For The Student - Home Assessment

Home Assessment

The home environment can provide both an excellent assessment and treatment opportunity for an Occupational Therapist, as it allows a realistic perspective of the client’s ability to perform their chosen occupations within their own environment.

Within placement settings where therapists undertake home assessments and treatments, a policy or guideline is often in place to ensure safety.  It is suggested that students become familiar with this policy as part of orientation.  Topics covered usually include travel to and from the home visit, safety check-ins, what to take on a home visit and reporting requirements.  Students needs to obtain a copy of the practice placement's home visit policy and checklist as part of the orientation process where there is one available.

The Department of Housing and Public Works have completed a set of ‘sustainable homes’ resources that include accessibility.  OT’s can use this as a guide for long term planning when modifying clients' environments to suit their needs. 

It is also worth becoming familiar with Queensland building and construction codes of practice to ensure any modifications you make comply.