Case Management under the Rehabilitation Code and Post-settlement

What is Case Management?

Case Management is a collaborative process which: assesses, plans, implements, co-ordinates, monitors and evaluates the options and services required to meet an individual’s health, social care, educational and employment needs, using communication and available resources to promote quality cost effective outcomes. [CMS UK]

At ERGO OTS we frequently combine the role of occupational therapist and case manager so reducing the number of people involved and saving costs.

Most of our case management work is via insurers and solicitors who jointly instruct us under the Rehabilitation Code 2015. We do, however, also work for solicitors and Deputies after a claimant has had a settlement and needs assistance to put all the recommendations in place.

An example of this was the resettlement at home of a very disabled young person including major adaptations to their newly acquired property. This involved assessments, placing orders, overseeing installation and training of professional and family users on all the equipment. This included:

overhead and mobile hoist system
level access shower and shower trolley
height adjustable wash hand basin
therapy and sensory equipment
bedroom equipment including sleep system
suction equipment
wheelchair and wheelchair accessible vehicle

The team, led by the case manager, consisted of the family, Project Manager, Speech and Language Therapist, Physiotherapist, Wheelchair Therapist, professional deputy and team, statutory services.

Effective Networking

It has been said many times that our extensive network of contacts means that ‘if we don’t know the answer, we know or will find someone who does!’ This is particularly useful when additional needs are identified and other professionals are required. Examples include referrals to specialist orthotists, hydrotherapy services or mental health professionals. All these have to be justified and approved before action can be taken and the case manager will see to this.

Keeping on Track

To keep everyone up to date with progress, and with everyone’s permission, we usually produce a monthly or bi-monthly Action Plan including the contact details of all the relevant people. This has proven to be an invaluable tool in ensuring there are no gaps or duplication in effort between team members.

Satisfaction for All

We find case management very rewarding and have many satisfied and grateful clients who support this view. We are a member of Case Management Society UK (CMS UK) for details see www.cmsuk.org