The Royal College of Occupational therapists (RCOT) has launched a new guide, ‘Care homes and equipment’ which sets out the principles for the assessment, maintenance and provision of equipment for residents of care homes.
The guide will assist occupational therapists with local decision-making and the timely provision of equipment. It will also act as a reference point for anyone who needs to be aware of the process for assessing and providing equipment for care home residents.
The guidance identifies a number of principles which need to underpin planning for the provision equipment. It uses scenarios to highlight a number of responsibilities and standards of practice to help prioritise the importance of the person’s wellbeing in the decision-making process.
Commenting on the report, RCOT Lead Professional Adviser Karin Orman said:
“This is a really important guide. Current legislation does not provide clear-cut answers concerning the provision and funding of specialist equipment in care homes and this guide will give direction to everyone involved in the process.
“The right piece of equipment can make a life changing impact to a person’s life in a care home and this guide will help everyone involved with providing and maintaining equipment as easily as possible. Occupational therapy is all about person centred care and these principles place the person at the heart of the planning, decision-making and provision of equipment.”