Addressing inconsistencies within a justification

Application form

Frank reports in his functional history that he’s able to sit and stand from the toilet with the use of an aid due to his hip bursitis.

However, in supporting information from his occupational therapist (Ms Hellwood, dated 13/03/2021), it is reported that while he was able to do this some months ago, he has now deteriorated to the point where he requires help to sit and stand from the toilet.

In addition to this, Frank’s pain relief has significantly increased over the last six months, as has his input from specialist doctors.

Case manager’s decision

On the balance of probability (individual’s report vs occupational therapist letter, medication and input increase), it’s reasonable that despite Frank’s statement, he would require additional support when sitting and standing from the toilet.

The case manager can explain this in the justification:

“Frank reports that he’s able to sit and stand from the toilet with the use of an aid due to pain in his hips from bursitis. This is consistent with his diagnosis and high levels of pain relief. However, a letter from occupational therapist (Ms Hellwood, dated 13/03/2021) states that this has changed recently, and he now requires the help of another person to be able to sit and stand from the toilet, in addition to this his pain relief medication has increased significantly and he’s having to see specialist doctors more frequently to be able to try and manage the pain.

“Although Frank reports that he’s able to independently sit and stand from the toilet (with the use of aids), on the basis of Ms. Hellwood’s evidence it is reasonable to conclude that he requires the assistance of another person.”

Application form

In their application form, Alex reports that they’re able to cook a simple meal using aids which they need due to their reduced vision.

In supporting information from a social work care assessment, (social worker N Redpath 02/01/2021) it is explained that they’re able to cook but they have had to attend hospital a number of times because of burns and scalds resulting from accidents, due to their sight worsening.

The individual’s report is accurate but what’s considered is the safety aspect of the reliability criteria. (link to reliability criteria section of overview of decision making) It’s inconsistent that this individual is able to cook a meal in a safe manner.

The case manager can explain this in the justification:

“Alex reports that they require the use of aids to be able to cook a meal due to their reduced level of sight. This is consistent with their glaucoma, for which they are receiving specialist input and  awaiting surgery.

 However, in a letter from social work care assessment, (social worker N Redpath 02/01/2021) it states that while Alex is cooking for themselves, they have burned themselves multiple times and have had to attend hospital several times.

It’s therefore reasonable that they would require supervision in the kitchen to be able to cook a simple meal safely.”