Building Issues for OTs (extensions, pods & bathrooms)

3 CPD hours

DESCRIPTION

This course is aimed at occupational therapists and other non-construction personnel such as HIA case workers and non-surveyor grants officers. It focuses on technical and structural considerations relating to bathrooms, such as planning guidelines and building regulations for extensions, drainage (e.g. how far can you move a toilet?), wall construction (e.g how to secure grab rails and handrails), floor & ceiling construction (e.g. for shower trays and ceiling track hoists). It also provides suggestions for water containment within small bathrooms and ratings for slip resistant flooring (e.g. if clients wish to specify their own flooring). The course also introduces delegates to ‘pod’ alternatives to extensions and looks at the pros and cons of these.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE YOU SHOULD:

• Be familiar with key planning requirements & building regulations pertaining to extensions (bathrooms), such as permitted development, right-to-light (a view) and party wall/fence issues 
• Have increased awareness of modular extensions (pods), where to source them and the pros & cons for disabled clients (and OT/adaptation services) of modular build vs traditional build
• Be able to discuss a range of technical & structural considerations relating to bathrooms, such as drainage and wall, floor & ceiling construction e.g. how far can you move a toilet? how do you specify or reinforce walls so as to accommodate handrails?  how do you covert two rooms into ensuite bedroom-bathroom if wall in between is load bearing……and much more
• Understand the system of ratings relating to slip resistant flooring for bathrooms and be able to advise clients accordingly
• Be able to discuss options for water containment within small bathrooms
• Have experience of problem solving bathroom adaptation issues within a group setting, through discussion and case studies

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued (3 CPD hours)
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: presentations, case studies, desktop exercises, demonstration videos, discussions, breakout rooms and Q&As with trainers.

Reading & Using Plans – Level 2

DESCRIPTION

This module builds on the essentials covered in Level 1. It overviews advanced drawing features and also explores in greater depth topics simply referenced in Level 1. The module provides delegates with the opportunity to explore in a group setting elements of a range of complex housing schemes.

On completion of the course, you should:

• Understand how to interpret Sections and Elevations – in particular pertaining to ramps, extensions, bathrooms and/or kitchens
• Be able to interpret advanced architectural symbols, conventions and features, such as window & door schedules, keys/legends, datum levels, spot levels, floor levels, north arrows, icons used for landscaping, parking and so on
• Have awareness of different ways in which drawings can be dimensioned
• Be able to discuss the purposes and uses of Templates in adaptation work
• Understand how to verify drawings received electronically i.e. how to determine if, when printed off, they will be to scale
• Understand how to work effectively with drawings on computer. Includes overview of free software (Adobe Reader) for reviewing, measuring & commenting on drawings; and overview of software used by non-construction personnel such as occupational therapists, for creating adapation & design proposals (e.g. SmartDraw and MS Visio)
• Have experience of exploring, in a group context, one or more advanced wheelchair housing schemes, such as communal blocks of flats containing wheelchair units or a complex for frail elderly residents.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued for 3 CPD hours
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: powerpoint presentations, case studies, desktop exercises using drawings, practical exercises – utlising videos, discussion groups and break-out rooms, Q&As with trainers.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) – Level 2

3 CPD hours

Description

This stand-alone module builds on DFG-Level 1 and explores some complex scenarios and also looks at ancillary legislation and policies that can be utilised in the pursuit of funding for housing adaptation work for disabled people.

It is recommended you attend DFG-Level 1 first. However, if you are already experienced in working with DFGs, you may wish simply to attend Level 2 on its own. We suggest you double check the course outline for DFG-Level 1 first however, before making a decision either way.

DFG-Level 1 and DFG-Level 2 are stand-alone modules that can be attended individually or together.

