Falls Prevention
A large percentage of falls occur in or around someone’s home rather than in the community. The good news is that the risk of falling can be dramatically reduced. During an OT assessment, we take time to analyse the individuals movement patterns, their habits, and methods of carrying out daily activities. We also ask for the details surrounding previous falls. Although it can be confronting to discuss, an honest falls history gives the assessor valuable information to prevent further falls occurring.
Where possible, an assessment with the view to preventing falls should include assessing the client in all areas of the house and yard that they frequent as, although falls may predominantly be occurring in one room, the risks are often replicated in other areas. Taking in recommendations at the time of the assessment can be overwhelming. We will email a summary of our recommendations after the visit. This enables the client to take in the recommendations in their own time and reflect on the next steps.
Recommendations
Recommendations can include small changes in technique when mobilising transferring to a chair, bed, toilet or into the shower. It can also include items of equipment, handrails or grab rails. We are sensitive to the aesthetics of the home and other home users when recommending these.
You don't Know what you Don't Know
After these visits we often receive feedback from the client and their carers. A common comment is that clients often limit their expectations of an OT Assessment. They admit they were unaware of some of the equipment and home modifications we recommend, to coin a modern phrase “you don’t know what you don’t know.” Another common comment is how small changes we have recommended regarding the way someone carries out an activity has made such a big difference to them.
60-90 minutes to carry out assessment
Taking time to interview and understand the client is important, as is a functional assessment around the home. The OT assessment varies depending on the client, their needs, and complexities. Most assessments can be completed between 60-90 minutes.
Reports for Home Care Packages, DVA or CHSP Funding
If the OT Assessment is funded through a government agency such as a Home Care package, DVA or CHSP funding, a full report will be produced and sent to the funding body to provide clinical justification. This enables the items recommended to be funded, or subsidised, by the funding body. A further 1-3 hours should be allowed for report writing, depending on the complexity and number of recommendations being made and home modifications that may be required.