Occupational Therapists can achieve a step change in the speed with which they resolve home adaptation need by capitalising on processes put in place by AAT. And it’s all achievable within existing frameworks!

It is widely acknowledged that one of the biggest causes of delay in delivering home adaptations is the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) process. AAT’s options eliminate that need when addressing stairs and/or access/egress- issues affecting between 15-20% of adaptations(1). The benefit is further enhanced where clients who live in town houses: one stairclimber can deal with multiple staircases. A stairclimber also solves access/egress for anyone living in a flat.

The extended powers offered by Regulatory Reform Orders themselves mean that equipment such as a stairclimber can be provided without undergoing the full DFG process.

Further, when/if the stairclimber is no longer needed by the original recipient, it can be re-issued (prescribed) to another client, thus helping multiple people from just one piece of equipment and nominal cost (just the setting up of the stairclimber for the new client and training of their care givers- <£1000/ re-issue).

Beyond the equipment itself, AAT is also providing a full support service for OT teams. Its team will undertake the initial assessment of person and environment to verify suitability, set up the stairclimber, train the carer, and manage the whole re-issue process- to the extent of collecting the stairclimber when no longer needed, fully servicing it, and managing the re-issue to the next recipient.

AAT has even developed a unique accessory in conjunction with OTs- the Universal Seating System- which further helps optimise the ease with which AAT’s stairclimbers can be used to resolve client mobility.

Using AAT’s package means that adaptations professionals can quickly and cost-effectively manage the risk for clients struggling with stairs. It further means those clients that are impeded from safely going in, out of their homes because of steps or a variation in door threshold height can also be supported without the need for ramps or building works.

Leeds City Council is just one already making use of AAT’s service.

'The service we have received has been extremely positive,' says Leeds City Council Occupational Therapy Team Manager Jane Fisher. 'Funds and time are under pressure now more than ever. This means we can quickly empower clients to still be able to access all levels of their home, with the peace of mind that the right kit is being supplied, maintained and serviced, and in full working order. It takes a pressure off the already busy stores team, and enables effective delegation and employment of specialised resources so we can make best use of our time and expertise.'

Find out more about AAT’s package for adaptations professionals here: https://www.aatgb.com/ots/