Home Assessment and Intervention
An occupational therapy home visit encompasses a wide variety of assessment and intervention as related to daily activities. Jacqui provides the service specific to the individual’s needs. Home assessments begin with an interview and progress to a functional assessment. Areas of interest at home include self-care (dressing, hygiene, mobility), productivity (meal preparation, cleaning, yard work) and leisure activities.
The environment, your unique home, is a key factor in the assessment of daily activities. A number of recommendations can be made which involve no cost or minimal outlay to keep one safe and independent at home. A home visit can be a valuable tool for prevention of falls, resuming or maintaining meaningful activities, and providing instruction for caregivers as related to transfers and techniques for safely and efficiently moving clients.
A referral source might also require additional information regarding a person’s motor and process skills. A detailed assessment can be completed in the home and community which provides evidence based results. Reports are completed timely and in accordance with the request.
Wheelchair, Seating, and Power Mobility Assessments
Numerous factors are considered when choosing the correct wheelchair, seating components, or power wheelchair. Together with the client, Jacqui reviews his/ her functional ability, posture, skin integrity, lifestyle, medical history, and environment. The process also includes a MAT assessment or a modified version of the MAT to identify areas requiring special positioning, e.g., a pelvic obliquity or posterior tilt. After an interview and functional assessment, a trial of equipment occurs using products from medical suppliers. The trial includes use of the equipment in the home environment, community, and possibly work place.
Follow-up and training for the client and / or caregivers takes place when the equipment is delivered. These events ensure that the equipment fits properly and that the client becomes familiar with the parts of the wheelchair.
When an occupational therapist configures a wheelchair for a person’s needs, it can mean improvements in self-care, productivity, and leisure. People sometimes feel they have more energy for meaningful activities and have greater independence. Follow-up visits are helpful for providing further instruction for daily activities, e.g., transfers and dressing.
