Q: What is Occupational Therapy?
A: Occupational Therapy is a discipline that looks at activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, meal preparation, medication management, and financial management.
Q: What is the evaluation process?
A: During the evaluation, I meet with the client and their caregivers in the home. I interview the client in order to determine his or her current state of health and challenges to daily functioning both inside and outside the home. I look at the daily routines of clients and consider any concerns they may have about maintaining these activities.
After completing my evaluation, I meet with the client to discuss recommendations on how to adapt the home in order to maintain independence. This may include suggestions about where to install such devices as grab bars, shower seats, bed bars, and ramps, as well as ideas about adapting areas in the kitchen for more ease in meal preparation and general safety.
I also provide education to caregivers and family members who are involved in the daily care of the client. If desired, I am available to accompany the client and/or family members to visits with doctors and specialists in order to help assess or clarify what specific needs the client may have for daily functioning.
I am also available to assess clients who have specific questions about accessibility or mobility.
Q: How do I prepare for the first visit?
A: If you would like others to be involved in the initial evaluation, please invite them to your first visit. If there are medical records that you would like me to review, please have copies available upon arrival.
Q: How long does a normal evaluation take?
A: Anywhere between 1 - 2 hours.
Q: Who should be present at the home evaluation?
A: The client and any family or community members who will share responsibility for providing care in the home.
Q: Will I receive a detailed evaluation with recommendations?
A: Yes, evaluations will include recommendations and, when available, information regarding required equipment and approximate pricing.
Q: What does the initial evaluation cost?
A: The initial evaluation fee is $120 per hour.