FEATURE SOCIAL CARE
assessment is completed , which includes equipment provision and the introduction of assistive technology .
Individual exercise programmes are developed for those at high risk of falls . An ‘ Active in August ’ campaign is run every year , to encourage clients and carers to be as active as possible . Exercise videos have been recorded as well as fact sheets supplied giving advice and strategies .
Each client at risk now has a falls management plan , which is reviewed and updated regularly . This provides carers with strategies and advice on falls prevention and reducing their client ’ s risk of falls .
A ‘ Positive Risk Taking Agreement ’ has been developed to be completed with clients with the mental capacity to make decisions about taking risk . This agreement documents the discussions between the client and the care manager using motivational interviewing techniques to ensure that the client is aware of the consequences of the decisions they are making and that they have understood the advice and recommendations discussed . This has been found to be particularly beneficial with clients with Parkinson ’ s .
The recording of falls prevention webinars , which are available on-demand as a resource for carers and families of clients , to educate and increase understanding of falls risk .
A falls analysis conducted in 2018 showed that there had been a reduction of falls , particularly among the frequent fallers who had received falls improvement interventions .
Advanced dementia training for carers : The writing and delivering of modules for ADAPT ( an advanced dementia training programme ); 93 per cent of carers reported that I have been helpful in promoting client independence in day-to-day activities .
Moving and handling strategies : the development of a policy that promotes safety , and outlines the process for purchasing equipment privately , including a three monthly review of equipment service dates ; the completion of a review of clients with double up care ( two carers in place ) to find safe innovative ways of meeting needs with just one carer , saving the client money but still protecting the health of the carer ; and providing advice , as required , when care managers update the mobility and falls section of a client ’ s care plan .
Development of specialist services : the development and implementation of reablement plans for clients who have been discharged from hospital or who have had a change in their condition . Particular focus is on client ’ s who have had a stroke ; the development of a hospital discharge service to facilitate a more efficient and effective pathway for clients back home .
One regional manager commented : ‘ The occupational therapist was instrumental in supporting a number of my clients with reablement plans . This enabled them to live a more independent life and allowed us to reduce the assistance required to one carer .’
While one client ’ s daughter fed back : ‘ Jackie became involved with the care of my mother when we were having challenges negotiating the discharge from hospital following a lengthy and protracted admission . ‘ I was able to call on Jackie , as part of the initial assessment , to provide a second opinion regarding my mother ’ s ability to return safely to her own home with the right level of care .
‘ She was able to provide bespoke recommendations and advice on what was required at home and was able to liaise with the hospital occupational therapist to provide the equipment that was necessary for discharge . I feel that this ensured that my mother could return home with the optimal level of independence and safeguarding appropriate to her needs .’
Opportunities for the future The private sector has a very different culture to the NHS , where I have spent most of my career . I have been involved in service improvement initiatives and feel that I have been able to make a real difference to people ’ s lives , ensuring that my role has added value to the company .
There are also similarities with the NHS , such as the client being at the centre of all we do , and their needs , safety and care being paramount . Both also strive to take care of our staff and provide them with the resources they need to do their job safely and effectively , and we are constantly looking for ways to keep up with developments , innovations and good practice within the health and social care sectors .
I have gained great satisfaction in the opportunities that this role has given me and am looking forward to being able to develop it further by growing an occupational therapy team to include occupational therapy assistants , possible opportunities for apprenticeships , and providing an exciting and innovative placement for students .
Above all , I have been able to develop as an occupational therapist in a new and emerging role , which will hopefully lead the way for other companies in the live-in care sector .
Jackie Cooper , occupational therapist , The Good Care Group , email : jackie . cooper @ thegoodcaregroup . com or visit : www . thegoodcaregroup . com
36 OTnews February 2021