FOI Request - Provision Of Aid Equipment

Request 101003656595

1. Do you have a formal referral route for assessing individuals for the provision of equipment, for example, mobility aids, riser recliners and communication aids?

2. If you do have a formal referral route, can you share a copy of this?

3. Is there a formal process to fast-track applications for people with a terminal illness?

4. Can you also outline any definition of the word ‘equipment’ which is used as part of the assessment process and a list of equipment which you can provide to individuals?  

5. Where someone has been awarded a grant for a wet room, and this work is undertaken by the local authority, can you advise what materials this includes, as standard?  For example, if someone requires to redecorate as part of this, for example retiling or painting the bathroom area, is this accounted for in the assessment and cost?   

6. Is there a formal process to fast-track applications for people with a terminal illness?

7. How many applications for a stairlift were received in the year from:

i. April 2022-23
ii. April 2023-24
iii. April 2024-present

8. How many of these applications were approved?  

9. How long did people wait for their stairlifts to be installed, following the approval?  

10. Is there a formal process to fast-track applications for people with a terminal illness?

11. How many people, approved for a stairlift, had Motor Neuron Disease or any other terminal illness from:

i. April 2022-23
ii. April 2023-24
iii. April 2024-present

12. Can you provide a copy of the guidance used to assess applications for Stairlifts?  

13. Do you provide Stairclimbers?  

(a) Can you outline the assessment process involved and the criteria for approving the provision of a Stairclimber?
 
(b) How many people were provided with a stair climber from:
i. April 2022-23
ii. April 2023-24
iii. April 2024-present

14. Is there a formal process to fast-track applications for Stairclimbers for people with a terminal illness?

Response 07-11-2024 

1. Yes. 

2. Please find attached guidelines, which explain the referral process.

3. An individual's situation, including prognosis, is considered when prioritising their referral.

4. Equipment is defined as:
any item that is used to increase the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

The provision of equipment is aimed at increasing or maintaining functional independence and safety for people with a substantial and long term disability. The service is provided to adults and children.  

5. Grant assistance will be limited to only works classed as being required for the applicant’s assessed needs. Works that go beyond this level may still be carried out but wholly at the applicant’s own expense.

6. An individual's situation, including prognosis, is considered when prioritising their referral.

7. & 8. Information not held. Referrals are not categorised based on what the applicant is requesting or what could be provided. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.

9. Information not held. The waiting time for the install of a stairlift can vary from case to case, depending on stock availability, issues with access to the property etc. From point of order, a recycled Stairlift in stock can be installed in a matter of days. A stairlift that needs to be ordered has a delivery time of weeks from the supplier. A curved track can take substantially longer depending on the number and complexity of turns. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.

10. An individual's situation, including prognosis, is considered when prioritising their referral.

11. Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.

12. 

STRAIGHT TRACK STAIRLIFT

A powered lift mounted on a stair fixed track that follows the line of the stairs. The majority of lifts are used in a seated position but standing or perching options are available.  Heavy Duty stair lifts are also available

Criteria
The general considerations prefacing this document are met 
and
The person is unable to climb the stairs or the physical exertion of climbing the stair is contra-indicated
and
A second handrail will not substantially improve safety or functional mobility
and
There is unlikely to be an improvement in ability following a period of rehabilitation
and
It is not possible for the person’s needs to be accommodation on the ground floor
and
The house is otherwise medium to long term suitable
and
The person would be able to safety transfer on and off a stairlift independently or with minimal assistance.

Factors to consider

-       The person must be made aware of current charging, servicing and repairs policy at the time of assessment.
-       A signed stairtlift service agreement should be completed and signed.  End of life conditions are exempt from service charges.
-       Relocated straight stairlifts may be available and this option should be considered first where appropriate.
-       A stairlift on the exterior of the property (open to the elements) will not normally be considered.
-       In privately rented and housing association accommodation written permission from the landlord is required.  
-       The person’s abilities - to transfer and to manage the controls, whether they need a specific height of seat, specialised seat or harness and whether their abilities are likely to change in the foreseeable future.  
-       The most cost effective option should be considered.
-       A stairlift will only be installed in a communal area in exceptional circumstances. A stairlift in a communal area will require a building warrant  and will need the consent of the other home owners affected by this work.
-       Consider whether a bannister on the opposite side of the stairs from the lift is required for ambulant users.
-       If a mobility aid or wheelchair is used additional equipment may be required for use upstairs.
Contra-indications
-       Stairlifts may also be contra-indicated where person has a cognitive impairment or conditions where rapid deterioration is likely
-       A stairlift is not suitable for a person with uncontrolled epilepsy or frequent blackouts.
-       Consider whether the installation of the lift could constitute a fire or trip hazard.

13. We have in the past, but haven’t recently provided this equipment.

a) 

1  Decision Making Process
The level of service provided will be determined following an assessment of need.  We have a priority system for assessment.  Please see appendix A for the priority system.  

Following an assessment a decision on the need for standard OT and specialist equipment is made.  The decision will be made by following the Criteria for the Provision of Equipment, see appendix B.  

The request for high cost or high risk items of specialist equipment will go to the Occupational Therapy Team Manager for authorisation.  Where the cost is extensive or the request outside our criteria, the Service Manager will consider the request,

The process will be transparent, equitable and offer informed choice to the client on both outcome and delivery of the service, underpinned by the principle of minimum intervention and best value.  In the decision process, the criteria of eligibility must be considered and the cost effective, suitable and safe solution recommended.

Equipment provided to improve quality of life without a functional element however is outside the bounds of the Occupational Therapy service.

b) Zero to all

14. An individual's situation, including prognosis, is considered when prioritising their referral.