- Home Assessment after Motor Vehicle AccidentDepending on the severity of the client’s injuries, often to ensure that maximal recovery is reached within a shorter time period, our treating therapists will recommend the services of Meridian Health Assessments. Meridian Health Assessments is a group of highly trained assessors with varying health discipline specific expertise.Assessments often recommended include one or more of the following:
a. In-Home
b. Worksite
c. FAE (Functional Abilities Evaluation)
d. Psychological
e. TMJ
Assessment Types:
• Various assessments are recommended, including In-Home, Worksite, FAE (Functional Abilities Evaluation), Psychological, and Dental/TMJ assessments.
In-Home Assessment:
• Thorough evaluation of a person's home and living arrangement within a community context.• Focus on activities of daily living, with the goal of improving independence and safety.• Observations and measurements guide the production of an objective report.
Areas of Potential Difficulty:
• Identified areas include entry and exit points, stairs, rooms, kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor spaces.• Issues such as mobility, grip, coordination, cognitive impairment, and other factors contribute to difficulty in daily activities.
Recommendations for Home Modifications:
• Suggestions encompass a wide range of modifications, from equipment recommendations to structural changes in the home.
• Emphasis on adapting daily living activities to compensate for individual limitations.
Categories of Home Modifications:
• Changes in daily living activities, alterations in furniture placement, addition or replacement of special equipment, and structural changes are considered.
Common Modifications in Bathroom, Kitchen, and Bedroom:
• Detailed modifications for these areas, including grab bars, raised toilet seats, transfer benches, flexible hand-held showers, non-skid flooring, additional illumination, lowered sinks, and more.
Home Modification Categories:
• Categories include changing daily living activities, altering furniture locations, adding or replacing special equipment, and making structural changes to the home.
Widening Doorways and Hallways:
• Recommended for individuals using mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters, with specific attention to bathroom door widths.
Elimination of Outdoor Steps:
• Suggested replacement with a gently sloping walkway for improved accessibility.
Kitchen Modifications:
• Encouragement to store commonly used items between hip and shoulder height.• Consideration of a seated work area, adjustable sink, and helpful items like dustpans and brooms with long handles.
Bedroom Modifications:
• Importance of sufficient room around the bed for individuals with wheelchairs or scooters.• Consideration of bed height and the use of bed rails for assistance.