Services

Attendant Care (Form 1) Assessments

A thorough review of services and equipment needed for attendant care purposes. It is best used in conjunction with an In-Home Activities of Daily Living Assessment.

Attendance Management

The dedication to the provision of quality services to its customers is generally the goal of all employers. Healthy, responsible employees assure the provision of this quality service through the achievement of corporate visions and values.

It is an expectation of employment that all employees be responsible for their prompt and regular attendance at work. An Attendance Management Program is implemented to promote regular attendance and to manage absenteeism through consistent and positive intervention strategies.

Employers recognize that there are many reasons for absences. An Attendance Management Program is based on the assumption that absenteeism is non-culpable (innocent) and that cooperation between the manager and the employee in paramount to:

• promoting regular work attendance;
• standardizing protocols for managing attendance;
• encouraging pro-active health and work practices; and
• providing timely interventions and support whenever possible.

An Attendance Management Program provides a framework for managing attendance and providing support to employees to assist them in meeting their employment commitments. An Attendance Management Program is structured to compliment an employer's existing wellness programs such as Disability Management Programs; Return to Work Programs; and Employee Assistance Programs.

Case Management

There are many important steps between the onset of injury/illness and a successful rehabilitation to healthy functioning. The sooner these important activities begin, the more likely full recovery becomes, which is why ACCLAIM offers its Case Management Services, built on an Early Intervention program.

Case Management relates to the coordination of an individual's treatment, rehabilitation and/or attendant care. Case Management can include interviews with family members, the employer, treating health practitioners and service providers; personal meetings with the client; rehabilitation planning, treatment review; assessment coordination; and report preparation. Case Management is a legislated requirement for all catastrophic injuries, and greatly expedites the rehabilitation process in non-catastrophic injuries by simultaneously managing the recovery and Return to Work process.

Catastrophic Case Management

There are many aspects of navigating the road to recovery following the onset of a severe injury/illness. Having the support and expertise of a Catastrophic Case Manager ensures proper development, implementation and coordination of an individualized rehabilitation plan aimed at rehabilitating clients having suffered from catastrophic injuries.

The sooner rehabilitation interventions begin, the better the outcome and potential for maximizing recovery.

As with all our services, a comprehensive approach defines our Catastrophic Case Management. ACCLAIM's Consultants support the injured client and their families with all aspects of the rehabilitation plan by:

• Establishing, coordinating and implementing an Individualized Rehabilitation Plan
• Communicating with client, their family and all stakeholders which may include but are not limited to: Treating practitioners; Intervention Team, Employer, Legal Representative and Insurance company
• Coordinating and monitoring all necessary medical and rehabilitation services/needs
• Keeping abreast of progress and barriers relating to the rehabilitation plan and rehabilitation goals
• Remaining knowledgeable on community resources and legislations

In addition to our Catastrophic Case Management Services, ACCLAIM employs a multi-disciplinary team of qualified professionals to provide:

• Discharge Planning & Community Reintegration
• Occupational Therapy Assessments & Treatment
• Nursing Assessment Services
• Cognitive and Physical Demands Analysis
• Ergonomic Services
• Functional and Vocational Assessments
• Future Care Cost Analysis

Specializing in Catastrophic Case Management Injuries including:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Complex Orthopaedics
• Pediatrics
• Other severe Injuries and Illnesses

Claims Management

Our Claims Management is a comprehensive service following through from file adjudication to appeals to case management and Return to Work Programming. We are able to provide Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and WSIB/WCB/CSST claims management as needed. The chart on the following page illustrates our integrated process.

Cognitive Demands Analysis

As with physical demands, knowing the cognitive requirements of an occupation helps to ensure an individual is suited for the position. We can provide an accurate compilation of these requirements within one report, increasing an individual's chance of long-term success within that role.

A Cognitive Demands Analysis (CDA) looks at the major cognitive elements of a given position to determine what kind of mental capacities would be required to complete the job duties to full success. The CDA is generally performed for clients who have sustained memory deficits, concentration deficits, or other cognitive effects due to acquired brain injury.

Creative Job Search Program

Creative Job Search Program provides client's with the tools they need to proactively seek out new employment with knowledge and self-assurance.

The Creative Job Search Program is completed over a maximum three-month period and is flexible depending on the client's needs. The program includes a number of components aimed at enhancing a participant's confidence, job focus, knowledge of the labour market and time management skills during the job search process.

Disability Management Audit

Knowing how your organization currently handles disability management is one of the first and most important steps to building a successful program that matches the unique nature of your workplace.

The Audit is a comprehensive review of an organization's existing disability management resources, structure/workflow, occupational/non-occupational costs, and objectives. A Disability Management Audit grades your current system against industry Best Practices, giving your organization insight into how they can take the next step towards a healthy and productive workplace.

A Disability Management Audit can look at the following aspects:

• Workplace Safety & Insurance Board Statements
• WSIB/WCB/CSST Active Claims for potential SIEF relief
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Claims Activity
• Attendance / Sick Leave Utilization
• Modified Return to Work Programs / Light Duty Provisions
• Operational Policies & Procedures
• Occupational Health & Safety Structures
• Responsibility and Accountability Structures

Discharge Planning

The client's move from hospital to his/her home or suitable environment is a crucial time in the recovery process. Proper Discharge Planning is a proactive way to make sure this transition is as safe and successful as possible.

Working with the hospital and community agencies, ACCLAIM Ability Management Inc.'s Discharge Planner manages a safe and expedient transfer of the client to the home or a suitable environment, taking care of any attendant care and/or treatment needs to minimize costs and improve patient outcomes. The Discharge Plan incorporates the client's physical needs, as well as any personal assistance requirements and treatment recommendations.

Ergonomic Assessments

The workplace can present both barriers and risks to healthy work. The Ergonomic Assessment is an effective way to help avoid injury and/or disability through identification and education, thus reducing the risk of these barriers.

This is an assessment of the worksite to achieve resolution of pain or disability for employees at work or returning to work after injury/disability, who are experiencing ongoing difficulties. The Ergonomic Assessment includes evaluation, modifications, and employee education in order to identify risk factors and barriers impacting the employee and the completion of work tasks.

Functional Abilities Evaluation

The potential outcomes of having a claimant perform activities without testing their related functional ability can be both physically and financially costly. A Functional Abilities Evaluation reduces the risk of further injury or disability, while also guarding against unnecessary payment towards services, care, or benefits.

The Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) is a testing process that determines an individual's ability to perform activities safely, identifies the presence of disability resulting from impairment, and identifies any functional impairments to be resolved or accommodated. The FAE is conducted by a certified HANOUN Specialist over one day (4 hours) or two days (8 hours) and based on the HANOUN Objective Documentation Evaluation System (ODES).

Future Care Cost Analysis

Restoring a client's pre-disability status begins by developing a total understanding of the disability, as well as the costs involved in providing the necessary care to the individual. The Future Care Cost Analysis (FCCA) gives you this insight.

The FCCA prognosticates future treatment and service needs as well as corresponding lifetime costs of catastrophically impaired clients. The most common catastrophic disabilities presented for an FCCA are acquired brain injury, amputation, and spinal cord injury. The analysis provides a comprehensive summary of therapeutic modalities, evaluations, education, attendant care services, medical follow-up, equipment needs, pharmaceuticals, home modifications, vocational needs, and the associated costs for the individual over a specified period of time. The FCCA will assist legal counsel, insurance representatives, the court, and other professionals to understand the total nature of a client's disability.

IE/IME Coordination

When you are looking for an objective professional opinion you need an Insurer's Examination (IE) or an Independent Medical Examination (IME).

The IE and the IME are both impartial medical assessments performed by an independent medical practitioner, often specialized in the discipline related to the client's suggested injury/illness. Both examinations are designed to answer questions concerning the disability and/or treatment's effect on the client's ability to function healthily in daily living.

Our IE/IME Department effectively coordinates relevant and knowledgeable examinations nationwide, with comprehensive arrangements for travel, interpretation, medical document copy/delivery, and report processing.

In-Home Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Assessment

Assessment of all areas of daily living performance, including: physical and mental status, self-care, leisure activities, support systems, etc. to enhance abilities of serious or permanently injured clients. This includes a thorough assessment of the physical home environment to determine pre- and post-injury activities of daily living and improve post-injury abilities. It is also used to determine equipment and modifications necessary to facilitate access, mobility and safety in the home.

Job Site Analysis

While knowing the physical demands of a given occupation is an important first step, each individual has a unique medical and functioning status that affects his/her ability to meet those demands. This is where the Job Site Analysis can help.

The Job Site Analysis (JSA) is a comprehensive Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) accompanied by an analysis of the individual's medical status and capabilities in relation to the work environment, processes, methods and equipment. The JSA includes individualized recommendations regarding ergonomics and/or modifications for prompt Return to Work.

Occupational Health and Safety

An integrated and customized Occupational Health & Safety Program involving management, union and workforce representation. Integrates all necessary steps to ensure that Occupational Health & Safety Act are enforced and monitored. Provides hands-on occupational health & safety support to employers and workers.

Objective

• To develop an Occupational Health & Safety Committee in accordance with the appropriate provincial legislation and to ensure necessary training and certification are obtained.
• To develop job specific policies and procedures for ALL tasks inclusive of safety requirements.
• To implement an accident/incident reporting systems.
• To provide management and workforce with the necessary education/training to ensure policies and procedures are implemented and maintained.
• To conduct periodic workplace inspections (in accordance with legislation) for the purpose of identifying potentially hazardous conditions.
• To investigate all accidents/incidents for the purpose of determining basic cause.
• To implement corrective measures and to ensure follow-up practices are in place.

Benefits of our Program

• Delivered by qualified professionals, experienced in industry specific sectors and familiar with respective legislation.
• Ensures legal requirements of Occupational Health & Safety Act are met.
• Maximizes the strengths of the workforce by ensuring occupational wellness programs are in place.
• Provides immediate access to a wide range of professionals (i.e. Occupational Therapists, Kinesiologists, Registered Nurses).
• Ultimately reduces work-related accidents and associated costs.

Physical Demands Analysis (PDA)

Knowing the exact physical demands of any given occupation is an important first step in determining job suitability and Return to Work readiness.

A Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) is a dissection of the essential physical components of any given job, providing a generic overview of all physical requirements with weights, time frequencies, and a description of the job classification. This analysis is key to resolving WSIB and disability claims, as treating physicians often approve the job match before the employee returns to the position.

Psychosocial Health Program

Psychosocial conditions present a unique and complex form of disability requiring specialized assessment and management. Real solutions and case progress is possible with a program specifically designed to address the human and financial costs of psychosocial issues.

ACCLAIM Ability Management Inc.'s Psychosocial Health Program brings insight and action on psychosocial disease cases with the discipline-specific advantage of an onsite Clinical Psychologist and objective assessment directly addressing cognitive and behavioural issues. Our Psychologist reviews each file, performs independent medical assessments as necessary, and develops an Individualized Action Plan for each employee. Our Ability Management Consultants then implement the plan and continue personal contact with the employee under the Psychologist's supervision.

Psycho-Vocational Evaluation

Every employment position has a unique set of cognitive requirements that need to be considered in relation to the employee's skill and interests. ACCLAIM's Psycho-Vocational Evaluation is designed with this specialized function in mind, helping ensure each individual's vocational goals are realistic and successfully met.

The Psycho-Vocational Evaluation is a Vocational Evaluation performed by a Psychologist and expanded to include psychological testing and analysis, making the evaluation longer in time and more intensive. The Evaluation consists of comprehensive assessments as well as real and simulated work activities to determine an individual's transferable skills, personal/vocational characteristics, and professional interests in order to formulate realistic goals towards alternate occupations. This testing can be completed right in the individual's home.

Return to Work

Statistics show that the longer an individual is off work due to disability the less likely he/she is to successfully return to employment at all. It is for this reason that careful, knowledgeable, and well-supported Return to Work Planning is crucial to helping individuals return to their pre-disability activities.

Return to Work Planning is a service offered in which an Ability Management Consultant coordinates the accommodation of an employee within the workplace based on his/her functional abilities. The overall goal is to facilitate a timely but safe return to gainful employment when possible after disability.

Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA)

The TSA is an analysis of the client's previous occupations, hobbies and interests to identify key task/activity components and skills for the determination of appropriate vocational alternatives. The TSA is completed utilizing CHOICES CT software and incorporates the results of various other testing methods (i.e. FAE, VALPAR Pro 3000) and other comparative factors to obtain potential occupational matches.

Vocational Evaluation

The inability to return to one's original occupation does not have to be an obstacle to vocational independence. Most people are multi-skilled and able to work in a number of different positions, if they have the right vocational assessment tools to help them discover and define their personal and professional characteristics.

The Vocational Evaluation consists of comprehensive assessments as well as real and simulated work activities to determine an individual's transferable skills, personal/vocational characteristics, and professional interests in order to formulate realistic goals towards alternate occupations. This testing can be completed right in the individual's home.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation consists of a variety of services to assist employees in identifying and implementing appropriate and realistic options in returning to suitable employment. The goal of Vocational Rehabilitation is to facilitate the individual's return to suitable employment by providing him/her with the skills necessary to seek employment independently and compete in the labour market. It is a systematic approach to implementing the following services in a timely and cost-efficient manner that reflects the individual's unique profile.

• Vocational Rehabilitation/Counselling
• Assessing transferable skills, aptitudes, interests and labour market
• Implementing appropriate work hardening/work trials
• Implementing job search skills training
• Developing, implementing and monitoring a Return to Work program
• Job Coaching

Wellness Programs

ACCLAIM Ability Management Inc. has the resources and multi-disciplinary staff to offer you comprehensive wellness promotion and injury/illness prevention initiatives as part of our ability management services. We often partner our own resources with our clients' occupational health and safety team and other workplace groups to ensure all interests are served and relevant issues are addressed within the workplace. Depending on your needs, our Ability Management Consultants are able to provide onsite visits to your management or staff for a number of Education Initiatives, which we have highlighted within the following charts. These initiatives can prove valuable to your workplace, increasing morale, productivity, and health to reduce your disability-related costs.