By Graham Jones, MSOT, OTR/L
The home is an important part of an individual's identity, security, and comfort. However, as people age, new challenges arise that make it more difficult to stay safe and independent in their homes. An Occupational therapist(OT) can play an important role in making sure that older adults can age in place safely. “Aging in place” is the process of helping individuals stay safe in their homes for as long as they are able. OTs can provide tremendous help in this process by conducting a home safety evaluation and providing home safety recommendations.
A typical evaluation involves first identifying the specific activities the client has difficulty performing then identifying anything in the home that could increase the risk of falling. Reducing fall risk is vital for older adults as injuries from falls can lead to increased disability and require a higher level of care. Once the OT has identified activity challenges, occupational therapists can perform therapy with clients to help them improve their strength and balance as well as identify and correct unsafe situations. OTs also can provide recommendations for adaptive equipment to increase safety while maintaining independence.
There can be a variety of recommended changes that can be made to a home ranging from minor to major adjustments. Some changes may be as simple as raising couches to make it easier to stand up or lowering bed heights to reduce the risk of sliding off the bed. Removing or securing loose throw rugs and extension cords can also improve safety. OTs will evaluate lighting in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms to ensure clients can see where they are going in the evening and at night. This may also involve improving contrast with stairs and surfaces for people with low vision.
Bigger changes could include physical changes to the home setting. Adaptive equipment that is often recommended can include a shower chair or bench, bed rail or a raised toilet seat. OTs often will also recommend installing grab bars in the bathroom, kitchen or closets to help clients maintain balance with reaching, stepping in and out of the shower or when managing clothes. Occupational therapists are uniquely trained and skilled in providing proper placement of these grab bars to provide optimal safety. Furthermore, structural changes can be made to the home to accommodate for the clients changes in needs, including widening doorways or installing a ramp to allow for a wheelchair to navigate a home. Adding handrails on stairs both inside and outside the home improves safety and aids with balance.
Whatever your home safety needs are, an occupational therapist is a wonderful resource that will provide a thorough skilled evaluation of YOUR abilities and YOUR home to make recommendations specifically for you to make sure that you can stay independent and safe in your home for as long as possible.
Virginian Rehabilitation and Wellness provides in home assessments and evaluations. Contact our office if you are interested in scheduling an appointment or need additional information.