OT reports

JonnycJonny

How important are OT reports as opposed to medical or diagnostic reports when it comes to assessing changes of circumstance ? Could a paper assessment be done on the strength of a my words and an OT report or will a face to face or telephone conversation still be needed ?

poppy123456

It depends on how much information is in the report. No harm in sending it. Most people have assessments so you should expect one of those. Paper based assessments are possible but rare.

Alex_Alumni

Are you thinking of submitting a change of circumstances @JonnycJonny? I hope the above reply has helped you get things straight. 

How are you feeling about it?

JonnycJonny

Yes I am.

Feeling anxious about it but admitting to myself I now need additional help is also hard to deal with.

Thought an OT report would be vital as it is all about my functional inability but clearly not given the 'no harm in sending it' answer in the previous post.

poppy123456

JonnycJonny said:

Yes I am.

Feeling anxious about it but admitting to myself I now need additional help is also hard to deal with.

Thought an OT report would be vital as it is all about my functional inability but clearly not given the 'no harm in sending it' answer in the previous post.

I couldn’t tell you if it’s a vital piece of evidence because I have no idea what it says in the report. 

Speaking from experience with OT reports they don’t usually go into a huge amount of detail. 

JonnycJonny

The report relates to every descriptor but it is true that it is mostly light on detail - only a few elements can actually be 'observed' - the rest are 'reported'. I cannot - obviously - be asked to demonstrate toileting. The OT can only infer and take my word or my carer's word for it.

Walking on the other hand can be observed as can standing up from a low armchair with 'assistance' or transferring to and from a bed with the aid of a handrail.

I am wondering which specialist can provide thorough detail ?

Thank you for your insight and comments.

poppy123456

Transferring too and from a bed isn’t considered in any of the PIP descriptors. 
No specialist can give thorough details because they don’t spend any time with you to see how you cook, wash, dress etc etc.

The only person that knows exactly how your conditions affect you is yourself.
You should include a couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attempted each descriptor that applies to you.
Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exactly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. 

You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies.

JonnycJonny

I will do exactly as you advise.

I should have said the OT report was done in relation to adaptations needed in my home but it touched upon all aspects of my daily life and mobility issues. I figured this would be useful evidence along with my own statements.

Best wishes 

poppy123456

As I advised there’s absolutely no harm in sending it. 

JonnycJonny

It supports my statements so no harm done.

Thanks once again 

janer1967

Hi there 

I have sent my ot reports and sensory team report will be sent for my next review 

It may not make a difference but mine shows tye aids and adaptions required and that they would be supplied so these can count for points for aids as supplied through ot eg my bath lift 

As poppy said no harm in sending it 

My sensory team report details how I need assistance to go out and adaptions to some appliances etc 

JonnycJonny

Likewise my report details the aids I have and those to be provided by the OT plus my need for assistance when mobilising indoors and outdoors. Thorough detail though is scant - it is down to me to give more specifics as Poppy has advised.

Best wishes to you.

poppy123456

JonnycJonny said:

 plus my need for assistance when mobilising indoors

If you're claiming because of physical conditions then you won't score any points for needing assistance to mobilise outside. The moving around part would be what you need to look at here and they consider your ability to stand and move on level ground. This activity should be judged in relation to a type of surface normally expected out of doors, such as pavements on the flat and includes the consideration of kerbs.

JonnycJonny

Due to severe balance issues, lack of proprioception and chronic pain I am unable to move around safely outdoors without a walking aid and the help of my carer. I do not walk in an acceptable manner - I am very slow, wobbly and feel anxious on whatever surface. I can cover only around 20 m before needing to stop - as borne out by the OT report.

But I will reconsider putting in my change of circumstance given your comment about assistance. Your insight is greatly appreciated.

poppy123456

JonnycJonny said:

Due to severe balance issues, lack of proprioception and chronic pain I am unable to move around safely outdoors without a walking aid and the help of my carer. I do not walk in an acceptable manner - I am very slow, wobbly and feel anxious on whatever surface. I can cover only around 20 m before needing to stop - as borne out by the OT report.

But I will reconsider putting in my change of circumstance given your comment about assistance. Your insight is greatly appreciated.

This may apply to the following and planning a journey activity but it will depend on how the balance problem affects you and the reasons why you experience this.

Have you ever fallen when you've been outside? If so how often has this happened?

Regarding falls, consideration must be given to how the risk of falling manifests itself. Ordinarily the risk to a claimant’s safety arising from a physical inability to move safely would be applicable under activity 12. However, where the fall arises as a result of a sensory or cognitive impairment (for example, seizures associated with loss of consciousness) the risk of the fall to a claimant’s safety would be applicable under activity 11. When assessing which descriptor might apply, consideration also needs to be given to any risks to an individual arising during the “recovery” period (for example, any post ictal confusion).

It is also possible to score 12 points in the moving around part because this considers a distance of between 1 - 20 metres, aided or unaided.. so a stick or crutch etc etc.