An occupational therapist home assessment is an evaluation conducted by a qualified professional to assess an individual’s living environment and determine its suitability and necessary modifications to improve their functional independence and quality of life.

There are five key reasons for getting an occupational therapist to carry out a home assessment. Read the following list and identify and list those that would have a positive impact on your life.

1. Expertise in Assessing Functional Abilities: Occupational therapists specialise in assessing an individual’s functional abilities and how they interact with their environment. They are trained to evaluate a person’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities, as well as their specific needs and goals. This expertise allows them to identify potential barriers or challenges within a home environment that may affect an individual’s independence and safety.
2. Personalised Recommendations: By conducting a home assessment, an occupational therapist can provide personalised recommendations tailored to an individual’s specific needs. They consider factors such as mobility, accessibility, safety, and activities of daily living. They can suggest modifications, adaptive equipment, and strategies to improve the individual’s independence, safety, and overall quality of life within their home.
3. Maximising Safety and Independence: The primary goal of an occupational therapist is to promote independence and safety. By assessing the home environment, they can identify potential hazards, such as tripping hazards, poor lighting, or inaccessible areas, and provide recommendations to mitigate these risks. They can also suggest modifications to improve accessibility, such as installing grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts, which can enhance the individual’s ability to move around safely and independently.
4. Enhancing Quality of Life: Occupational therapists understand the impact that a well-designed home environment can have on a person’s overall well-being and quality of life. Through their assessment, they can identify ways to optimize the home environment, making it more functional, comfortable, and supportive. This can include recommending modifications to facilitate hobbies, leisure activities, social interactions, and other meaningful occupations.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Investing in a home assessment conducted by an occupational therapist can be cost-effective in the long run. By addressing potential barriers and hazards proactively, individuals can prevent accidents or injuries that may result in costly hospitalisations or long-term care needs. Additionally, the recommendations provided by the occupational therapist can help individuals make informed decisions about home modifications or assistive devices, optimising their investment and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

It is important to note that the specific benefits of a home assessment may vary depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances. Having said that, there is no doubt that involving an occupational therapist in the process can lead to a comprehensive evaluation, personalised recommendations, and improved safety, independence, and quality of life within the home environment.

Firstly, it is important to note that the first thing anyone can do the ensure they are maintaining their mobility and safety around the house is to encourage walking when suitable and appropriate. After that there are several environmental and personal factors to look out for in the house which may be making it a higher risk for falls to occur.

Here are 10 ways to reduce the risk of falling when engaging in your normal everyday activities:

1. Staying mentally active – it has been shown that cognition plays a key role in balance and risk of falling.
2. Check you vision and hearing – ensuring our visual and vestibular (balance) systems are checked up on regularly will help to reduce the risk of falls.
3. Environmental concerns – Review the household and make note of position of items which may prove to be a falls risk. These can include carpets, rugs, clutter, leads, poorly positioned furniture, seating etc.
4. Assistive technology – falls alarm, sensors, bed alarms etc – there are several companies (both private and non-profit), who sell or provide falls alarms kits, sensors and alarms to ensure there is precautions taken to help reduce the risk of falls AND to be prepared in the case of someone falling.
5. Footwear – ensuring you have well fitted shoes/slippers with good grip is vital to help reduce the risk of slipping/falling/
6. Toileting – to ensure maximum safety when toileting there is a variety of toileting aids which may suit. These include stationary or mobile commode, raised toilet seat, toilet frame, toilet seat and frame combined, grab rails etc.
7. Dressing – there are number of dressing aids which will help you to dress independently while reducing the risk of falling while in the process.
8. Mobility – discussing your mobility with your local OT and/or physio can play a big part in reducing the risk of falls. The OT and Physio can liaise with you to decide whether you might require a walking stick, walking frame, rollator, tri-walker, wheelchair, or other mobility device. The OT and physio have knowledge on how to assess mobility safely and effectively and will work with equipment providers to get you the right piece of equipment for you.
9. Seating – ensuring you are in a well fitted seat is vital in reducing the risk of falls (as well as a range of other benefits – postural management, digestion, respiratory system etc). Having a seat at the right height and/or having a rise and recliner will help make transfers on and off the chair safely.
10. Lighting – ensuring there is sufficient lighting to and from the rooms when they are going to be accessed. An example of this would be to ensure there is a night light, or easily accessible light when walking to the bathroom at night-time.

As always, if you are unsure or would like some guidance – why not contact your local OT and ask for an assessment to take place. Following the assessment, they will assist you so that you are taking the necessary precautions and will also provide you with the most relevant advice and information for your own individual and unique situation.

Great question! Occupational therapy helps patients in four main areas:

1. With fine motor skills (smaller movements such as picking up objects between the thumb and finger),
2. Visual-perceptual skills (the brain’s ability to make sense of what the eyes see),
3. Cognitive skills (thinking), and
4. Sensory-processing problems (over sensitivity to things in the environment).

