Home Safety and Modifications Flashcards
Define “accessibility”.
refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers)
Be able to list at least 4 elements of “barrier free” design in place at Theatre Row.
Lever handles on all doors
Accessible doors
Elevators
Really flat and hard carpeting - good for wheelchairs
Define “universal design”.
-broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities, and people with disabilities.
Equitable Use: the design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities
Flexibility in Use: the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities
Simple and Intuitive Use: use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level
Perceptible Information: the design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
Tolerance for Error: the design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
Low Physical Effort: the design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue
Size and Space for Approach and Use: appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
What are the primary features of a home designed with “visitability” in mind?
- A house that anyone can use (people who live there and any person visiting)
- Similar to universal design but more focused
- 3 basic requirements
1. One zero-step entrance accessible from the driveway or sidewalk
2. Doors with 32 inches of clear passage space
3. One bathroom on main floor (at least ½ bath) that can be accessed in a wheelchair (**If goal is for resident to remain in home despite an impairment, there needs to be a full bath and space that can be a bedroom on the main floor)
You are working in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. When is the optimal time for you to conduct a home evaluation for a particular client?
OTs should ask questions right from the start, but a thorough home eval should be performed once client has stabilized and discharge is imminent.
“From the initial meeting with a client or caregivers, the OT must have an idea about the home environment to which the client will return.”
“The home evaluation should be performed when the client’s mobility status is stabilized with status close to where you anticipate it will be at discharge. Collaboration with the physical therapist regarding a client’s ambulatory status and potential is essential to determine the timing and necessity of the evaluation.”
Why is it important to collaborate with a physical therapist in making recommendations for home discharge of a particular client?
PT is needed to inform OT on client’s ambulatory status and potential.
What role does a social worker often play in the process of home adaptation?
The social worker may be involved in working out funding for needed equipment and alterations, and the client should be made aware of this service when cost is discussed.
What role does a rehabilitation engineer serve in home modification?
The Rehabilitation Engineer makes recommendations for structural modifications of the home and works with local contractors regarding design and implementation of needed modifications.
If you are unable to conduct a home assessment in person before your client is discharged to home, what other options are available to you?
Have family members take pictures/video of the house and ask them to provide basic measurements
Be able to discuss some family and role-based considerations involved in making home modification recommendations.
-cultural expectations surrounding independence, financial ability, need for privacy, some areas of the home may not need to be changed if that’s not a place the person goes often (if the client doesn’t cook, their husband does, then expensive and extensive kitchen renovations may not need to happen) This can also be the case for two-story houses; they might not need to make modifications to the second floor
Explain why it can be helpful to have your client come with you to a home assessment.
- The client may want something you can’t give them or you may want to implement something that they don’t want - you can talk it out on the spot and come up with a solution
- You can make plans as you move throughout the house together
- They can show you how they do things/maneuver through their home
What tools should you bring with you to a home assessment visit?
Camera Tape Measure Catalogs or photos of equipment Appropriate checklists Stud finder for grab bars Level with slope finder or laser level Fish scale (for ADA door weights) Software to draw layouts
Be able to list at least five home modifications that may address “aging-related” mobility challenges.
Shower chair Grab bars Remove rugs/clutter Increase lighting Raising toilet/bed/etc. Clothes hamper on wheels
Be able to list at least five home modifications that may address “aging-related” sensory challenges.
Setting water heater to max at ~116
Protective gloves for use with appliances in kitchen (so they dont burn themselves)
Contrast tape on stairs
Appliances with visual feedback (for HH)
Appliances with auditory feedback (for visual impairments)
Be able to list at least five home modifications that may address “aging-related” cognitive challenges.
Appliances with automatic shut-off Labels on cabinets/drawers Voice alarms Visual reminders Remove cabinet doors or replace with glass Reminder pillboxes
