Home Adaptations
When should I choose this 'Area of Focus' for my Gabadoo?
Although our team won't be doing an in-person home assessment, one of our Occupational Therapists (OT) can provide valuable support to your family with home adaptations through our platform.
This area of focus is suitable for you if you are looking for advice & support with:
How to identify areas that require adaptation or modification to enhance safety, accessibility, and independence. This will include specific recommendations around modifications such as installing certain equipment like grab bars, widenening doorways, or lowering countertops and shelves. The recommendations will be tailored to meet the unique needs of each family member and promote their participation in daily activities.
Choosing assistive devices and equipment that can enhance functional abilities. This may include visual aids, bathing aids, or adaptive utensils to improve self-care and mobility within the home.
Education on how to use and maintain the recommended adaptations, assistive devices, and equipment effectively. Also training and support to help family members understand the needs of their loved ones and develop strategies for providing care. They may offer guidance on proper body mechanics and stress management techniques to prevent caregiver burnout.
Knowing what other professionals may need to be contacted and involved int he process such as contractors, architects, or social workers, to ensure that the home adaptations are appropriate and implemented effectively.
Remember, the specific support and interventions provided by an OT will vary based on the unique needs and circumstances of each family. Consulting with an OT will help ensure that the home adaptations are personalised and effective in promoting independence, safety, and overall well-being.
Our Gabadoo Team are experienced in this area and can support you through our platform.
Our team will guide you around designing and adapting spaces, beneficial equipment and activities. We do not provide reports for grants for home adaptations or the provision of equipment.
Important to Note:
If you are looking for advice on Designing a Sensory Space at home or in a school, organisation, there is a seperate area of focus called 'Sensory Space Design' which you should select and can read about here.
What information do I need to include in my Gabadoo?
As our Gabadoo Team have never met your family before and know nothing about your child, they can only provide strategies based on the information you provide so be very detailed!
After you have filled in the relevant information in your Gabadoo, go through this checklist to make sure you have:
| Provided a detailed medical history, including any diagnoses, surgeries, or medical conditions the family member has. Share information about developmental milestones, sensory issues, and any physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges that may impact their daily functioning. Described the person's current strengths and limitations in performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility. Explain any difficulties they face in managing tasks, accessing different areas of the home, or participating in recreational activities. Clearly communicated your goals for home adaptations. Discuss the areas in which they would like to see improvement, such as increased independence, safety, or accessibility. Provided detailed information about the home, including its layout, size, and any architectural barriers or challenges. Describe the different rooms, stairs, doorways, bathroom configuration, and any potential hazards that need to be addressed. Share information about available space for equipment and modifications. Informed our team about the available support systems within the home. Discuss the involvement of family members, caregivers, or other professionals who provide care and support to the family member. This will help our team understand the level of assistance available and consider the needs of the caregivers as well. Included any existing home adaptations, assistive devices, or equipment that have been previously implemented. Discuss their effectiveness and any issues or concerns related to their use. It's also recommended to provide our team with an idea of your budget so recommendations are appropriate. |
Very Important: Include videos and images of the environment and any relevent equipment, plans etc. This is vital for this area of focus. |
Remember: The more information you give our team, the more individualised and relevant your plan will be. Videos are extremely helpful when reviewing an environmental space.
What support will I receive for my child?
Your information will be reviewed by one of our Gabadoo Experts who is experienced in the area of adaptations. They will detail individualised strategies, activities, next steps and helpful organisations and products that you can use for this area.