External

Determining whether an aid or appliance is accepted as reasonably required by an employee should be based on the facts of each case, including whether the employee has difficulties with:

  • mobility;

  • grooming;

  • dressing;

  • eating; and

  • personal hygiene.

In some cases the condition under claim will itself provide an indication of whether an employee is able to provide many of his or her particular personal needs without the assistance of an aid or appliance.

Example

An employee has two broken arms and a fractured leg and has difficulties with mobility, dressing, eating and personal hygiene.

While it may be appropriate that the employee have access to nursing care services, the purchase of aids and appliances will also provide some degree of independence to the employee by assisting him to perform some tasks himself.

Supporting evidence from the treating doctor will be required as medical endorsement.  Alternatively, a Rehabilitation provider or Occupational Therapist should assess what is reasonably required and provide a written report, which should include details of:

  • discussions held with the employee, medical practitioner and/or Case Manager (as applicable);

  • a functional capacity evaluation and/or an Activities of Daily Living assessment; and

  • a workplace evaluation or job analysis.

Ensure that any evidence already available on the claim (such as the initial rehabilitation assessment) is considered before seeking any clarification with involved providers.

Consideration should also be given to providing an employee who has a lesser impairment with practical aids and appliances for use at home and the workplace, where this will ensure the employee continues to enjoy the freedom of being able to do things for him or herself.

Example

An employee has returned to work on a full time basis, but is still suffering the effects of her compensable condition.  She is having particular difficulty in managing some finer wrist and hand movements involving food preparation, and is finding that such movements are aggravating her condition.

The provision of a kettle tipper, special knife, vegetable board and screw top jar opener assists the employee to be able to prepare her food without further aggravation to her wrist and allows her to maintain her employment status at full time.