Assessing patient safety
What adaptations can be made for individuals who score less in a cognitive assessment?
Keep frequently used items in sight
well lit home
clutter free areas
Floors are safe to walk on
Who coordinates a home assessment?
Occupational therapist
How is functional ability assessed?
Assessing patients' gait, balance, muscle strength, range of movement and perceived functional strength.
Tests: Timed up and go, Turn 180 degrees
Getting in and out of bed / chair/ toilet
Walking around
Performing personal care / making food
Whats the aim of home assessment?
To know how the actual use of the environment affects the persons' risk of falling.
Why and how can nutrition be assessed?
Falls are associated with poor health
calcium, vitamin D, and protein can be assessed.
Whats the aim of home hazard assessment?
To optimise activity and safety of the individual
How can cognitive assessment be carried out?
General practitioner assessment of cognition (GPSOC)
Mini-Cog
Mental Impairment Screen (MIS)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
What are environmental hazards that can be present in ones home?
trip hazards
lighting
furniture (layout, height)
rails
Why should and how can medication be assessed?
Some medication can increase the risk of falls.
Check if the patient is on benzodiazepines, antidepressants, anti psychotics and anti hypertensives.
What must the OT check that the individual has?
Access to phones
Alarm pendant
Hearing aids
Glasses
A systems for taking medication