Seniors Aging in Place: Older adults who wish to remain in their homes as they age can benefit from assessments to ensure their living environment is safe and accommodating.

Individuals with Disabilities: People with physical or cognitive disabilities can benefit significantly from assessments to identify and implement accessibility modifications within their homes.

Family Caregivers: Caregivers responsible for aging or disabled family members can find value in home assessments. These assessments can help identify potential safety hazards and recommend changes to ease caregiving responsibilities.

Younger Adults with Progressive Conditions: Individuals with conditions like multiple sclerosis, ALS, or spinal cord injuries that may progress over time can proactively plan for home modifications to adapt to their changing needs.

Homeowners Planning Renovations: Homeowners who are planning home renovations or building new homes can integrate accessibility features from the outset, ensuring their properties are future-proofed.

Disabled Veterans: Veterans who have returned from service with disabilities can benefit significantly from home assessments. These assessments can pinpoint modifications that enhance their daily life and independence.

Occupational Therapists and Healthcare Providers: Healthcare professionals, including occupational therapists, can recommend and benefit from assessments for their patients or clients. These assessments help customize care plans and recommendations to specific home environments, improving overall patient outcomes and quality of life.

Prior to becoming an occupational therapist in my late 30's, I earned a bachelor's degree specializing in K-12 physical education. Afterwards I chased my dream of living in Alaska where I was a kayak guide in several communities during the summer months where I would spend winters in Montana doing construction and skiing with people with disabilities. I eventually settled into Alaska for the winter where I did some construction and I worked for a non profit as a direct service provider for individuals with developmental disabilities where I initially learned about occupational therapy.

After getting married and having our first child I got back into construction working with a number of skilled contractors. I eventually picked up my own contractors license specializing in finish carpentry and custom tile bathrooms, hearths and flooring. After we had our second child I decided to get back into school to pursue occupational therapy. I was accepted into the Pacific School of Occupational Therapy School down in Oregon in 2012 and graduated with my doctorate in 2015.

We moved back to Alaska where I gained experience working in pediatrics, home health, hospice, outpatient/inpatient and worked for our local borough school and an Alaska Native village school. I branched out on my own starting Southeast OT LLC in 2019 and have been running a mobile occupational therapy business, primarily serving older adults in the home and community. I recently picked up my specialty contractors license in order to do the safety and accessibility modifications I have been recommending for years.

Safe Accessible Home is my newest mission, where I am able to combine my life experience to serve the aging population live their best life in the home of their choice.

Commonly used definitions of ‘accessible’ include:

• Able to be reached or entered

• Able to be easily obtained or used

• Easily understood or appreciated

When it comes to home modifications, these definitions account for the ease with which a person can move around their own home, and the extent to which a person can effectively and efficiently utilize the space.

To understand this in real terms consider the practical, everyday tasks that modifications make possible or easier, such as:

• Entering and exiting the shower recess independently in a way that is safe and suitable

• Sitting at the kitchen bench in a wheelchair and have the bench at a suitable height

• Accessing the home in a way that best suits a person’s needs, e.g., via a ramp

• Moving through doorways, hallways and around spaces without impediment, e.g., because they are too narrow

Many times, particularly if an aging parent lives alone, the other family members may not be aware of the struggles their loved one is having. Make a point when visiting to observe how they get around the house. Input from their doctor and other health care professionals may give you insight on their abilities and areas of difficulty. If you have concerns, it is probably time to consider an assessment. Find a contractor who specializes in home modification and who will coordinate with their health care team.

Occupational therapists (OTs) are the best people to ask for advice about home modifications. The primary role of an occupational therapist is to work with a client to reach outcomes that will improve their quality of life. These outcomes are unique to the specific needs of each person, but a central feature of these goals relates to helping clients live more independently in an environment in which they feel safe and comfortable. Because OTs are well positioned to understand their client’s condition, its impact on daily activities, and any equipment used in the home environment, they can make recommendations to best meet their client’s needs.

This process usually involves:

1. Understanding the client’s unique circumstances including details of their disability and an overview of their goals

2. Undertaking an assessment of the person’s home environment to develop an in-depth understanding of how the person uses the space

3. Liaising with builders to construct plans for the modified space

4. Writing a detailed report with recommendations

5. Upon approval, the builder will carry out the home modifications

6. On completion the occupational therapist will visit the client and review the home modifications

I break home modifications down into three categories, safety, accessibility, and convenience. While there is certainly some overlap and most projects will have elements of each, we need to consider the priority of projects in this order. Anything that presents a fall or other safety hazard should be taken care of immediately. Those modifications which enhance accessibility should be done as soon as possible, and those which are primarily for convenience can be delayed if budgetary concerns warrant.

Item Home safety and accessibility modifications don't have to resemble a hospital setting at all. In fact, there's a wide array of aesthetically pleasing products available that seamlessly blend into your home environment. These modifications come in various styles and colors, allowing you to maintain the beauty and character of your living space while ensuring it's safe and accessible.

For instance, you can find grab bars in stylish finishes that match your bathroom decor or choose handrails that complement your staircase design. Ramps and lifts can be discreetly integrated into your home's architecture, maintaining its curb appeal. Even bathroom fixtures like accessible showers and sinks are available in elegant designs that don't compromise on aesthetics.

The idea is to create a home that not only caters to your safety and accessibility needs but also reflects your personal style and preferences. With the range of attractive options available today, your home can remain both functional and visually pleasing, making it a welcoming and comfortable space for you and your loved ones.

In order to get the most out of an assessment/consultation, it is crucial for adult children and/or caregivers to be present during a virtual home safety and accessibility assessment because:

Collective Insight: They provide a well-rounded perspective on the individual's needs and daily routines.

Safety Coordination: They can discuss safety strategies and emergency plans.

Technology Assistance: They assist with technical aspects like videoing, photographs, and measurements.

Emotional Support: They offer emotional support during what can be a challenging process.

Informed Decision-Making: They participate in decisions about necessary modifications and renovations.

Involving multiple people ensures a comprehensive assessment, fosters collaboration, and supports the individual's well-being.

I am licensed to practice and bill insurance in the state of Alaska. I accept Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, United and VA insurances. If you live in Alaska and have a referral for home safety and accessibility modifications from your medical provider, I am able to support you. Referrals should be sent to me at Southeast OT LLC via HIPAA compliant secure email to rjsalmonot@gmail.com for these matters.

If you do not have a medically necessary situation and are planning to prepare for the future or hoping to make improvements to your home for you or a loved one for added safety, accessibility, function and overall comfort, you can seek out my services as an aging in place specialist with my cash based service.