A home safety assessment involves a occupational therapist or a physiotherapist coming to your home to offer suggestions to ensure your safety.
Tips & Links
A home safety assessment can be requested through your health authority in BC to assess your safety in your home due to changes in your health, aging, or an existing chronic condition.
Learn More
- Learn that if your health needs change significantly, free assessments are provided by your health authority as outlined by the Government of BC.
- A referral can be made by your physician, nurse practitioner, family member, or neighbour. You can also request an assessment on your own behalf.
- Know that if you or someone you are caring for is in hospital, a referral can be made by a hospitalist, nurse, or social worker for an occupational therapist to complete a visit when you are discharged home. A family member can also make this request.
- Understand that a Home Safety Assessment is when an occupational therapist (OT) comes to your home to look for safety concerns like fall prevention, mobility concerns, and any issues with meal support, medication, bathing, dressing, and personal and home hygiene.
- Know they may offer safety suggestions for you and those assisting in your home, including mobility aids, devices, and home modifications like hand-bars in the washroom, bath/shower adjustments, and toilet attachments to ensure your safety.
- A safety assessment can usually be completed within 48 hours of your request, depending on staffing, your location, and the urgency of the situation.
Things You Can Do
- Before booking a visit, talk to your family, care partners and those you trust about the reasons for the assessment and to share your feelings and concerns.
- It is helpful to have up-to-date records of your health information and personal needs included in:
- MyHealth Profile (in My Health Information)
- MyCare Partners List (in My People)
- Changes in My Personal Needs (in My Day to Day)
- Do these activities with a family member or care partners, preferably with the person who can be with you during the assessment – have the completed activities with you. This helps you participate in the assessment with a clear understanding of your wishes and wants.
- Write your questions and concerns down ahead of time and have someone with you to write down the answers and the suggestions provided.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your daily activities (ADLs). The assessor may also ask you to complete certain tasks including walking, getting in or out of bed or a chair, toileting, dressing, bathing, eating (swallowing), drinking, meal preparation, and taking medications.
- Be ready to answer questions about who else lives in your home, what their personal needs are (if any), and if they are able to assist you.
- Have your care partner, health advocate or a trusted person with you to take notes during the visit. Include in your notes, the date of the visit, who was present, name of assessor (title/role, phone and email), discussion points and suggestions, and the list of items for follow-up.
- Bring to the assessment
- BC Services Card or Driver’s License (includes your personal health number (PHN)
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Previous year’s Income Tax Return
- Spouse/Partners Social Insurance Number
- Spouse/Partners previous Year Income Tax Return or Notice of Assessment
- Ask for a copy of the completed home safety assessment for your Mywell Health planner print or digital files.
Prepare for the assessment by completing the activities Getting a Home Care Assessment and completing the tools called Health Profile and Changes in My Personal Needs.