Aurora Medical Center in Washington County

Home safety assessment

An in-home safety assessment involves looking at all aspects of a person's home environment. Areas that are assessed include:

• Type of home and entrances – looking at stairs, railings and ability to open/close entrance doors
• Family/Living area – looking at stairs, mobility, lighting, and areas of danger, e.g., throw rugs, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces, and furniture placement
• Bathroom – ability to use sink, toilet, shower/tub and need for adaptive equipment
• Kitchen area – ability to reach into cupboards and refrigerator/freezer, transport items safely, operate stove/oven/microwave
• Laundry – ability to operate washer/dryer and iron, use sink and outside clothes line if appropriate
• Emergency – ability to reach telephone, has emergency phone numbers available

The evaluating therapist would make recommendations (both verbal and written) at the end of the assessment in the appropriate areas. The goal is to allow the person to function safely and independently in his/her home for as long as possible.

What do you need for a home assessment?

A physician's order stating "Home Assessment."

Who would benefit

Anyone who would like a thorough assessment of their current living environment in order to assess safety and receive information regarding what adaptive/assistive devices or equipment would assist them to live independently. This assessment is an excellent way for a family member to make sure that their loved one is able to function in their home safely.