Innovative Aging Episode 15: Complex Home Safety: How Can We Assess, Fund, and Still Stay Client-Centered?

<p>In this episode of <em>Innovative Aging</em>, host <a href="https://www.medbridge.com/about/instructor/Carol-Chiang" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Carol Chiang, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM, CHAMP</a>, sits down with Dr. Susan “Sue” Doyle, PhD, MSc (postprofessional), B.Occ.Thy., OTR/L, an occupational therapist, researcher, and home-accessibility expert with over 40 years of experience. Together, they explore how clinicians can bridge the gap between evidence-based fall prevention research and practical daily workflows, especially when facing high productivity demands and complex environments like hoarding behaviors. Dr. Doyle highlights actionable ways to move past static home safety checklists, emphasizing that true client-centered outcomes stem from observing person-environment-occupation fit rather than simply listing room hazards. Tune in as we demystify funding pathways—from Medicare Part B and Medicaid waivers to emerging programs—and learn how to structure sustainable, high-impact environmental assessments.<br></p><p><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong></p><ul><li>Analyze the evidence around conducting specialized home environmental assessments to reduce fall risk and improve functional performance and safety</li><li>Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address individual person-environment fit, client-centered prioritization, and sustainable reimbursement pathways for home modifications</li><li>Solve patient case scenarios involving complex environmental challenges, such as home clutter or hoarding behaviors, using structured clinical decision-making frameworks</li><p><br></p></ul><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><ul><li>(00:00:00) Welcome</li><li>(00:00:05) Introduction to the importance of home assessments for fall prevention</li><li>(00:03:27) Dr. Sue Doyle&#39;s background and journey in occupational therapy</li><li>(00:08:12) The gap between research evidence and clinical practice in home assessments</li><li>(00:15:49) How clinicians can approach home assessments effectively</li><li>(00:18:09) The role of observation and client priorities in assessments</li><li>(00:25:40) Treating hoarding as an occupation in the home</li><li>(00:37:00) Using technology and assessment tools in practice</li><li>(00:45:25) Reimbursement pathways and funding for home modifications</li><li>(00:52:49) Key takeaways for occupational therapists in home safety and modifications</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbri