PIP Therapy Query

Gareth wrote: If you require assistance to apply creams/ointments to prevent your condition from worsening because you cannot do it due to your condition does this count as:-

"Needs supervision, prompting or assistance to be able to manage therapy"?

Thanks

At the moment it should but the changes from the 16th will likely mean that it won't in future, the DWP are separating the taking of medication and therapy and see the use of creams as being part of the former.

Gordon

Gareth wrote: Thanks Gordon

So what are they classing 'therapy' as then?

These are the new definitions. I've highlighted the relevant section.

“Manage medication” means take medication, where a failure to do so is likely to result in a deterioration in your health.

“Manage therapy” means undertake therapy, where a failure to do so is likely to result in a deterioration in your health.

“Medication” means medication to be taken at home which is prescribed or recommended by a registered –
(a) doctor;
(b) nurse; or
(c) pharmacist.

“Therapy” means therapy to be undertaken at home which is prescribed or recommended by
a—
(a) registered –
(i) doctor;
(ii) nurse; or
(iii) pharmacist; or
(b) health professional regulated by the Health Professions Council, but does not include taking or applying, or otherwise receiving or administering, medication (whether orally, topically or by any other means), or any action which falls within the definition of “monitor a health condition

“Monitor a health condition” means –
(a) detect significant changes in your health condition which are likely to lead to a deterioration in C’s health; and
(b) take action advised by a –
(i) registered doctor;
(ii) registered nurse; or
(iii) health professional who is regulated by the Health Professions Council, without which C’s health is likely to deteriorate.

Gordon

Gareth wrote: I see. So what would happen if you didn't receive assistance to apply e.g a cream every day then your condition would deteriorate, as defined under 'Manage therapy'?

Is that 1 point or still the 2?

It will be interesting how they re-word the descriptors.

Under the new Descriptors, managing medication can at best score only one point.

Gordon