Most falls happen at home, often in the places we walk through every day without thinking: the bathroom, the stairs, the path from the bed to the toilet at night. A home safety evaluation is a walk-through of your home with a physical therapist who looks at how you actually move through it and recommends changes that make daily life safer.
What is a home safety evaluation?
A home safety evaluation, also called a home safety assessment, is a one-on-one visit in which a physical therapist walks through your home with you, watches how you move through each room, and gives you a prioritized list of changes and equipment to lower your risk of falling. It looks at both the house and the person: the hazards in each room, and your strength, balance and walking.
Who should consider one
- Older adults who have fallen, nearly fallen, or feel unsteady
- Anyone coming home after a hospital stay, a stroke, or a hip or knee replacement
- People living with Parkinson's disease, arthritis or balance problems
- Families who want a parent to keep living at home safely
- Anyone planning ahead to age in place
What we look at, room by room
Entrances and steps. Railings on both sides, step height, lighting at the door, and whether there is a safe place to set things down while you unlock it.
Stairs. Sturdy handrails, worn or loose treads, lighting and switches at the top and bottom, and how you manage the stairs right now.
Bathroom. Getting in and out of the tub or shower, toilet height, where grab bars would help most, non-slip surfaces, and whether a shower chair or hand-held shower would make bathing safer.
Bedroom. Bed height, the path to the bathroom at night, night lights, and clutter or cords along the way.
Kitchen and living areas. Throw rugs, furniture that is too low or too soft to get up from, items stored too high or too low, and clear walking paths for a cane or walker.
It is about you, not just the house
A checklist can tell you a rug is a trip hazard. A physical therapist also looks at your strength, balance and walking, and watches how you get out of a chair, step into the shower and climb your stairs. The recommendations fit the way your body moves in your own home.
What you get afterward
- A clear list of recommended changes, starting with the ones that matter most
- Simple fixes you can make the same day, such as removing rugs or adding night lights
- Recommendations for equipment and modifications such as grab bars, railings, raised toilet seats and shower chairs
- Guidance for family members and caregivers on how to help safely
We evaluate and recommend. A contractor or handyman of your choice can install the items on your list.
Common questions
Does Medicare cover it?
Medicare Part B may cover a home safety evaluation when it is part of a medically necessary physical therapy plan of care. Medicare does not pay for the modifications themselves. We check your coverage before your visit.
How long does it take?
Usually about an hour, depending on the size of your home and how many areas we review together.
Who does the evaluation?
Dr. Oleg Uzhansky, PT, DPT, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), does every evaluation himself.
Is it the same as a home modification assessment?
They overlap. A home safety evaluation focuses on fall risk and how you move. A home modification assessment adds specific recommendations for changes such as grab bars, railings and ramps. We usually do both in the same visit.
Can my family be there?
Yes, and we encourage it.
Schedule a home safety evaluation
UPT Services provides home safety evaluations and home modification assessments across Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County and Montgomery County, along with fall prevention therapy at home. Call (215) 760-8229 or request an appointment.