OTnews July 2023 | Page 41

Service development

Service development

100 %
90 %
80 %
70 %
60 %
50 %
40 %
Very dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied
30 %
20 %
10 %
Yes Partially No Not applicable
0 % Time taken from Housing OT assessment to completion of your adaptation
Time taken to respond to enquiries and telephone messages
Quality of advice and information received
Graph 3 : If you have a carer , have the adaptations helped them to look after you ?
Graph 4 : How satisfied were you with the way the Home Improvement Agency dealt with your application in relation to the following ?
On completing the section relating to the contractor , the occupational therapists found that many of the questions were repetitive and these could be merged . Overall , service users were very satisfied with the contractors used by West Berkshire Council .
What ’ s next ?
The occupational therapy team will look to develop the outcome measure further by revising some of the contractor questions and for the HIA to provide them with regular feedback .
In relation to the service users , many complain of pain and we are trialling a numerical pain assessment tool recording pain levels before and after adaptation .
Reflecting on the external review guidelines , our discussions have included ways in which to evidence risk reduction and the financial cost implications for care packages . We now have data to show that the DFG is supporting informal carers , which may be delaying the need for adult social care support . This is also an area for further work .
In conclusion , we still receive ‘ thank you ’ cards , however we are now able to show that DFG interventions have a significant impact on the independence and quality of life for the residents of West Berkshire and for many of their carers .
We are achieving person-centred goals , which are both purposeful and meaningful to the individual .
The survey reflects the performance of the HIA in delivering adaptations that can be monitored , and we now have data to further support and promote our service to both the public and councillors .
Mackintosh S , Smith P , Garrett H , Davidson M , Morgan G and Russell R ( 2018 ) Disabled Facilities Grant ( DFG ) and other adaptations – external review . Available online https :// bit . ly / 434I3Uy [ accessed 30 June 2023 ].
Words HILARY SMART , Occupational Therapist , Development and Regulation , Home Improvement Agency , West Berkshire Council ,
Hilary . smart1 @ westberks . gov . uk
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