Home Safety and Falls Prevention. Presented by: Shauna MacEachern Occupational Therapist

Transcription

1 Home Safety and Falls Prevention Presented by: Shauna MacEachern Occupational Therapist

2 Occupational Therapists Occupational Therapists are specifically trained to assess clients with all types of illnesses, disabilities or functional limitations. We assess the whole person. Occupational Therapists assess each individual and their own environment to make recommendations to improve safety and/or independence. Occupational Therapists are experts in recommending the best equipment or modifications to meet each individual s needs 2

3 Could you be Safer at Home? Do you have any difficulty using the stairs inside your home? Do you have any difficulty due to poor lighting along the walkway leading to your home? Do you have any difficulty working at the counter? Do you have any difficulty walking from the garage, the backyard or the street to your door? Do you have any difficulty doing the laundry? Do you have any difficulty stepping into or out of the bathtub? 3

4 Bathroom Safety Considerations Install grab bars by the tub and toilet Install non-slip flooring throughout the bathroom Install a non-slip surface in the bathtub Install bathtub transfer bench so that the tub can be entered from a seated position Install a handheld shower on adjustable rod or high-low mounting brackets Install a seat in tub or shower Install shelves within reach,for personal care items Replace bathtub with a shower stall, if difficulty is severe Raise toilet seat to a convenient height by using a portable extension or setting the toilet on a pedestal 4

5 Kitchen Safety Considerations Adjust sink to a convenient height Create a knee-space under the sink or counter to enable you to work from a seated position Install lever-type faucets or a faucet with a single lever to control flow and temperature Install "D" type handles on cupboards or drawers Install pullout shelves under counter to enable you to work from a seated position Install pivoting or revolving shelves in corner cupboards Install a heatproof surface on counter next to range or stove Provide electrical outlets for small appliances in more convenient locations 5

6 Stair Safety Considerations Improve lighting in stairs Install two-way light switches at top and bottom of stairs Install or repair handrails (on both sides) Maintain a consistent handrail height above all nosings and above floor At the top of the stairs, extend handrail horizontally, the length of one tread, beginning directly above the last nosing Replace worn stair coverings At the bottom of the stairs, extend handrail the length of one tread beyond the first nosing. Mark stair nosings permanently (not with tape) if they are not distinctly visible. Relocate bedroom to main floor level Relocate laundry room to the main floor level Relocate or add a toilet on main floor or bedroom level 6

7 Outdoor Safety Considerations Repair holes or uneven joints in walking surfaces that could cause tripping Widen walkway Add steps to remove steep slope Add a ramp to bypass existing steps Install or repair handrails along walkway, ramp, and steps Provide non-slip finish on walking surfaces Install light fixtures or floodlights to illuminate entrances, steps and walkways Install easily accessible light switches or sensors to control outside lights Remove screen door Reduce height of door threshold and adjust or replace door as necessary Add a grab bar or handle near step or threshold 7

8 Doing Laundry Relocate appliances to a more convenient place Provide shelves or storage near appliances so that washing supplies can be conveniently located Build a counter or large shelf near appliances for sorting and folding clothes Install an electrical outlet and an outside vent for a clothes dryer Adjust clothesline to a convenient height Install a conveniently located clothesline or rack Use a laundry duffle bag instead of basket. 8

9 Funding Options - Equipment Extended Health Insurance Loan Cupboards Red Cross Veteran s Affairs Canada Assistive Devices Program (walkers and wheelchairs) Ontario March of Dimes new and used Service Clubs, MS Society, ALS Society, Muscular Dystrophy Association 9

10 Ontario March of Dimes Home Modification Program Funding of up to $15,000 to make homes more accessible or safer. Program of last resort must access other programs or options first (VAC, WSIB, Auto insurance, RRAP). Eligibility is based on income of applicant and spouse. Applicant and spouse with gross annual income above $35,000 will have to contribute to costs of renovations. 10

11 Ontario March of Dimes Home Modification Program Application forms are submitted with photos of the front of the home and all areas to be modified Income tax returns from the previous tax year must be submitted An assessment by an Occupational Therapist (or other qualified professional) will be required. Process can be very lengthy many applicants who are priorized based on safety risk. 11

12 Veteran s Affairs Canada Eligible Veteran s can receive home modifications through the Veteran s Independence Program(VIP). Bathroom or kitchen modifications, installation of hand rails, grab bars, stair glides and ramps are all eligible. An assessment by an Occupational Therapist is generally required. Contact Veteran s Affairs Canada to apply. 12

13 Accessing an Occupational Therapist for Assessment Community Care Access Center Veteran s Affairs Canada Extended Health Insurance Auto Insurance Private Purchase WSIB 13

14 Brought to you by: Providing Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Speech Language Pathology Services in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Northumberland and Peterborough