Home Safety and Falls Prevention

OTs assess the “whole person”. OTs assess each person in their environment to improve safety and/or independence. OTs recommend equipment or modifications to meet each person’s needs 2

Could you be Safer at Home? 3

Bathroom Safety 4

Kitchen Safety 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

Stair Safety Lighting Switches top and bottom Two handrails Extend railing No carpet Visible edges Minimize use 6

Outdoor Safety 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

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

Funding for 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 Casinos 9

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

Ontario March of Dimes Continued 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

Veteran’s Affairs 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

Accessing an OT for Assessment Community Care Access Center (CCAC) GAIN program ODSP Veteran’s Affairs Auto Insurance WSIB Extended Health Insurance Private Purchase 13

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