At Freedom Home Care and Medical Staffing, we understand how important it is for our clients to stay in their own homes as long as possible, even as their functional needs change. This is why we have developed a specialized Home Safety/Modification Program to expand upon our Chicago in-home care. This unique program consists of an on-sight evaluation by an Occupational Therapist (OT) who is trained to assess functional abilities, the home environment and how the interaction between the two can limit independence, safety, and quality of life.

Our OT will complete an evaluation of physical and cognitive performance in order to determine how changes in these areas may affect the ability to be independent and safe. Additionally, the OT will assess the home environment for safety hazards and ease of performance of day to day activities. A customized service plan will include recommendations for specialized adaptive equipment, home environment modifications and/or structural changes as well as referrals to other services in the community as needed.

We are confident that participation in this program will ultimately result in a safer home environment that promotes health, independence and a better quality of life so that you can stay in your home for years to come.

To ensure a safe living environment:

• Assess function and availability of safety devices within the home
• Determine quality/condition of appliances, furniture and other household items
• Point out barriers and possible hazards such as clutter, obstacles and blocked pathways
• Identify other fall risks; such as poor lighting, unstable supports and throw rugs

To determine physical and cognitive functioning and the level of support and resources needed to remain in the home safely:

• Self-care and homemaking skills
• Mobility and ambulation
• Balance and coordination
• Strength and range of motion
• Ability to communicate needs and desires
• Endurance for daily activities
• Problem solving skills, judgment, safety awareness, memory
• Vision, hearing and other sensory functions

To identify changes needed to improve living spaces within the home by using universal design and ergonomic principals:

• Instruction in work simplification and energy conservation techniques
• Recommendation of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) such as grab bars, shower chairs, tub benches, commodes, etc.
• Instruction in the use of adaptive equipment such as dressing aides, reachers, etc.
• Recommendations for interior access with stair lifts, and for exterior with ramps
• Provision of referrals to contractors to remodel rooms for accessibility