The document describes a "Signposted DFG" program between two local authorities that aims to speed up the process for simple home adaptations like installing wet floor showers. Through a phone assessment, an occupational therapist can refer clients who have non-complex needs directly to the program rather than a full home visit. So far the program has completed 5 showers with an average reduction in the client journey of 4-6 months. Based on success so far, the program aims to expand eligibility and roll out across more of the county.

1. THE ‘SIGNPOSTED’ DFG

2. Who are we?
 A local partnership between Ryedale District Council
and Scarborough Borough Council providing a range
of HIA services.
 Working in a 2-tier area with North Yorkshire County
Council

3. Why did we introduce the Signposted DFG?
 Commitment between the 2-tier authorities to
review the whole client journey
 Long history of waiting lists in our area
 Hard to recruit/retain OTs
 Commitment to spend the increased DFG budget
 Supported by research from BMC/RCOT Adaptations
without delay
 Speed up the process for simple preventative measures

4. What is a ‘signposted’ DFG
 A telephone assessment by a qualified Occupational
Therapist (with no home visit)
 The service user is known to OT services or they have non-
complex needs
 Currently wet floor showers only
 For people who have already tried equipment or where
equipment would not be suitable

5. Why we chose Showers?
 The majority of referrals are for showers
 Relatively low risk - unlikely to have detrimental affect on
function but will improve a persons independence
 Framework and standard specification in place

6. NYCC
•Residents phone in to the Care & Support Team (customer contact centre based in NYCC)
•A screening tool is used to identify people suitable for the pilot (undertaken by a qualified OT)
WRHIA
•Referral made to HIA (via DASH our web based system)
•Technical Officer visits completes survey and simple application form (non means tested grant)
WRHIA
•If Technical Officer feels needs are more complex - referral goes back to OT for full assessment
•Otherwise grant is approved and framework contractor assigned work
WRHIA
•Work carried out
•Technical officer inspects/signs off work
NYCC
•OT contacts the person to ensure the situation has resolved and they do not require further support

7. So far…so good
 28 Referrals have gone through the system
 5 showers now completed, several works in progress
 No cases have needed to be referred back for full assessment
 HIA Well Being officers able to identify clients for the pilot
 Average time for completion (from OT screening to works
completed on site) 3 months
 Estimated average reduction on overall client journey 4-6
months

8. Client Feedback……how has it benefited you?
“In every way – I can
now shower
independently and I
couldn’t before
because I couldn’t
manage my equipment
without help. My
bathroom also now
looks lovely.”
“Simplified my life,
it’s keeping me much
cleaner and helped
my confidence
especially now I’ve
found a job it’s
important for me to
keep clean.”
“Tremendously, it
has made my life
much easier.”

9. Next steps……
 Role out the pilot across the rest of the County
 Introduce a new trusted assessor pilot, with referrals
directly from non OT staff from NYCC and HIA where
equipment has been tried or is not suitable to meet their
needs (Showers only)
 Aim to go live with the next stage by the end of the year
with a view to rolling out across the County in the next
financial year if successful

10. Any questions
Contact us for further info:
Lynn William –HIA Manager - lynn.williams@scarborough.gov.uk
Jill Ellerton – Senior OT – jill.ellerton@northyorks.gov.uk