The following disabilities and conditions can benefit from occupational therapy treatment:

• Birth injuries or defects
• Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord
• Developmental delays or learning problems
• Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy
• Spina Bifida
• Chronic illnesses and pain
• Autism or sensory processing disorders
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Mental health or behavioural problems
• Hand or foot injuries
• Memory disorders
• Broken bones or other orthopedic injuries
• Cancer

This is not an exhaustive list but it should give you an idea of the depth and breath of the assistance that an Occupational Therapist can provide.

For many people, bathing is an important aspect of their lives. Bathing is known to be an important contributor to self-care, bathing also helps with mental and emotional health, helps soothes muscles and joints, not to mention general hygiene. For these reasons baths can play an important role in a person’s life. As we get older or go through a period of injury, we may find it difficult in accessing or being able to use the bath.

Key question for many is: how I can continue to be able to use my bath?

There are a number of ways an Occupational Therapist can help you to enjoy the benefits of the bath in your home:

1. Adapting the activity – showing you how to get in/out of the bath by changing the activity.

2. Alternatives – goes through alternatives – showering, bed baths etc.

3. Adapting the environment – this may take place in building works, but can also include a range of equipment which may help the person to enjoy a nice relaxing bath.

There are several pieces of equipment that can assist with independent use of the bath. These include:

• Bath Lifts: Bath lifts are devices that lower individuals into the bath and raise them back up. They typically have a seat and a backrest and are powered by a battery. Some models may also have a reclining function and can swivel for easier transfer.
• Bath Boards: Bath boards are boards that span the width of the bath and provide a platform to sit on while bathing. They typically have a non-slip surface and may have handles for added support.
• Bath Seats: Bath seats are similar to bath boards but are designed to be used with the individual’s feet inside the bath. They can be helpful for individuals who need more support while bathing.
• Grab Bars/Rails: Grab bars/rails are handles that are mounted to the wall of the bath and provide support and stability for the individual while entering, exiting, or moving around in the bath.

 Consulting with an Occupational Therapist can be beneficial when considering equipment options for independent use of the bath because they are trained to assess an individual’s abilities, needs, and limitations related to performing daily living activities. They can also evaluate the individual’s bathroom environment and recommend equipment that is best suited to the individual’s specific needs and living situation.

Additionally, an Occupational Therapist can provide guidance on how to use the equipment safely and effectively, as well as provide training on any necessary techniques or strategies to maintain independence in the bath.

If you are purchasing a product such as a stairlift privately, you do not require an OT assessment but it is always advisable to get one.

An Occupational Therapist can identify key areas where you may need assistance that may not be evident. During an assessment, the OT will identify what changes are required to help complete personal tasks to remain independent and safe. This is done by analysing how you interact in your environment and the OT can often spot potential problems that may not be evident yet, but that may be a problem in the future. This is vital as it can not only save money, but it will also make your home safer and ensure you don’t need to experience unnecessary inconvenience. 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (Physios) can sometimes be confused as both professions can work with similar groups of people.

Physiotherapy focuses on improving a person’s movement. Physios are movement experts as they have the knowledge and understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the affected area – including muscles, tendons, joints, range of motion, strength etc. Physios help improve the lives of people who have movement issues. This is done through

• Providing hands-on care
• Prescribing specific movement exercises
• Education – on the affected area of the body
• Prescription of certain mobility aids – Zimmer frames, tri walkers, rollators, etc.
• Individual or group work – goals can be achieved through individual therapy or group therapy depending on the physio you are working with, your injury and the expertise of the physio.

In comparison to a Physio – an OT is focused on improving people’s ability to perform specific tasks or activities they want to complete in their normal everyday lives. An OT will work with the person to understand their abilities and goals, then the OT will develop a treatment plan based on this information. These goals can include both physical and mental/cognitive tasks. To help people achieve these goals an OT may use one or a combination of techniques. These include:

• Person – the OT will work with the person, and their family or carers (if relevant), in building or maintaining the skills needed to engage in their desired activity. This may include practical exercises, providing equipment, education etc
• Environment – the OT will work with the client to adapt the environment to allow the person to engage – this may include house/home adaptions, grab rail installation, re organisation of rooms/areas, understanding the social environment and supports/barriers present.
• Occupation – finally an OT may look at adapting the occupation or activity the person is doing.

An OT and Physio can regularly work together for a variety of reasons. Engagement in your regular everyday activities or occupations generally require movement. Likewise, movement generally helps enable engagement in everyday activities. Both an OT and Physio may be involved in equipment prescription (riser recliners, hoists, mobility aids, daily living aids, pressure care, etc.).

Overall, an OT and Physio aim to improve a person’s life by helping them to achieve their goals. If you would like to know which profession would be more suitable for your situation you can contact our resident OT to find out.

Hoists may be used with people who have limited mobility while also helping to support any carer(s) in reducing the risk of injuries due to patient moving and handling.

Prior to using a hoist, it is recommended to have an assessment completed by a relevant professional – this may include an interaction with a variety of parties including an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, nursing, carer, family members and the person themselves.

Types of hoists.

