Vocational Rehabilitation

Combining specialist knowledge of neurological occupational therapy and vocational rehabilitation for individuals with a neurological diagnosis.

A practical, solution focused approach for those wishing to return to work, meeting the needs of individuals and employers.

Work place assessment

Having an ability to work and support ourselves financially is central to how most of us live our lives. Work provides purpose and gives structure to the day.

A neurological diagnosis can make decisions about work complex. Successful return to work programmes for individuals with complex needs requires a specialist and unique approach. Often, the hidden consequences of a neurological diagnosis are poorly understood. Equally, overcoming physical limitations can seem impossible.

Taking the step to return to work can highlight many questions. People may wish to know if there is a potential to return to their existing job with modifications or if alternative paid work should be considered with another employer. For some people, voluntary work may be a more suitable stepping stone back into the workplace or even a longer-term solution offering opportunities for developing skills and social support.

Our Vocational Rehabilitation Service is offered as a standalone service or will form part of a more comprehensive rehabilitation plan, depending on the needs of the individual. We can meet both the needs of individual clients and those of the insurance sector with confidence.

Work activities, both paid and unpaid, is defined as providing services or commodities to others such as ideas, knowledge, help, information sharing, entertainment and protection

Gary Kielhofner

Providing answers about work capabilities for the insurance sector

We are confident working with claims handlers within the Individual Income Protection, Group Income Protection, Critical Illness and Total Permanent Disability claims markets. Our service will help to provide answers to difficult questions helping the progress of a claim. The structure of our reports offers an opinion on an individual’s performance and participation in activities within the workplace specific to their job role and capabilities.

The analysis focuses on the individual’s perception of their performance of activities at work, combined with objective functional assessment of the skills required to undertake their role.

Within our reports, you will have a clear understanding of the current situation, outline of return to work potential, likelihood of functional improvement with intervention and future recommendations, if indicated. All reports are supported by a Job Skills Analysis outlining the key elements of the job role.

We consider a number of key factors relevant to the workplace, these being:

roles, habits and routines
skills, abilities and personal view on how effective they feel they are at doing a specific activity
the opportunities or barriers provided by the environment, whether these be physical or social
personal values, motivators and everyday workplace choices.

Assessments can be completed at any time during the claims process and are designed to reduce the cycle or length of a claim.

38% of first time strokes happen in middle-aged adults (between the ages of 40 to 69)

Department of Health 2018

Specialist vocational rehabilitation programmes

Individuals with a neurological diagnosis often have multiple challenges that impact on their ability to function successfully at work. The workplace presents as a challenging and dynamic environment that can introduce barriers to returning to work, and remaining in work, for people with disability.

Intangible consequences of a neurological diagnosis, such as fatigue, sensory disturbance and reduction in confidence can be managed. Physical limitations can be overcome by the introduction of new coping strategies or environmental modifications. Consequence of illness or injury, such as fatigue, can be managed through a bespoke graded return to work programme and collaborative working with employers to find workable solutions to everyday problems.

Our approach is guided by occupational therapy models of practice, meaning that it is practical in nature. Our team is skilled in functional assessments within the workplace, can advise on reasonable adjustments or job modifications that maybe required, as well as advising on practical solutions and individual coping strategies for cognitive, executive and physical limitations.

In addition to manging short-term sickness, we can create opportunities for people to return to work who may have been out of the workplace for some time or whose abilities are changing over a period of time due to a neurological diagnosis.

A unique journey

James sustained a brain injury after being knocked of his bicycle.

In his own words he describes the impact of his brain injury, and how Occupational Therapy was pivotal in working with his employer to help him return to work.

Independent Living Skills

Education and Training

Behavioural Rehabilitation

Registrations

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