L1.2 Evaluating the Home Environment

Question 1

describe the ‘home environment’ for OTs

Answer 1

• OT evaluation is performed in the home environment to enhance authenticity
• be mindful that the home is private living space and the client will attach meaning to the home, spaces and objects within it
• important to include family and other householders/relevant stakeholders

Question 2

what is the role of OT regarding the home environment

Answer 2

• analyse problems identified by the client
• discuss other issues that may need to be addressed
• locate these within the context of the home
• collaborate with the client to determine range of solutions to facilitate the activities and lifestyle of the client’s choice

Question 3

what roles and occupations are we likely to investigate?

Answer 3

• important to the client
• impact on safety, independence, participation, health and wellbeing
• self care: bathing, toileting, washing
• IADL: cooking, cleaning and maintenance
• leisure: relaxing, gardening
• social: entertaining, social outings

Question 4

what is the purpose of home visit, specifically ‘information gathering’

Answer 4

• to gather cues about the person’s safety, independence and well-being in the home environment
• to test hypotheses about the impact of the impact of the impairment of his/her life
• to understand the person’s story- goals and concerns
• to understand the dimensions of the environment that are likely to impact on decisions and interventions

Question 5

what is the purpose of home visit, specifically ‘collaboration’

Answer 5

• identify potential areas of concern and discuss these with the client
• negotiate with the client to identify the key issues
• present range of alternative interventions to address prioritized issues
• discuss advantages and disadvantages of each option
• collaborate with the individual to identify the best solution for them in their environment
• discuss professional concerns if therapist and client have differing opinions on issues or solutions

Question 6

what is the process of a home visit

Answer 6

1. referral and initial phone call with client
2. be prepared- info, forms, tools, info on interventions
3. on the way- note location and topography of residence
4. on arrival- establish rapport
5. interview- listen and collaborate
6. interview and observations- gather information on the PEO transaction
7. assessment- standardised measures
8. observe and measure the environment
9. negotiate best intervention
10. write the report- including drawings of rooms to be modified

Question 7

what are the important aspects of the environment to evaluate?

Answer 7

evaluated in terms of: ability to use/access the environment, safe use of the environment, barriers and facilitators to occupational performance

safety: level changes, uneven surface, flooring poor repair (see notes for more)

evaluating the environment: level/ramped entry, circulation space at doors and fixtures (see notes for more)

evaluating the environment (dimensions of home)- barriers and facilitators (see notes for more)