Standards for occupational therapy

Occupational therapists or community care officers visit disabled people to see if they can help find solutions to any problems.  Community care officers are supported and supervised by occupational therapists.

To find out if you are eligible for help you may need to have an assessment. Occupational therapists use Government guidance called Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) to decide who they can help. The FACS guidance is  available on the Department of Health website or by writing to Department of Health, PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH. Telephone 0870 155 5455.

Standards you can expect from us

A lot of people ask for help from the occupational therapy service so you may have to wait.  An occupational therapist or community care officers will aim to visit you within:

• Five working days (High priority)
  This applies to people who are seriously at risk or who require immediate action so that they can be discharged from hospital
• One month (Medium priority)
  This applies to people who cannot carry out essential everyday tasks and whose carers need help
• Four months (Routine priority)
  This applies to people who are able to carry out essential everyday tasks but whose quality of life would be improved by help from occupational therapy services.

The first time you ask for help, you should normally expect your assessment to be completed within one month, starting from the time you contact Social Services

All staff are trained and supported so that they can carry out their jobs properly.  Nottinghamshire only employs state registered occupational therapists who are expected to comply with the code of ethics of the College of Occupational Therapy.  Registration is reviewed with the Health Professions Council.

You will be provided with information about how much you will have to pay for services.

Any equipment you need will be delivered to you within seven working days of the completion of your assessment (if in stock).  You may have to wait longer for equipment that has been specially ordered or needs to be specially made for you.

You will be provided with information about other services that are available.  This includes information about relevant services from other organisations.

Please help us to help you

Let the Occupational Therapy staff know if you are not going to be in when they call.  They can then arrange a different time and/or date with you.

Treat Occupational Therapy staff with courtesy and respect.

If you no longer need your equipment, ring the Occupational Therapy staff at your local Social Services office and they will arrange to collect it.

Check your equipment regularly and keep it clean.

Make sure that, where necessary, pets are kept under control whilst the assessor is visiting.

Related information

 Occupational therapy information