding
Sarah was one of the first occupational therapists in her local authority to train as a Best Interest Assessor. She is well versed in the legislation and policy surrounding social care, including the Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding frameworks. This expertise is particularly valuable when working with clients who have cognitive impairments or complex decision-making needs, and when liaising with families navigating these sensitive areas.
Home Adaptations & Technology
Sarah has extensive experience assessing for and recommending home adaptations — both self-funded and grant-funded — to help people remain safe and independent at home. She also specialises in technology enabled care, identifying smart home solutions, telecare equipment, and assistive devices that can make daily life easier and give families peace of mind.
Breadth of Experience
Throughout her career, Sarah has worked directly with — or supervised staff supporting — adults of all ages with a wide range of needs, including learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and frailty associated with ageing. She brings particular expertise in moving and handling assessments, ensuring that both clients and their carers can manage daily tasks safely.
Covering the Wessex Region
Sarah provides home visits across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire, making her one of Medella’s most widely available occupational therapists. Whether you need an assessment in Southampton, Bournemouth, Salisbury, or anywhere in between, Sarah can help.