What does a home safety assessment include?
From MyIntel. Updated .
The short answer
A home safety assessment is a visit where a trained professional walks through the home with the person who lives there and points out what could cause a fall or make daily life harder. They look at entrances, stairs, the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen, lighting and floors. They also see how the person gets in and out of a chair, the bed and the shower. At the end you get a list of changes, from simple fixes like moving a rug to bigger ones like grab bars.
Who does the visit
At MyIntel, home safety visits are done by licensed, insured occupational therapists (OTs) with CAPS (Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist) certification. An OT is trained to look at how a person moves and does everyday tasks, not just at the house itself. That matters, because the right fix depends on the person as much as the home.
What they look at, room by room
- Entrances: steps, railings, the threshold, outdoor lighting and where packages get set down.
- Stairs: railings on both sides, lighting at the top and bottom, and loose or worn treads.
- Bathroom: getting in and out of the tub or shower, the height of the toilet, slippery floors and where to hold on.
- Bedroom: the height of the bed, a clear path to the bathroom and light for getting up at night.
- Kitchen: items stored too high or too low, and how far the person reaches or bends.
- Living areas: rugs, cords, clutter, chairs that are hard to get out of and dark spots.
What you get at the end
You get a plan made for the home and the person. It lists what to change first. Many fixes cost little or nothing, like moving a rug, adding a night light or putting everyday items within easy reach. Others, like grab bars or a raised toilet seat, cost more, and we go over any cost with you before any work is done.
How to start
You can start with our free online home check. It takes a few minutes and shows what may need a closer look. A home safety visit by a licensed OT is included with our HomeProtect and HomeComplete plans, and we set up homes in the Denver metro area.
Common questions
How long does a home safety assessment take?
Most visits take about 1 to 2 hours. It depends on the size of the home and how many rooms need a close look.
Do I need to be there?
Yes, it works best when the person who lives there is home, and family is welcome too. The OT sees how everyday tasks are done, which is a big part of finding the right fixes.
Is a home safety assessment included with MyIntel?
Yes. A home safety visit by a licensed, insured occupational therapist is included with the HomeProtect and HomeComplete plans. Call us for a quote.
Questions about your home? Call (720) 989-1123 or send us a note.