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  • Home assessment in occupational therapy
Occupational therapy, Swiss Medical Network
12.11.2024

Home assessment in occupational therapy

Interview with Maud Ismail

During a stay at the Clinique Valmont, the occupational therapist plays a fundamental role in the rehabilitation process. However, their role is not limited to rehabilitation. Before the patient leaves the clinic, the occupational therapist may visit the patient's home to assess whether a return home is feasible, and if so, coordinate the provision of aids and aids to maximise safety. Maud Ismail, Head of occupational therapy at Clinique Valmont, answers our questions.

Why do you organise home assessments?

The main aim is to assess the possibility of a return home and to make it safer. This assessment enables us to analyse the patient's physical environment and its limitations, but also to confront the patient with the obstacles present in his or her living environment. We work with the patient to test different transfers (bathroom, wheelchair, bed, etc.), as well as indoor and outdoor movements, and we measure spaces to assess accessibility. After this complete analysis, we propose architectural adaptations, aids and physical aids.

When do you carry out this assessment?

Most of the time, the assessment is carried out a few weeks before the patient returns home, to allow time for any work to be carried out and any aids to be put in place.

What do you actually put in place?

Various aids can be installed, such as a bath board, toilet riser, grab rails, shower seat or electric bed. We can also give advice on how to make moving around safer and reduce the risk of falls, such as removing carpets and thresholds or clearing cluttered spaces.

During this assessment, we also take the opportunity to discuss with the patient and his or her family the physical aids required (toileting, dressing, cleaning, meals, etc.). These aids are put in place by the Clinique Valmont liaison nurse, with whom we work closely.

Who is responsible for taking the necessary steps to adapt the home?

The occupational therapist orders the aids. If more extensive work is required, we commission local craftsmen and companies. What's more, when it's necessary to contact the DI or old-age and survivors' insurance for funding for these adaptations, our team will do this in collaboration with the patient and his or her family.

What area do you cover?

We travel within an estimated radius of about an hour's drive from the Clinique Valmont. If the patient lives outside this area, we will arrange for external occupational therapists.

Our expert

Clinique Valmont

Maud Ismail

Specialisation
Occupational therapy, MindMotion™ GO, REAplan® - robot-assisted rehabilitation of the upper limbs, IVS-3 View more

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