Able Occupational Therapy Services offers a Home Assessment service where a qualified Occupational Therapist will evaluate your home. The aim of the Home Assessment is the determine areas around your home which may present a hazard or limit your ability to function independently. The Occupational Therapist will recommend modifications to make every day activities easier and safer.
What is a Home Modification?
A Home Modification is an adaptation to a residence that increases ease of use, safety, comfort, security, and independence. Major modifications include ramps, stair lifts, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. Minor, and less expensive, modifications include grab rails, step modifications, threshold wedges, hand-held showers, and lever taps.
Why are Home Modifications Important?
Home modifications make the home easier, safer, and more comfortable to use for all family members and visitors, regardless of ability or age. They also facilitate care-giving. They can allow people to remain longer in their homes without having to move into an institutional facility, thus losing their independence and control over their living environment.
How do Home Modifications Promote Independence?
Problem to Overcome: |
Home Modification: |
Cannot get up and down front step without help
|
Install permanent or temporary step modification, install grab rail
|
Trip hazard at bathroom door threshold
|
Install a threshold wedge
|
Legs are weak when climbing stairs
|
Install handrails on both sides of stairs, install a stair lift
|
Difficulty getting on and off a toilet
|
Install a grab rail, raise the toilet seat
|
Difficulty getting in and out of shower
|
Install grab rails, and/or shower seat, remove shower hob
|
Difficulty turning doorknobs and tap handles |
Replace with lever handles |
Living alone and at risk of falling |
Use of a personal alarm |
Many people are eligible to use HACC (Home and Community Care) or Department of Veterans Affairs funded services to complete the recommended modifications at a subsidised cost.
Your Occupational Therapist will work with these organisations to ensure your home modifications are installed and are meeting your needs as planned. |
