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The Highland Council Fast-Track Self-Referral Process for Medical Adaptations. Session Objective. Introducing the Highlands Why Fast-Track What is Fast-Track Handyperson Service / Care & Repair Service Challenges along the way. Introducing the Highlands.
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The Highland Council Fast-Track Self-Referral Process for Medical Adaptations
Session Objective • Introducing the Highlands • Why Fast-Track • What is Fast-Track • Handyperson Service / Care & Repair Service • Challenges along the way
Introducing the Highlands • The Highland covers an area the size of Belgium • The terrain in parts is isolated, rural and difficult to access • Clusters of urbanisation • Strong and supportive communities
Population • The Highlands has a population of 222,370 • Higher than average, aging population • Projections for the future are: • Number of retired people will almost double • The number of people aged 75+ will more than double
Resources • Finite number of trained Occupational Therapists • Close working links with Community Health Teams & NHS partners
Policy • Adaptations Policy • Eligibility • Type of adaptation • Timescale • Maintenance • Specification • Installation
Why Fast-Track • Occupational Therapist assessment of adaptation need • Adaptations graded based on their urgency • A-F Grading • Desktop Assessments for priority
What is Fast-Track A model which allows clients to submit a self-assessment application for a range of adaptations that can be installed in the home without the need for a full medical or Occupational Therapist’s assessment.
Adaptations Process Two main stages The assessment – of need and priority for an adaptation The provision – of the adaptation (the responsibility determined by tenure)
Adaptations Process • Two stages of assessment • Expert Assessment – Usually by an Occupational Therapist • Considers the clients wider community care needs • Long term needs and ability to remain in their home
Adaptations Process • Assessment • Self Assessment • Self Assessment applies where the client does not have more complex needs • Most carried out without referral to OT for assessment • Pre-determined criteria • More efficient and speedy service
Fast-Track Model • Self Assessment for • Small / Minor Adaptations & Equipment • Level Access Showers • Medical Heating Changes
Fast–Track Criteria • Level Access Shower • Applicants must meet one of the following criteria; • Aged 70 or over • Already been assessed for mobility aids • Receive Disability Living Allowance • Receive Attendance Allowance
Fast–Track Criteria • Heating Changes • Applicants must meet one of the following criteria; • Aged 70 or over • Lives alone, under 65 and receives either; • High Rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance • Receives Middle or High rate Care Component of Disability Living Allowance • Lives alone, aged 65+ and receives Attendance Allowance
Fast-Track Priority Self referral cases fall into a priority category C
Fast-Track Safeguards • Safeguards in the Fast-Track system include; • Clients not accepted for Fast-Track if they are already in the system and awaiting assessment • Clients with dementia or related illnesses must always be assessed • All Maintenance Officers (HC), Handypersons and Care & Repair Agents undergo training with OT’s
Handyperson & Care & Repair Service Handyperson Service and Care and Repair Service are integral to the Fast-Track scheme being a success. Often the same organisation delivers both the services Fast-Track would not work without these agents Highland agents provide an exemplar model One agent has been one of the first organisations to recently achieve Care & Repair Accreditation
Handyperson & Care & Repair Service Our leaflets are available to download at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/2EC867E1-1DB0-45A6-8F94-9CF88907357F/0/handypersonserviceleaflet.pdf http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/95DC80B2-C1EA-488C-940D-F657554836CE/0/schemeofassistanceadaptations.p
Challenges Scottish Governments strategy for the next decade ‘Homes Fit for the 21st Century’ – commitment to simplify arrangements for the public and housing providers to access funding for adaptations. Greater integration Reduce waiting lists and manage client expectation We don’t always get it right!!
Contact Details Gail.ward@highland.gov.uk Emma.micklethwaite@highland.gov.uk