With millions of baby boomers on the doorstep of retirement and nearly one out of eight Americans already over the age of 65, seniors are likely a growing focus of your business. And one thing is certain: sooner or later, many will have special design needs due to changing physical capabilities and health conditions. Among the most common are arthritis, vision and hearing deficiencies, mobility issues and respiratory difficulties. How can an Accommodating Homes occupational therapist help you serve this clientele better?
Creating the Right FitOccupational therapists (OTs) are trained to assess the fit between an individual's environment and his or her ability to perform everyday activities. Based on that assessment, OTs are able to recommend environmental design solutions and assistive features and products that can compensate for physical limitations, increase function and safety, maximize accessibility and promote quality of life. Bottom line, an OT's recommendations can help older clients age more comfortably, safely and independently in the place that means the most to them - their own homes.
Working TogetherAccommodating Homes can collaborate with you and your clients in a variety of ways:
- Aging-in-Place Renovations
If you're undertaking an aging-in-place renovation, an Accommodating Homes environmental assessment can make it easier for you to develop and implement an appropriate proposal. Our assessments are based on several home visits and incorporate input from a client's physician, caregivers and family. The recommendations we make are prioritized, categorized by objective, and communicated in simple, client-friendly language. They are presented in person to the client and organized in a booklet which can easily function as a guide. - New Construction
When the situation involves new construction, our OTs can evaluate clients in their current living environment to identify appropriate design features for their future homes. The OT's expertise can make a significant contribution to what you're offering an older client and help you communicate that value. - Focused Consulting
Rather than perform a total home assessment (although an evaluation of the entire living environment is highly recommended), we can also direct our attention to a specific area - for example, a kitchen or bathroom - or focus on a particular need, such as environmental adaptations for a low-vision or hearing-impaired client.