Areas covered in this DFG-Level 2 module include:

• Landlord responsibilities & the Equality Act 2010 
• Relationship of DFG to Care Act 2014
• DFGs and arrangements vis a vis foster care, joint custody arrangements and respite care 
• DFGs for users with progressive and/or fluctuating conditions 
• Blanket policies (fettering discretion) and capacity decision making 
• Regulatory Reform Order (including local Private Sector Housing Renewal Policies)
• Land (Property) Charges
• Test of Resources (continued from Level 1)
• Grant Awards versus Grant Limits (preferred or enhanced schemes)
• Appealing Decisions
• Warranties / Maintenance of DFG funded equipment (adapations) e.g. lifts & hoists
• Evidencing your case / Transferring the risk 
• Measuring Outcomes • DFG Review – 2018 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued for 3 CPD hours
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: powerpoint presentations, case studies, desktop exercises using drawings, practical exercises – utlising videos, discussion groups and break-out rooms, Q&As with trainers.

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) – Level 1

3 CPD hours

DESCRIPTION

This module provides an excellent grounding in the essentials of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs). It can be attended on its own or in tandem with Level 2 (Advanced).

Areas covered in this module include:

• What is a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)?
• Who can apply? (age limits, tenancies and disability)
• The Legislative context – Housing Grants Construction & Regeneration Act, 1996
• Overview of DFG Mandatory Criteria
• Preferred Schemes (client led) versus Mandatory Criteria
• What constitutes a valid DFG application
• Means Testing (Test of Resources) and Passporting
• Discretionary funding (e.g. top-ups, assistance with moving costs etc) and the Regulatory Reform Order
• Roles and responsibilities of OTs and Grants Officers in relation to N.A.R.P.
• DFG timescales and requirements for approval
• Appeals processes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued for 3 CPD hours
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: powerpoint presentations, case studies, desktop exercises using drawings, practical exercises – utlising videos, discussion groups and break-out rooms, Q&As with trainers.

Housing & Equipment Solutions for Plus Size (Bariatric) Users

3 CPD hours

DESCRIPTION

This module aims to give professionals and others working in the field of accessible housing an insight into a range of equipment, design and adaptation issues pertaining to plus-size (bariatric) users, so as to enable them to work more effectively and confidently in this field. 

On completion of this course, delegates should: 

• Be able to discuss the background to bariatrics, definitions and a range of client issues
• Have increased proficiency in assessing space requirements of individual plus-size users and in planning layouts of key areas such as bathrooms
• Understand technical issues relating to dead/live loads, SWLs, door openings etc
• Be aware of companies in UK providing specialist equipment for plus-size (bariatric) users and some of the pros & cons of each
• Understand risks to both carers and users in terms of moving and handling and also in relation to means of escape
• Have problem solved cases within a group setting

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued for 3 CPD hours
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: powerpoint presentations, case studies, desktop exercises using drawings, practical exercises – utlising videos, discussion groups and break-out rooms, Q&As with trainers.

Housing & Equipment Solutions for Users with Dementia

3 CPD hours

DESCRIPTION

This module is aimed at all those interested in the area of dementia care and housing. It explores a wide range of adaptation and other issues (as indicated below) and is a good introductory course for anyone wishing to understand essential issues relating to the maintenance of people with dementia in their home environments. It explores a variety of common scenarios and overviews a range of specialist equipment (including smart technology and telecare).

The course looks at:

• Overview of the main types of dementia and guidance on how to assess and make recommendations for each
• Approaches to adaptation work when working with people with dementia
• Exploration of specialist equipment –including smart technology, assistive technology & telecare
• Design principles for dementia friendly housing, such as wayfinding, colour & tonal contrast, lighting levels etc
• Case scenarios exploring range of family compositions, funding options and housing types
• Working with families and carers of people with dementia
• Signposting to further resources including useful websites, publications and organisations pertaining to dementia care and housing 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Electronic handouts (PDFs) provided
• Digital Attendance Certificates issued for 3 CPD hours
• Our online courses are interactive and typically include some or all of the following: powerpoint presentations, case studies, desktop exercises using drawings, practical exercises – utlising videos, discussion groups and break-out rooms, Q&As with trainers.