health and social care assessments
Trusted Assessors: Who They Are and What They Do?
What is a Trusted Assessor?
A Trusted Assessor is a qualified professional with the skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out health and social care assessments. Their role is pivotal in ensuring individuals have access to timely assessments and appropriate adaptations that promote safety, independence, and well-being at home.
The Trusted Assessor framework was introduced in 2005 in response to a government objective to increase community-based equipment provision. Initially designed to enable ancillary staff to provide minor adaptations at the point of need, the role has evolved significantly. Today, Trusted Assessors operate across a broad range of settings, complementing the work of Occupational Therapists (OTs) by focusing on less complex cases and enabling OTs to dedicate their time to more complex assessments.
Their expertise helps streamline the process of assessing and delivering minor and major adaptations, improving service efficiency, and significantly enhancing quality of life for older and disabled individuals.
What Do Trusted Assessors Do?
What Do Trusted Assessors Do?
Trusted Assessors play a key role in the adaptations process. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessment of individual needs
- Evaluation of property suitability
- Determining what is practical and reasonable
- Guidance on DFG criteria and processes
Level 3: Minor Adaptations
The Level 3 Trusted Assessor focuses on assessing and fitting low-level equipment and minor adaptations, such as:
- Grab rails
- Raised-height toilet seats.
- Threshold ramps
- Bathing aids
Level 4: Major Adaptations
The Level 4 Trusted Assessor, accredited by OCN, enables professionals to:
- Assess and measure for major adaptations.
- Prescribe equipment for larger modifications such as stairlifts, ramps, and accessible bathrooms.
Why Trusted Assessors Matter
With an increasing aging population, the demand for home adaptations is growing rapidly. Delays in assessments can have a significant impact on individuals waiting for essential modifications. Trusted Assessors help bridge this gap by:
- Speeding up the delivery of essential adaptations.
- Reducing waiting times and improving service efficiency.
- Allowing Occupational Therapists to focus on complex cases that require their specialized expertise.
Confident, well-trained Trusted Assessors are key to helping individuals live independently and safely in their own homes. With the right training and knowledge, Trusted Assessors make a real difference in people’s lives by providing timely, effective solutions.
