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.

A mobility scooter may be a significant investment that requires careful consideration and planning. The cost of a mobility scooter can vary widely, depending on the features and quality of the device. Generally, a high-quality mobility scooter can cost anywhere from seven hundred to several thousand Euro.

Also, financial considerations aside, it’s critical that the mobile scooter is suitable for your environment. Are you looking for a solution for your home or are you looking for total independence to travel to and from the local shops? Is where you live flat or is the terrain hilly? That’s why taking a test drive from our extensive range of mobility scooters is a good decision.

At our two showrooms – Portlaoise and Artane – there is ample space for you to drive around and see what mobility scooter is best suited to your needs.

You’ll be able to adjust the settings to match your preferences. This includes the height of the seat and the position of the controls. Your height and weight will have a bearing on the type of scooter you are safe to use.

If you’ve not driven a mobility scooter before, the test drive will allow you to start the scooter slowly to get used to the controls and the turning radius. You can gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

You can also test the comfort of the scooter and check for any discomfort or pain in your back or legs, which could be a sign that the scooter is not the right fit for you. Some scooters allow for seat adjustment and others are fixed in height and width. You can test the turning radius by making sharp turns to see how the scooter handles. This feature is important if the scooter is going to be used in tight spaces.

Again, for first-time users, this is an opportunity to get a feel for the brakes on a mobility scooter. Test the brakes by coming to a complete stop from a moderate speed. Make sure the brakes are responsive and can bring you to a complete stop quickly.

Ask questions! A test drive will give you plenty of time to ask questions: such as, how long the battery lasts and see if it meets your needs.

Beechfield Healthcare stocks an extensive range of mobility scooters at our two showrooms in Portlaoise and Artane. Portlaoise is on an appointment-only basis, (please call 057 868 2304), whereas Artane is open Mon-Fri without an appointment.

Buying a stairlift is not just a monetary transaction, it is an investment in one's quality of life and independence. A stairlift can greatly improve a person's mobility and ability to move around their own home, which can have a positive impact on their physical and emotional well-being. It can also provide peace of mind for both the person using the stairlift and their loved ones, as it reduces the risk of falls and injuries.

Having a stairlift can also provide a sense of security and safety, allowing the person to move around their home with more confidence, which can lead to increased self-esteem and self-worth. This can also help them to maintain their independence and continue to live in their own home, rather than having to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Additionally, it can improve the person's ability to participate in activities and events on different floors of their home, such as visiting with family and friends, going to the bedroom, or even just enjoy their home more.

For loved ones, the installation of a stairlift can provide relief knowing that the person they care about is safe and secure in their own home. It can also reduce the physical and emotional burden of helping the person navigate the stairs, which can be difficult and tiring for both parties.

In summary, buying a stairlift is more than just a monetary transaction, it is an investment in one's overall quality of life and independence, that can have a positive impact on both physical and emotional well-being.

RSV, flu and Covid are working their way through the country.

The perfect storm, as described by some health officials, is causing chaos across all areas of the health service.

Hand hygiene is a critical aspect of preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. Here are 5 ways to practice good hand hygiene:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water: This is the most effective way to remove dirt, germs, and bacteria from your hands. Wet your hands, apply soap, and scrub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.