TOTS helps Dorset Council enhance defensible practice in accessible housing

Occupational therapists Jacqui Waller and Shelly Fredericks, from The Occupational Therapy Service (TOTS), have successfully delivered training to Dorset County Council entitled: ‘Balancing Risk, Independence and Resources: Defensible Practice in Housing.’

Local authorities are under growing pressure to deliver timely, cost-effective and legally robust housing adaptation services for residents with mobility needs. To help occupational therapists strengthen their assessment and clinical reasoning skills in this specialist area, Jacqui and Shelly recently delivered a comprehensive two-day housing adaptations training programme. Delivered on behalf of TOTS, the programme focused on both adult and paediatric housing adaptations, supporting therapists responsible for assessing residents and recommending practical solutions that promote independence, safety and quality of life.

The training combined real-world case studies with evidence-based occupational therapy practice, covering everything from initial assessments and clinical reasoning through to adaptation recommendations and legislative considerations. Participants explored how to justify recommendations using structured assessment methods, standardised and non-standardised tools and recognised occupational therapy models. 

Sessions also examined the wider legal and professional framework surrounding housing adaptations, including wellbeing legislation, carers’ rights and professional guidance relevant to occupational therapy practice. By applying these principles to realistic scenarios, attendees were able to strengthen their confidence in producing defensible, person-centred recommendations. 

Adam Ferry, Co-Director and Occupational Therapist at The Occupational Therapy Service, said:

“Local authorities are facing increasing demand for housing adaptations, often within very challenging time and budget pressures. Training like this gives occupational therapists the opportunity to strengthen their clinical reasoning, improve consistency in decision-making and ensure recommendations are both evidence-based and defensible. Jacqui and Shelley delivered practical, highly relevant content that can be immediately applied within council services to reduce costs and maximise resources.”

The interactive nature of the training encouraged discussion between therapists with varying levels of experience, helping teams reflect on current practice and develop more consistent approaches to complex cases involving adaptations such as stairlifts, access solutions and environmental modifications. 

Feedback from all attendees was positive with one Team Manager OT saying that one of the most useful parts was: “the discussions around models and strategies to try before doing adaptations, particularly with children with behaviour that challenges.”

In conclusion, Adam added:

“For councils seeking to ensure their housing adaptation assessment and provision is efficient, this training provides a valuable opportunity to equip teams with the specialist knowledge they need to directly benefits both practitioners and residents alike. TOTS can deliver this course to any local authority across the UK or tailor according to relevant objectives and goals.”