Arranging the Reablement Service (Reablement)

1. Deciding who should provide Reablement

Where there is more than one option for reablement provision a decision should be made about who is best placed to provide the service.

This decision should be made in line with any local guidance and with regard for:

  1. The views of the person about who should provide reablement;
  2. The views of any carer about who should provide reablement; and
  3. The impact of the decision on the person's Wellbeing.

It should also consider:

  1. The skills, knowledge and experience to meet the requirements of the specific reablement service to be provided (including working with risk and specific activities);
  2. The skills, knowledge and experience to work with the particular needs of the person (for example health needs or communication needs).

2. Arranging Internal Reablement

Internal reablement provision is that which is provided by the Local Authority, where such a provision exists.

Using the information in the Reablement Plan (and with regard for the views of the person, any carer and Wellbeing) you must decide:

  1. Which reablement worker/s are the most appropriate to work with the person;
  2. The frequency of reablement visits required at the start of the plan;
  3. The duration of reablement visits at the start of the plan;
  4. The timings of the reablement visits at the start of the plan;
  5. Whether any additional information is required prior to starting reablement (for example information about risk to the worker);
  6. Whether any requests to work jointly have been made in a timely way;
  7. When the reablement service is likely to begin.

If you require any additional information before proceeding to arrange the reablement service you should gather it, seeking the consent of the person where required to do so.

Confirming the service

When the reablement service is finalised you must contact the person (or their representative if they lack capacity) to confirm:

  1. The frequency, duration and timing of initial visits;
  2. That the frequency, duration and timing of initial visits are subject to change as reablement progresses;
  3. The names of any reablement workers who are likely to be involved in providing the reablement service;
  4. When the reablement service is going to begin; and
  5. Answer any questions they have about the service, or provide any further information or advice that you feel may be beneficial.

You should also take the opportunity to reiterate that reablement is a time limited service and is regularly monitored and reviewed.

If the person advises that the proposed start date for reablement is not convenient for them (for example if they have a medical appointment or family matter) you should discuss and agree a revised date.

You should provide a record of what has been agreed in writing. This can be posted to the person or hand delivered if reablement is scheduled to start imminently.

Arranging the service

The reablement service should be arranged in line with local processes and requirements.

3. Arranging External Reablement

External reablement provision is that which is commissioned by the Local Authority, in a similar way to the commissioning of domiciliary care.

Referring to an external provider

All referrals should be made in line with local processes and requirements.

The referral should contain information about:

  1. The date that reablement is required to start;
  2. The frequency of reablement visits required at the start of the plan;
  3. The duration of reablement visits at the start of the plan;
  4. The timings of the reablement visits at the start of the plan;
  5. Any specific risks to workers;
  6. Any specific skills required.

When the referral is accepted

When the referral has been accepted you must provide the following information to the provider:

  1. A copy of the Reablement Plan;
  2. With the person's consent, a copy of the assessment;
  3. Information and contact details of anyone else involved in the plan (for example an occupational therapy practitioner).

It is the responsibility of the provider to contact the person to agree the specific details relating to how the reablement service will be provided.

When this is confirmed the provider should update you so that the Reablement Plan can be amended accordingly if required.

You should then contact the person to confirm:

  1. The frequency, duration and timing of initial visits;
  2. That the frequency, duration and timing of initial visits are subject to change as reablement progresses;
  3. The name and contact details of the provider;
  4. When the reablement service is going to begin;
  5. That the Local Authority will be monitoring and reviewing the progress of reablement;
  6. What the person should do if they wish to request a review or are unhappy with reablement; and to
  7. Answer any questions they have about the service, or provide any further information or advice that you feel may be beneficial.

You should also take the opportunity to reiterate that reablement is a time limited service and is regularly monitored and reviewed.