Home Assessments 101: How an Occupational Therapist Helps You Stay Independent at Home
Most people want to stay in their own home as they age, and for good reason: it's familiar, comfortable, and yours. An occupational therapist's role is to help you do that with confidence, looking at how your home supports your independence, function, and everyday life, and the changes that can make it easier. Here's what a home assessment involves, in Melbourne and now in Canberra.
What is a home assessment?
Your OT looks at how your home supports your independence, function, and day-to-day life, with consideration of your mobility, health, and routines. It's about more than avoiding falls. It's about safely and independently accessing your environment and engaging in your routines and everything that makes your life enjoyable.
What kind of modifications get recommended?
Recommendations can range from simple, low-cost assistive technology or modifications, such as:
grab rails and non-slip strips
lever taps and raised toilet seats
improved lighting in hallways and stairwells
pendant or personal alarms
Through to higher-cost modifications, such as:
ramps or rail additions at entry steps
bathroom renovations
stairlifts and other access equipment
Signs it might be time for an assessment
You don't need to wait for something to happen to justify a referral; being proactive is a great way to stay safe and ensure your home is accessible and enjoyable.
Even a simple assessment can catch barriers you've stopped noticing because you've lived with them for years, and addressing them early is almost always simpler and less disruptive than reacting to a crisis.
Who is this for?
Anyone who has noticed changes in mobility, balance, or confidence at home, as well as families supporting an ageing parent who wants to stay independent for longer.
Getting started in Melbourne or Canberra
Renew Living's OTs conduct home assessments in your own home, working alongside your existing care team. We support clients across a range of funding arrangements, and our team can talk through what applies to your situation.
Speak with our team about arranging a home assessment.