What happens in a neuro OT assessment?

Before the assessment

We start with a conversation, with you, your family or the referring case manager, to understand the background and what everyone is hoping for. For professional referrals we’ll ask for relevant information such as hospital therapy reports, scan results and cognitive scores, shared securely.

We agree the date, place and who will be there. Most assessments happen at home, but they can also take place in the community, at work or virtually.

On the day

A neuro OT assessment usually takes around one and a half to two hours, with breaks where needed, especially if fatigue is an issue. It typically includes:

• Your story: what happened, what’s changed and what matters most to you
• Daily activities: personal care, meals, household tasks, getting out and about
• Physical function: movement, arm and hand use, balance and falls risk
• Cognition: memory, attention, planning and problem-solving, using standardised screening where appropriate
• Fatigue, sleep and mood, and how they affect what you can do
• Home environment and equipment
• Roles: work, study, parenting, caring, leisure
• Support: what help is in place, and what’s needed

Where it helps, we may watch you carry out a real task, such as making a drink, because it shows things a conversation can’t.

After the assessment

For self-referrals we share a summary of findings and agree goals and a plan with you. For case-managed and funded work, we provide a written report on the agreed date. It sets out:

• background and presenting difficulties
• assessment findings, including any standardised measures
• the impact on daily life, roles and safety
• goals and recommendations, such as rehabilitation, equipment, support and other professionals
• time frames and costs for recommended input

Rehabilitation can then start, with regular reviews and updates.

Questions

References

1. Royal College of Occupational Therapists. What is occupational therapy? Link

This article is general information, not a substitute for individual clinical advice. If you have new or worsening symptoms, speak to your GP or NHS 111.