How Occupational Therapists Can Help Older People with Their Home Modification Needs

As people get older, their home living environments may require adjustments to ensure safety, accessibility, and continued independence. To achieve this they will need the support of an Occupational Therapist to visit their home and conduct a Home Assessment to recommend possible home modifications. The Occupational Therapist will be using their expertise to assess, recommend, and facilitate necessary home redesign changes with the goal to maximise their client’s functional independence at home so they can continue with their daily activities as independently as possible. In this blog we will cover how Occupational Therapists can help older people with their home modification needs.

Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists are allied healthcare professionals specialising in helping individuals perform daily activities with greater ease and safety. Their focus extends beyond physical health to include accessing environmental factors that impact a person’s ability to function independently, safely and effectively. When it comes to home modifications, Occupational Therapists assess the living space, identify potential hazards, and recommend changes tailored to the individual's needs and capabilities.

Home Modification Assessments



The first step an Occupational Therapist takes is conducting a thorough assessment of the home environment. This involves evaluating various aspects of the living environment, such as:

• Entrances and Exits: Are there steps or thresholds that could cause trips or falls? Is there a need for ramps or handrails?
• Bathrooms: Are the shower and toilet easily accessible? Could grab bars or a walk-in shower enhance safety?
• Kitchens: Is the layout conducive to safe cooking and food preparation? Would adjusting counter heights or adding pull-out shelves be beneficial?
• Living Areas: Are there clear pathways free of obstacles? Would rearranging furniture or adding more lighting improve mobility and visibility?
• Bedrooms: Is the bedroom layout appropriate? Could the addition of bedside rails or adjustable beds assist with getting in and out of bed?

Based on the assessment, the Occupational Therapist will then provide personalised recommendations to address the client’s specific challenges they are having at home. These may include:

• Installing Grab Bars and Handrails: These provide support in areas like bathrooms, staircases, and hallways, reducing the risk of falls.
• Improving Lighting: Adequate lighting is essential for visibility. Occupational Therapists may suggest brighter bulbs, additional light fixtures, or motion-sensor lights.
• Modifying Bathrooms: This could involve recommending minor modifications such as rails, small ramps, non-slip flooring or different shower heads. When warranted, the more major bathroom modifications of a ‘walk in’ or ‘level access’ shower is advised following review by a more specialised OT and with the input of a builder.
• Adjusting Kitchen Layouts: Recommendations might include relocating frequently used items to accessible areas or installing pull-out shelves.
• Rearranging Furniture: Ensuring there is enough space to move around safely, especially for those using mobility aids.
• Installing Ramps: For homes with steps, ramps can be crucial for wheelchair accessibility or for those who have difficulty with stairs.

Home modifications are a critical component of enabling older adults to live independently, safely and improve their quality of life. Occupational Therapists bring invaluable expertise in assessing and addressing the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that their homes are safe, accessible, and supportive of their daily activities. By working with an Occupational Therapist, older adults can enjoy a higher quality of life and greater peace of mind knowing that their living environment is tailored to be a good fit for them as they grow older.

To schedule a home modification session with one of our Occupational Therapists, contact our team at Vivir Healthcare today. We’re here to help you create a safer, more comfortable living space.