Prescribing a hoist depends on a number of factors, including the client/patients mobility level, the environment layout and the needs/requirements of the carer. Some of the main hoists available on the Irish marketplace include the following.

1. Ceiling hoists

Ceiling hoists run along fixes tracks along the ceiling. These have less flexibility than other hoists. However, these are seen to be less impactful on the carer involved, while also being more appropriate for longer distances – once set up in the room/area. Ceiling hoists have some additional considerations when purchasing including

• The structural integrity of the ceiling
• What areas in the room is the hoist required in.
• Costs – ceiling track hoists
• Recyclability – when considering any piece of equipment, being aware of its recyclability may be part of your consideration. Generally, ceiling track hoists are used in one specific room/area in the house. Due to this ceiling tracks are usually not recycled once It is no longer in use

2. Portable hoists

Portable hoists come in a few different options. Sometimes referred to as gantry hoists, these hoists allow for use in rooms where there is limited floor space and is a less arduous set up process when compared to a ceiling track hoist.

The Bedhead hoist is one type of portable hoist which allows for easy set-up, demonstration, and use. Besides requiring limited floor space, another benefit it the recyclability of the product – which can also be folded up and wheeled away on a base. The bedhead hoist can be demonstrated in a person’s house if this is required.

3. Mobile hoists.

These offer the most flexibility in the range of hoists. It allows for use in multiple rooms, however, is usually only suitable over small distances. The main considerations with a mobile hoist are.

• Floor space for it use when needed.
• Manoeuvring around furniture and fitting in around chairs, toilets, showers, beds etc. for ease of use.
• Floor material – smooth floors allow for easier manoeuvrability.
• Storage – when not in use

For more information on the type of hoist which is most suitable for you, or the person you care for, contact your local occupational therapist.

To start, Occupational Therapists (OTs) are skilled in the prescribing and trialling of wheelchair options that will meet your needs both in the short term and long term. Just as important, knowing how to use a wheelchair is critical and OTs are also skilled in providing wheelchair skills training.

Wheelchair options may include manual and powered wheelchairs, as well as power add-on options such as the Click and Go lite for manual wheelchairs.

The wheelchair assessment process

Your OT will complete a comprehensive assessment with you focusing on two key aspects: your mobility and wheelchair needs. Such is the extensive range of wheelchairs available; your OT may recommend wheelchair trials during the initial assessment or during follow-up appointments.

Once the ideal wheelchair is identified, your OT will ensure that the wheelchair is configured to suit your body frame. Wheelchair configuration can define a user’s activity level. There are many variables involved in the proper configuration of a manual wheelchair, including seat width and depth, back recline angle, position of the wheels, depth and height of the armrests, height and angle of footrest and tension adjustable backrests. Additionally, OTs will consider aspects such as transfers to and from your wheelchair, pressure care issues, accessibility around the house and community access.

In tandem, your OT will schedule wheelchair skills training. This usually involves approximately three sessions in your home environment and in your local community.

How can you help your OT with the initial assessment?

Your OT will be able to compile a comprehensive report if they have access to your medical records. The more information you can make available, the more detailed the OTs report will be.

If this is your first time considering the use of a wheelchair, then the more medical information you can share with your OT, the better. Also, run though a list of all the places where you’ll be using your wheelchair. This list will be a critical information to help the OT prepare a shortlist of wheelchairs for you to consider.

If you already are a wheelchair user, then provide your OT with as much detail about your current wheelchair as possible. Perhaps, you have an alternative in mind, and this will guide the OT in compiling their recommendations.

Good question as many people are unsure was to what we actually do. Occupational Therapists, or OT’s for short, work with people with live with intellectual and physical disability and developmental delays, physical illnesses and injuries, mental health disorders and emotional problems. Examples of situations where occupational therapy can help include:

• A young adult facing life with a disability such as Cerebral Palsy may find it difficult to sleep without developing pressure sores. An occupational therapist will work with her to identify the right pressure care mattress to help her sleep safely and peacefully.
• A teenage boy may have trouble putting his shoes on by himself, and writing his name. The occupational therapist will work closely with him to develop his fine motor skills through play-based therapy so he can become more independent in his life.

Many people can be quite reticent about selling their car as they feel like it’s a loss of independence. Whilst you don’t have to sell your car, it is advisable to consider whether it’s actually worth keeping it.

A car costs money to tax and insure, and that’s without driving it. It’s also worth noting, that when you turn 70, you can only apply for a 3-year licence that is subject to a certification of fitness to drive. 

Most importantly, you also need to consider if you feel safe and comfortable when driving a car, as driving can be extremely stressful, even to experienced drivers.

It’s always advisable to analyse if you could comfortably go about your day-to-day business without a car. If you want to retain your independence, there are a large variety of mobility scooters from small folding scooters all the way to road-legal scooters that can cover up to 60km on a single charge.  They don’t require tax or insurance and they are charged via a standard plug. The other main benefit is that you don’t need a licence to operate and they can be driven into the likes of a shopping centre or supermarket.  

If you live in an area with good transport links, and a mobility scooter could cater to your needs, then it might be worth seriously considering selling the car.