Specialist Moving & Handling Assessments
Clear, practical and evidence-based moving and handling guidance for individuals, families and organisations.
At Versatile, we provide specialist moving and handling assessments for adults who require support with transfers and mobility, and for those involved in their care.
Moving and handling relates to how a person moves safely and comfortably during everyday activities. This may include getting in and out of bed, standing from a chair, or moving between places such as the bed, chair, wheelchair or toilet.
These assessments are particularly important where someone is spending long periods in bed or in a chair, requires physical assistance, or is being supported using equipment such as a hoist or a transfer aid.
Our assessments focus on understanding what is difficult, why it is happening, and what support or equipment may help — for both the individual and those assisting them.
Our approach is practical, person-centred and grounded in real environments, with recommendations that prioritise safety, comfort and realistic day-to-day practice.
Is bed rest always helpful?
Until relatively recently, bed rest was often seen as an important part of recovery and in some situations, rest is absolutely necessary.
However, we now understand that periods of reduced movement or prolonged bed rest can lead to a rapid loss of strength, balance and confidence with everyday movement.
As occupational therapists, we frequently support people who leave hospital with their medical needs addressed, but who find that standing up, transferring or moving safely is suddenly much harder than before. A moving and handling assessment can help bridge this gap, supporting recovery while keeping safety and dignity at the centre of care.
What our tailored moving & handling assessment typically includes:
Observation of current moving and handling practice
Assessment of functional transfers, such as getting in and out of bed, standing up from a chair, and transfers to the toilet or wheelchair
Hoisting and equipment assessments, including sling selection where appropriate
Postural positioning and stability considerations
Identification and reduction of risk for both the individual and those supporting them
Practical demonstration and guidance for carers, including safe use of recommended equipment
Development of clear, well-structured handling plans and risk assessments where required
Recommendations regarding the appropriate level of support from carers
All recommendations are tailored to the individual’s needs, environment and available support.
Are care packages always the right fit?
At Versatile Occupational Therapy Services, we have extensive experience reviewing care packages. This includes observing how care is delivered in practice, how long tasks take, and whether the right equipment, techniques and staffing levels are in place.
Through direct clinical observation, we can determine whether one or two carers are required, whether visit lengths are appropriate, and whether additional time reflects genuine need or practical barriers that can be identified and addressed.
This allows us to make balanced, evidence-based recommendations to reduce unnecessary care or support an appropriate increase where current provision from statutory services does not adequately reflect functional need.
In some situations, this can help families and professionals clearly evidence why existing time allocations are not sufficient for safe, dignified care, and why a review by statutory services may be appropriate. Given the significant care and cost implications involved, this input can be particularly valuable for individuals, families and organisations seeking clarity and reassurance.
Who is this service for?
We provide moving and handling assessments for:
Case managers and Local authorities
Case managers and Local authorities
Care agencies and support providers
Family members and informal carers
Individuals living at home
Organisations commissioning or reviewing care
A consistent, specialist-led and collaborative approach.
Initial discussion
A brief conversation to understand the situation and confirm that a moving and handling assessment is appropriate.
Assessment
Completed in the individual’s home to ensure a realistic understanding of transfers, equipment use and risk.
Recommendations
Clear, practical guidance tailored to the individual, their environment and those providing support. Any equipment or techniques will be demonstrated with caregivers where appropriate.
Report
A moving and handling plan and risk assessment, tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances. The reports are written to be clear, structured and practical, suitable for sharing with care providers and commissioning teams.
How we work
Not sure where to start?
Free 15-Minute Consultation
We offer an initial telephone consultation at no cost to you. This is an opportunity to:
Discuss your situation in confidence
Ask questions and explore options
Understand whether our service is the right fit
Our Promise:
No obligation. No hard selling. Just honest guidance. Even if we aren't the right fit, we are happy to provide signposting or advice to help you find what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Assessments are completed in your own home so we can understand your environment and how daily transfers are managed in practice.
We observe how you move between everyday positions, such as getting in and out of bed or standing up from a chair, and identify any risks to you or those supporting you.
The focus is on understanding what is difficult, why it is happening, and what practical changes — such as equipment, techniques or levels of support — may improve safety and comfort.
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Decisions about carer numbers should always be based on individual assessment rather than assumption.
While it is often assumed that two carers are required for tasks such as hoisting, this is not always the case. With the right equipment, environment and risk assessment, it can often be safe and more appropriate for one carer to assist.
We have extensive experience reviewing care arrangements and frequently identify situations where care can be delivered safely with fewer carers, without compromising safety or dignity.
All recommendations are based on clear clinical reasoning, with safety and dignity at the centre. Where appropriate, this approach can also help reduce unnecessary care provision.
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Yes. Where appropriate, we can demonstrate recommended techniques and equipment with carers and care agencies to support safe, consistent practice.
This helps ensure everyone involved understands the agreed approach and feels confident in day-to-day care.
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Yes. We regularly review existing equipment as part of the assessment.
In many cases, small adjustments or alternative equipment can make a significant difference to safety, comfort and ease of handling.
Where new or different equipment is recommended, we provide clear guidance to support informed decision-making by the individual or family.
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Yes. Moving and handling assessments consider the safety of everyone involved.
By identifying risks and recommending appropriate techniques, equipment and levels of support, our input can help reduce strain and injury for carers and family members assisting with transfers.
Equipment recommendations are made with practicality in mind, with responsibility for purchasing remaining with the individual or family, unless alternative arrangements are already in place.