Blog

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.

With the weather to take a turn for the worse this week, everyone, especially the elderly, needs to take extra care. The consequences of a fall are far more serious for the elderly and that’s why they need to take precautions and mind themselves in the bad weather.

Whether it’s the slippy footpath or something hidden by the ice or snow, there is no way of predicting a fall and it can happen suddenly. Sometimes being prepared for the worst can be the only way to prevent these trips and falls. Some of these precautions are things you can do for yourself and others are things you can do around your home.

Personal safety

• In icy weather and conditions, wear sensible, flat shoes with non-slip soles. If you really need to go outside, try to limit the walking you will be doing. (It is so important for elderly people to wear well-fitting shoes every day, not just during the bad weather!)
• Have your eyes tested regularly. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling and your eyesight changes as you get older.
• Check any medication you are on as some medication may make you feel drowsy and increase your chances of falling, due to blurred vision, feeling light headed and jelly legs.
• Consider investing in a personal alarm and wear it when you go outdoors, alerting friends and family if you fall.
• Don’t take a short cut, these routes are usually used less by the public and can be more slippy and dangerous.
• Take small slow steps and consider using a walking aid or a walking stick.
• Drink plenty of warm drinks, eat plenty of hot meals and wear extra layers of clothing keeping you warm and giving you more energy to keep active.
• Make sure you visit you GP even if you just have a minor trip to make sure you are healthy and well.

Fall prevention in your home

• Leave a low energy, high output light on when it’s dark, making your vision clearer and giving your home a sense of security.
• Always use a non-slip mat in the shower and bath.
• When moving or carrying any electrical goods make sure that the cords or wires don’t trail on the ground when you walk.
• Have your furniture arranged in a way that makes it easy for you to move around the house without bumping into anything and making you fall.
• Make sure that there are no rugs, magazines, newspapers or anything on the floor that will make you slip or fall over.
• If you do need a rug, make sure to have non-slip tape on the back of it.
• Have side rails installed either side of the stairs, in the bath, the shower and in the kitchen.
• Have a sturdy, non-moving stool that you can rely on to stand on when you need to get things that are at a height or an awkward handle.

Here at Beechfield Healthcare we stock a wide range of walking sticks, walking aids, hand rails and much more to help you feel safe and secure around your home.

Now that the good weather has arrived we all want to spend time outdoors. Reduced mobility should not mean you cannot go outdoors and experience all the lovely scenery and fresh air. In fact, many Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists recommend light exercise on a daily basis to improve overall physical health. Fresh air and regular walks have also been shown to help improve memory as well as mental health so the benefits are fantastic.

If you need a bit of help getting about a walking aid may be the solution.  We have many different types to suit all levels of mobility.

Walking Sticks and Canes

Walking sticks add a little extra stability for someone who is experiencing reduced balance or stiffness in their legs. They are easy to use and there are many colours and styles available. We even stock folding walking sticks for when you want to put it into your bag.

Rollators

Rollators are basically walking frames on wheels and most of them also come with a little seat too! This means you have the option to sit down and relax for a few minutes if you happen to get tired while out and about. Most rollators also have a storage basket or bag for your essential items such as keys, phones and wallets.

Walking Frames

Walking Frames are height adjustable frames with ferrules. They offer a bit of extra support to someone who generally has good mobility but need to avoid placing a lot of weight on their legs. A walking frame is literally walked across the floor by the user, they do not have wheels unless specified.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are a brilliant way of getting out and about and maintaining your normal routine even after a debilitating illness or injury. Many people who have bought a mobility scooter from us come back to tell us that they don’t know how they managed without one!

 Not sure on the best walking aid for you?

If you are not sure which walking aid is best suited to your needs you can also speak to a member of our trained sales team. They can answer any queries you may have.  You can call us on 057 868 2304 or email info@beechfieldhealthcare.ie for advice and information.

Now that the sun is out we hope to see you all out and about too!

Although for some people a Walking Aid may initially represent dependence and disability, ironically, we find that once people begin to use one and experience an improved sense stability it actually offers even more independence and they have more freedom than before.   If you feel you need an extra support, don’t restrict yourself, get a Walking Aid and stay active.  Don’t miss out on catching-up with friends and family.   

Rollators

In general, Rollators, because of their wheels and agility, are best if you are able to walk, but need help with balance and stability, or fatigue easily. Most rollators also have a basket or storage bag so they can be used to carry a wallet, phone, keys or other items, and many have a built-in seat.  They are available in both 3 and 4 wheel versions and most are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Walkers

If you cannot bear weight on one or both legs (for example, after a hip replacement or other surgery) but are otherwise mobile enough not to require a wheelchair, a walker is generally the right choice.   We have a wide range of mobility walkers available from narrow to bariatric size and most come with adjustable legs to ensure that the Walker is the correct height for the user and is comfortable to use.

Walking Sticks & Canes

Our Walking Sticks range is functional, sturdy and stylish. Choose from a traditional style Stick or choose from our range of Foldable Walking Sticks that are available in a wide range of colours and patterns.  We also have a variety of handle types available depending on what type of grip you need.  We also stock a Quad Cane which adds extra stability to the traditional walking cane.

Crutches

Our Crutches are perfect for both long and short term disabilities. Our Drive Medical Knee Walker is becoming a popular alternative to crutches as it decreases the likelihood of falls and is more comfortable and effortless to use in comparison to traditional crutches.

Which Walking Aid is right for me?

As with all Walking Aids your Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist will recommend the right product based on your needs.  As always please contact us for advice 1890 989353. We’re here to help!