Occupational Therapists are regulated health care professionals trained to assess an individual’s occupational performance (self care, productivity and leisure) within the context of his/ her environment.

Occupational Therapy assessment following an accident / injury determines the client’s physical, cognitive and psychoemotional status as it impacts the client’s ability to perform activities of daily living . Assessments focus on an individual’ s ability to perform meaningful activities that are necessary and important to them .

The Occupational Therapy Assessment of Attendant Care Needs determines a client’s entitlement to the attendant care benefit. The assessment outlines areas of functional loss requiring assistance for daily living; type of assistance, frequency and cost is calculated (Level one, Level two, Level three) as per the Form 1.

The assessment is conducted within the client’s home or hospital/long term care environment and assesses the personal care needs of the individual based on accident related sequalae only. Pre/post accident function and issues are addressed.

Assessment Methodology:

The Assessment process includes:

• Review of provided medical and rehabilitation documentation (as available)

• Environmental assessment (home, hospital, long term care facility)

• Clinical interview with client

• Clinical interview with care providers

• Physical assessment of clients including; range of motion , strength , balance, transfers and mobility , sensation

• Cognitive screening of client including; Mini Mental Status, Independent Living Scale (as appropriate)

• Psychoemotional screening including; mood, coping / adjustment (as appropriate)

• Functional assessment of client including; observation of performance of self care tasks as medically and functionally reasonable

Assessment Outcome:

The assessment outcome is specific to the client’s status and care needs within his/ her environment. This assessment determines the type and amount of support required for safety and management of health and self care needs.

• Provides attendant care monthly amounts

• Provides report with detailed analysis of assistance required

• Provides documentation of retro active care received (if appropriate)

• Documents client’s current level of function and assistance needs

• Provides recommendations for reasonable and necessary aides and devices to promote safety and independence in self care

• Provides treatment recommendations to minimize the impact of the ongoing injuries, impairments and sequelae and to promote improved levels of function/independence

Time Frames

The client’s Attendant Care Needs will be re-assessed:

• When a change in client’s medical condition occurs ( improvement or deterioration )

• Monthly for non- catastrophic cases or pending anticipated change of status

• Every 3 months for catastrophic cases

• Upon request by insurer or legal representative for a review

In order to complete the Assessment of Attendant Care Needs, the therapist will:

• Communicate with client and caregiver (coordination of assessment and review of results and recommendations with client)

• Perform medical/rehabilitation report review and summary, communication with other team members (i.e. hospital staff, physiotherapist, speech pathologist, psychologist, physician)

• Perform functional assessment of client’s attendant care needs (includes interview with client and caregiver[s], physical, cognitive and psychoemotional screening, and functional assessment) *Note: if client requires standardized tool implementation or has language barriers, increased time and/or a 2^nd visit may be required

• Complete report preparation (data analysis)

• Form 1 Preparation

+Travel time and mileage will be billed in addition to the above

+Treatment plan (if required) to be billed in addition