When and why should occupational therapists be involved in home modification?

When and why should occupational therapists be involved in home modification?

Home modification can be defined as the alternations made in living spaces to meet the requirements of individuals with physical limitations so that they can continue to live a safe and independent life (Petersson et al., 2008). Occupational therapy is a distinct type of therapy that plays a crucial role in home modifications. It provides clients with information concerning the tools that they should optimize in their living spaces relative to a person’s abilities and promote maximum participation in day to day occupations (Somerville et al., 2016). This paper intends to discuss home modification and occupation therapy by answering the given questions.

When and why should occupational therapists be involved in home modification?

An occupational therapist should be involved in home modifications when it comes to evaluating a living space for alternations or changes. Occupational therapists think of ways to make a living space function better for both now and the future, and often come up with excellent and low-cost solutions (Somerville et al., 2016). Usually, their focus is on how people interact with the environment to do activities or occupations to make recommendations that will fit the clients’ needs.

There are several reasons why an occupational therapist should be involved in home modifications. Some of these reasons include:

Recommends the correct type of home modification.

They are various types of home modifications, and occupational therapists help people choose that which fits them best. Occupational therapists have unique perspectives in analyzing and providing interventions for people. They use various models, for instance, Lawton’s Theory of Environmental Press, to guide home modifications that are customized to every home owner’s requirements (Somerville et al., 2016).

They are experts in adaptive equipment and home modification

Occupational Therapists usually offer the most appropriate and most effective adaptive equipment suggestions to their clients.

They provide home evaluations that address potential safety hazards both inside or outside the living space.

Describe the main types of home modifications and the role of an occupational therapist.

Types of home modifications

There are several different types of home modifications that can be made in order to accommodate people with physical limitations. Some of the common examples include:

Wheelchair ramps

For people with physical limitations, wheelchair ramps are essential to maintaining their ability to live at home and their independence. The elderly who use an electric scooter or wheelchairs in a living space can accomplish their daily activities with less assistance in the presence of wheelchair ramps.

Lighting

Lighting modifications are essential within a home and around the property to increase visibility and security during dark hours.

Smoothing floor surfaces

This involves the removal of carpeting, molding, or anything on the floor that may hinder mobility, especially if a person is using a wheelchair.

Transfer benches

These are also known as transfer chairs or showering benches. They enable people with physical limitations to get in and out of tabs, showers, and wheelchairs with no or very minimal assistance.

Door openers

Door openers such as push-button openers can be installed to automate the opening and closing of doors.

Role of an occupational therapist

An occupational therapist plays a primary role in the evaluation of living spaces and identifies strategies that allow people to make changes in their living spaces, thereby promoting full participation in their day to day activities. An occupational therapy practitioner is skilled at identifying how a specific environment may affect the ability of a person to perform daily and desired activities (Somerville et al., 2016). Another role of an occupational therapist is to provide advice and recommendations to people experiencing a decline in independence or safety or those who are planning for their future needs. Occupational therapy offers intervention that is client-focused to increase independence, prevent further decline, and promote health. An occupational therapist can also observe and evaluate the activities that take place in a living space to make recommendations for modifications for future purposes (Petersson et al., 2008).

In conclusion, home modifications are significant, especially to homes that have people with limited physical ability. Home modification not only helps make a person’s lives easier but also increases safety and promotes the health of a person. With the help of an occupational therapist, one can make their living space a safe place to stay by making the recommended alternations or changes.