Author: thehomeaccessibilitytherapist
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Educating Families on Sensory-Friendly Holiday Modifications: An OT’s Clinical Approach
November brings increased requests from families seeking strategies to help children with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other neurodivergent abilities navigate holiday celebrations. As occupational therapists, we can guide families in implementing evidence-based environmental modifications and sensory strategies that reduce overwhelm while maintaining meaningful participation. Clinical Assessment of Holiday Sensory Challenges During sessions preceding holidays,…
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The Value of Occupational Therapy in the Home Environment: Educating Families and Referral Sources During National Home Care Month
November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, making it an ideal time to educate referral sources and families about the unique value occupational therapists bring to home-based practice. Home-based OT provides assessment and intervention advantages impossible to replicate in clinic settings, yet many potential clients and referral sources don’t fully understand these benefits. The Clinical…
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Assessing and Modifying Homes for Clients with Diabetes: A Fall Prevention Guide for Therapists
As occupational therapists specializing in home modifications, understanding the diabetes-fall connection is essential for comprehensive client assessment and intervention planning. Clients with diabetes face twice the fall risk compared to those without diabetes, making our role in environmental assessment and modification critical to their safety and independence. Clinical Assessment of Diabetes-Related Fall Risk Factors During home evaluations,…
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Conducting Holiday Safety Assessments for Aging Clients: A Therapist’s Guide
As occupational therapists specializing in home modifications, November presents an opportunity to provide targeted interventions helping aging clients maintain safety during holiday gatherings. Temporary environmental changes from decorations, furniture rearrangement, and increased visitors create increased fall risks that require clinical assessment and proactive modification recommendations. Pre-Holiday Home Safety Evaluation Protocol Schedule comprehensive safety assessments before clients begin holiday preparations,…
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HEAP-R: Elevating Home Safety Assessments for Persons with Dementia
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Occupational therapists (OTs) are uniquely positioned to help persons with dementia and their caregivers navigate the complex challenges of maintaining safety and independence at home. As dementia progresses, risks of accidents, confusion, and decreased function grow. To address these concerns systematically, evidence-based assessment tools are essential. The Home Environment Assessment…
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Invisible Accessibility: The 2025 Design Revolution
Gone are the days when “accessible” meant “clinical.” In 2025, the most effective home safety features are the ones you wouldn’t recognize as accessibility aids at all. Universal design has evolved from a specialized niche into the new standard for residential design, with homeowners embracing modifications that seamlessly blend function with style. This design revolution…
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Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Through Home Modifications: What Occupational Therapists Need to Know
Falls represent one of the most significant health risks for community-dwelling older adults, with approximately one-third experiencing at least one fall annually. As occupational therapy professionals, understanding evidence-based home modification strategies is critical for reducing fall risk and supporting aging in place. Recent systematic reviews have identified specific environmental modifications that can reduce fall rates…
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Integrating Smart Home Technology for Aging in Place: Practical Applications for Home Accessibility Assessments
Smart home technology is revolutionizing how older adults age in place, with 89% of adults age 50-plus ranking aging in place as important according to recent AARP research. However, only 10% of American homes are adequately designed for aging populations. As occupational therapy professionals, understanding and recommending appropriate assistive technology devices can bridge this gap.…
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Transforming Homes, Elevating Minds: OTs Lead the Way to Better Mental Health Through Home Modifications
October is Mental Health Awareness month, and occupational therapists who specialize in home modifications can make a significant impact on the mental health and overall well-being for seniors who face challenges at home. Home modifications are far more than a set of physical changes—they are catalysts for independence, emotional well-being, and relief for both older…
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Family Dynamics and Home Modifications: Navigating Resistance and Role Reversals During Holiday Visits
The text message arrived the week after Thanksgiving: “I saw Mom this weekend. She’s not okay. The house is a mess, she’s barely eating, and she almost fell right in front of me. I’ve been telling her for months she needs help but she won’t listen. Can you see her?” This scenario plays out in…
The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC 