The Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT) has published a new report which highlights the delivery of aids and adaptations services in communities and advocates greater use of Trusted Assessors so that more assessments can be made in-house.

Promoting the Safety, Independence, and Wellbeing of Older Residents in Social Housing was published as part of HACT’s Age Friendly Social Housing Programme.

Its report summarized some of the issues, which includes long waits for occupational therapy assessments  and residents unsure about who was currently dealing with their case and who to ask about progress.

Residents were found to be unaware of what stage they were at in a complex process and how long it would take, while some residents were accessing the service at the point of crisis and finding the process was an additional source of stress.

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The report also found that residents were having to explain their situation repeatedly to different staff on telephone lines and their needs were not always understood. Some people with dementia did not recall the information that had been given on the phone (to their housing provider) and did not have a written record of it while residents were also unaware of what their responsibilities were in the process.

At times, a breakdown in communication occurred between housing associations and adult social care teams, the report revealed.

TACT supported the Age Friendly Social Partnership in Southwark by offering them two free places on its level three Trusted Assessor: Assessing for Minor Adaptations course. One place was taken up by a housing association and the other by Age UK Lewisham and Southwark. Age UK’s handyperson was then able to assess for and install minor aids. The report concluded that this was one way that service delays could be overcome. 

Dr Rachel Russell, Senior Regional Advisor at Foundations, commented in the report: “Often, by the time we recommend adaptations, the process has taken so long that we don’t achieve the outcomes we’d hoped for as some people need adaptations and a care package to support them to use what has been installed.

“What the evidence shows us – is that when we install adaptations early, people get into the habit and routine of using the adaptations, building confidence and resilience, and delaying the need for home care support.”

In HACT’s concluding recommendations they suggest upskilling staff as Trusted Assessors at levels three and four so that more assessments for aids and adaptations can be made in-house and referrals to OTs only made when necessary – using the ‘Adaptations without Delayapproach.  

The report makes seven recommendations including focusing on prevention, improving communication and efficiency, co-creating continuous improvement, planning by assessing the needs of older residents and work in-place partnerships. 

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-kampus-production-elderly-man-at-home-assistance.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-kampus-production-elderly-man-at-home-assistance-150x150.jpgLiane McIvorNewsroomReports & ResearchSector NewsThird Sectoraccessible,adaptations,aids,HACT,older residents,social housing,trusted assessorsThe Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT) has published a new report which highlights the delivery of aids and adaptations services in communities and advocates greater use of Trusted Assessors so that more assessments can be made in-house. ‘Promoting the Safety, Independence, and Wellbeing of Older Residents in Social Housing’...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals