The value and role of OTs in Social Care Act assessments
Championing prevention, independence and personalised support
Amy Howard, Deputy Director of Integrated Adult Social Care in the South West, is a highly experienced occupational therapist with 18 years’ post-qualification experience in adult social care, including over a decade in senior leadership roles.
She has led major programmes integrating health and social care teams, improving hospital discharge and implementing the Care Act.
A long-standing RCOT volunteer, Amy has served as Chair of the Older People’s National Executive Committee and is currently the Community Lead for Social Care. She also contributes to the LGA/ADASS National Community of Practice for Prevention and supports LGA peer reviews.
With specialist interests in reablement, promoting independence and service transformation – we’re delighted Amy has taken the time to write this piece as we release our updated Care Act 2014 Guidance.
You can connect with Amy on RCOT Communities.
Occupational therapists working within adult social care have long been recognised for their expertise in adaptations, equipment provision and moving and handling advice. However, their contribution extends far beyond these practical solutions.
Drawing on national best practice from ADASS, RCOT, Care Act guidance and the Local Government Association, it is clear that OTs play a vital and expanding role in completing Care Act assessments and supporting pre-assessment activities that prevent, reduce and delay the need for statutory services.
Holistic assessment: the core philosophy of occupational therapy
Central to the philosophy of occupational therapy is a holistic approach to assessment and intervention.
OTs are trained to consider the whole person – looking not only at physical health but also at psychological, social and environmental factors. This perspective is especially valuable in the context of the Care Act, where the focus is on identifying the occupations and activities that matter most to individuals, supporting their independence and promoting wellbeing.
The skills and expertise that OTs bring to report writing and reflecting the views, wishes and needs of individuals make them ideally placed to complete Care Act assessments. Their person-centred approach ensures that assessments are not just a tick-box exercise but a meaningful exploration of what matters to the person, their strengths and what support can enable them to live the life they choose.
The OT role in completing care act assessments
Occupational therapists are often already visiting people in their own homes – delivering services such as moving and handling advice and support. This puts our profession in an ideal position to undertake Care Act assessments or reviews, as they can integrate their holistic understanding of the individual’s needs into the assessment process.
Rather than subjecting individuals to multiple handovers between professionals, the OT can provide continuity, reducing duplication and ensuring a seamless, strength-based approach to support planning.
In practice, this means that an OT can identify not only the immediate needs for equipment or adaptations but also the wider social care needs, aspirations and potential for increased independence. The assessment process becomes a natural extension of their existing work – strengthening the link between practical intervention and long-term wellbeing.
Prevention, reduction and delay: Section 2 of the Care Act
Section 2 of the Care Act 2014 establishes a clear and proactive duty for local authorities to take steps to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care and support for adults in their area.
This part of the legislation shifts the focus from simply responding to needs when they become acute, to supporting people early – empowering them to maintain independence and avoid or postpone the need for more intensive, statutory services. The Care Act encourages a preventative approach, requiring local authorities to arrange or provide services, facilities or resources that will help people stay well and retain autonomy in their daily lives.
Occupational therapists are uniquely skilled in delivering on this statutory duty. Our interventions, rooted in national best practice, are focused on enabling people to maximise independence, reduce reliance on long-term support and maintain engagement in occupations and activities that matter to them.
Early intervention, rehabilitation and environmental adaptations are all well-evidenced OT strategies that align with the Care Act’s vision of prevention and personal empowerment.
By identifying risks early and empowering individuals to manage their own health and wellbeing, OTs help local authorities fulfil their responsibilities under Section 2 of the Care Act. This not only improves outcomes for the people they support, but also contributes to the sustainability of social care by reducing demand for long-term, statutory services. In this way, OTs are central to the preventative agenda that sits at the heart of modern adult social care legislation.
Supporting people early through prevention and early intervention can reduce the need for statutory care act assessments, reducing the burden on stretched social care teams to respond to the increasing demand for assessment and waiting list pressures.
Recognising the full value of occupational therapy in social care
As a profession, we need to recognise and embrace the breadth of our skills, experience and expertise in delivering all aspects of the Care Act. Our involvement should not be limited to equipment and adaptations – we should be seen as key professionals in assessment, support planning and preventative work.
The Local Government Association, ADASS, and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists all advocate for the inclusion of OTs as an integral part of the social care workforce. Their strength-based, personalised and independence-focused approach aligns perfectly with the ambitions of adult social care reform and the principles of the Care Act.
Conclusion
Occupational therapists have a pivotal role to play in the future of adult social care.
By completing Care Act assessments and supporting pre-assessment activity, they help prevent, reduce and delay the need for statutory services – promoting independence and enhancing quality of life.
Our holistic, person-centred practice makes us an indispensable part of the social care workforce – delivering on the promise of personalised, strength-based support for adults across the country.
Our thanks to Amy for this piece. If you're interested in how OTs in social care can deliver the right support, at the right time – explore our Power of OT in social care campaign. We need to champion the impact of OT in this area of practice as the UK moves towards a more community focused care system.