FAQ
Negotiating a new diagnosis or a change in function can be confusing and stressful.
It can also be really difficult to know how to get the help you need and where you can get it from.
These Frequently Asked Questions have been put together to help you to work out the questions you want to ask and to help give you a starting point from which to proceed.
Don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your situation or to ask us a question, even if you're not sure what it is you want to ask.
1
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupation refers to any meaningful, goal directed activity. Occupation includes tasks that make up the activity, the roles that activity supports, and the systems within which that role is performed. So - cooking a meal (goal directed activity) requires chopping the vegetables, turning the oven on (tasks), and might be done as a part of being a carer, flatmate, grandparent, parent (role). We are all many of these things at once. Occupational Therapy refers to engaging therapeutically around Occupation. This can be in an number of ways and be broadly broken down into two different approaches: 1. Using evidence based, clinically rigorous methods to enhance or increase ability to engage in one’s occupations. That is: helping someone be able to participate in one’s meaningful, goal directed activities. 2. Using one’s occupations to increase wellbeing. That is: finding new or undertaking occupation as a route to physical, mental or social wellbeing - this could be taking up an old hobby or engaging in one’s role as a grandmother. For more information on Occupational Therapy you can look at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists website: https://www.rcot.co.uk/about-occupational-therapy/what-is-occupational-therapy
2
What is Case Management?
Case management refers to the process where a therapist takes a holistic approach to a client's needs, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, developing a personalised plan, and monitoring progress to ensure they achieve optimal well-being and outcomes from their healthcare journey. Essentially a case manager acts as a central point of contact to manage all aspects of a client's care journey. Key Aspects of Case Management are: Assessment, care coordination, plan development and monitoring progress and discharge planning. Goals of Case Management are: Truly client centred care, efficient service delivery and improved/optimised outcomes.
3
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy refers to the active process of supporting a client's needs by working to secure necessary resources, access to services and changes in their environment to enable them to live well with optimised outcomes. Advocacy essentially means acting as a voice for the client to ensure they receive the appropriate interventions and support to achieve their goals. The primary focus of advocacy is supporting the client's individual needs and empowering them to self-advocate where possible.
4
My parents/ adult children and I have very different ideas about they're/ my needs and safety. Can you help?
Yes. We can assess function and environment and then work towards needed changes ion both. We are expert in facilitating crucial conversations between family members and advocating for older adults.
5
Why is an Initial Assessment required when I already know what I need?
We know you are the expert in your life and needs and you may have a good idea of what you need and want. We conduct an initial assessment because it is crucial to get an understanding of your strengths, limitations, needs and wants from you - the expert. A comprehensive initial assessment can: - Allow us to get to know you, your goals, your support networks, your medical and functional history and more. - Enable us to work together to develop a plan of action that is truly personalised to you and your circumstances. - Enable us to identify risks and safety concerns and discuss these with you with a view to mitigating risks and enhancing safety and independence. - Uncover matters or underlying causes that you might not be aware of. An assessment can help identify these underlying issues and address them directly, leading to more lasting and meaningful improvements.
6
I think my home needs to be adapted. Can you help with this?
Absolutely. We are experts in assessing your strengths and limitations and then working with you to plan changes to your home environment to enable you to live independently and happily at home. We work with various trusted partners to ensure the works are in line with building regulations and meet the aesthetic you want for your home. In some cases you may be eligible for funding to help cover the costs of the works and we can support you in applying for this funding. Some examples of home adaptations include: Changing bench and work surface heights and widening doorways to make the home more accessible for a wheelchair user Installing a stair lift Redesigning the bathroom to make is safe and accessible as well as gorgeous.
7
The care agency I have engaged require a manual handling/moving and handling assessment. What is this and can you do it?
We certainly do do Manual Handling Assessments. We also write Manual Handling plans. A manual handling assessment identifies the safest methods for moving and handling someone who requires the help of other people . The purpose of an assessment is to optimise independence and safety and create the correct working methods for any staff who may be conducting moving and handling. If you have multiple carers coming in to support you, it means that all carers are following a plan and you’ll receive the same support from each individual. Some different types of moving handling include: -Transferring: Helping someone move from a bed to a wheelchair, or from a wheelchair to a chair. -Hoisting: Using lifting equipment to move someone who cannot safely transfer independently. -Turning: Assisting someone with turning in bed. -Bathing and toileting: Helping someone with personal hygiene tasks. Why is it important? Manual handling tasks can put significant strain on your body and increase the risk of injuries like back pain, sprains, and strains. A proper assessment helps to: -Identify potential risks: Pinpoint specific hazards associated with handling the individual you care for. -Develop safe handling techniques: Teach you appropriate lifting and moving techniques to minimize the risk of injury to both yourself and the person you are caring for. -Recommend appropriate equipment: Determine if any assistive devices (like hoists, slings, or transfer boards) are necessary to safely and efficiently perform the required tasks. -Reduce the risk of injury: By implementing safe handling practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
8
Who Oversees the Work you do?
We are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC has clearly outlined Standards of Proficiency for Occupational Therapists: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/standards/standards-of-proficiency/occupational-therapists/ If any member of the public has concerns about the work of a member of HCPC they can report their concerns directly to the HCPC: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/concerns/ We are members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) and, as members, have our own professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics: https://www.rcot.co.uk/practice-resources/rcot-publications/downloads/rcot-standards-and-ethics