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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.

Just as every home and every person is different so are your stairlift requirements.  At Beechfield Stairlifts our experts will help to choose the correct lift for you.

Straight V’s Curved Stairlifts

The design of your staircase will determine what type of stairlift you need. 

They fall into two broad categories – If your staircase is straight and does not have any corners or bends a straight stairlift will suit your needs.

Curved stairlifts have tracks that are specifically designed to suit staircases that turn corners, go across intermediate landings and even up spiral staircases.  They are custom made for your staircase so you are guaranteed a perfect fit.  

Measuring Your Stairs

Always make sure that your stairs are measured by a qualified stairlift surveyor.  This will ensure that the stairlift is customised for your stairs and your needs. 

Beechfield Stairlifts use specialist software to accurately measure your stairs and produce an interactive 3D model of your new stairlift in situ in your home.  From this you will get an accurate picture of how the stairlift will look in your home. 

Selecting The Right Track & Seat

There are a range of rails and tracks that suit different types of stairs.  Eg if you have a narrow staircase we would recommend a stairlift with a very narrow track and a narrow seat. If you have a door near the bottom of the stairs a slide track that retracts when the stairlift is not in use would be most suitable.  

Whatever your requirements, our stairlift surveyors will accurately measure your stairs and recommend the best solution for you. 

Powered Options

Powered options make it easier to operate your stairlift by automatically turning the seat when the stairlift reaches the top of the stairs.  A powered footplate automatically folds up the foot plate when the stairlift is not in use and removes the need to bend down.   Depending on your own level of mobility and dexterity powered options may offer the best solution.

Funding Your Stairlift

Stairlift Grants

Grants are available from your local council under a Mobility Aids Grant Scheme.  This can cover up to 100% of the cost.  For more information contact your local council or ask our Stairlift Specialists for assistance.

VAT Reclaim

It is possible to reclaim VAT if you pay for all or part of your new stairlift.  This can be reclaimed immediately once your stairlift is installed.

For more information on Stairlifts please contact us on 0818 989 353.