Disability and Functional Evaluation Solutions Archives - Page 2 of 2

What Is A Disability Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Test?

Regular Post

Written by Brian B

2 February 2023

Home Safety For Seniors Checklist

If you are looking for a complete home safety checklist for your senior loved one(s), then follow our guide below!

Home Safety Checklist For Seniors

A home safety assessment offers a unique way to proactively assess your home’s safety. This assessment can help seniors who live independently or have an older home with potential dangers. Check out the CDC’s guidelines here for more information.

A home safety checklist needs to include the following items:

Floor Safety

❒ Keep paths free of any furniture in each room of the house.

❒ Secure all throw rugs with double-sided tape or nonslip backing.

❒ Make sure there are no other objects, such as papers, boxes, shoes or blankets on the floors.

❒ Keep all wires securely taped or coiled next to walls.

Kitchen Safety

❒ Keep most frequently used items on the lower shelves.

❒ Have a sturdy step stool in the kitchen, if needed.

Bedroom Safety

❒ Tub and/or shower floors should have nonstick rubber mats.

❒ Have grab bars to use for getting in and out of the tub.

❒ Grab bars can be placed around the toilet, as well.

Bathroom Safety

❒ Light(s) should be near the bed within reach.

❒ Light the path from the bed to the bathroom well with nightlights.

Stair Safety

❒ Remove any loose objects from the stairs/steps.

❒ Fix any broken or uneven steps.

❒ Make sure there is no loose or torn carpeting in the area.

❒ Have sufficient lighting above the stairways.

❒ Make sure there is a light switch at the bottom and top of the staircase.

❒ Have handrails on both sides, making sure they are not loose or broken.

❒ Handrails should run the full length of the stairway.

Other Home Hazards

Pests and chemical hazards always pose a threat to homeowners. Use these safety tips:

❒ Test for radon and lead. Homes built before 1978 tend to contain lead in their paint, pipes and soil.

❒ Check for mold/mildew.

❒ Seal up any cracks in your home’s structure.

❒ Use natural pesticides to avoid any contamination.

Health Status Considerations

There are certainly several health factors that could cause a senior’s fall or accident at home, including the following:

Hearing Loss: Even a mild degree of hearing loss could become a fall risk.
Vertigo: This can make the elderly dizzy to the point where they can no longer balance properly.
Vision Problems: Seniors should undergo yearly tests to ensure any eyeglass prescriptions are up to date.
Medications: Certain types of medications can cause balance issues, dizziness or overall weakness.
Strength: Ensure strength, mobility and balance are always in good shape.
Foot Pain: Senior citizens experiencing pain or numbness in their feet could fall at home.
Dehydration: Seniors need to stay hydrated all throughout the day.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D can result in reduced muscle strength and physical performance.

Lighting For Seniors

Sure. Here are some tips for lighting for seniors:

Use bright, diffused light. Seniors’ eyes may not be as good as they used to be, so they need more light to see clearly. Diffused light is light that is scattered evenly, so it does not create harsh shadows.
Avoid glare. Glare can be very uncomfortable for seniors and can make it difficult to see. Avoid using harsh overhead lights or lights that are aimed directly at the eyes.
Use task lighting. Task lighting is light that is directed specifically at a task, such as reading or cooking. This can help seniors to see what they are doing more easily.
Use dimmer switches. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the level of light in a room. This can be helpful for seniors who may need more or less light depending on the time of day or their activity.
Install nightlights. Nightlights can help seniors to see their way around at night without having to turn on bright overhead lights. This can help to prevent falls and accidents.
Consider using LED lights. LED lights are a good option for seniors because they are energy-efficient and long-lasting. They also produce a bright, diffused light that is easy on the eyes.

Here are some additional tips for lighting for seniors:

Consult with an occupational therapist or lighting designer to get personalized recommendations.
Make sure the light switches are easy to reach and operate.
Consider using motion-sensor lights in areas where seniors are likely to walk at night, such as the hallway and bathroom.
Keep the light bulbs clean to ensure optimal brightness.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and comfortable lighting environment for seniors in their homes.

Home Safety Assessment For Seniors

If you are an older adult or have a loved one living on their own, a home safety assessment is a great way to find and eliminate any safety concerns. This assessment is typically performed by a licensed healthcare professional, including medical social workers or occupational therapists. The assessment may include things such as home improvement recommendations. Medical professionals may recommend installing handrails and extra lighting, for instance.

Since falls are one of the most common causes of injury among seniors, these assessments are a crucial preventative measure towards improving safety. One in four Americans age 65-plus fall every year, according to the National Council on Aging. Falls are the number one cause of injury-related deaths for seniors today.

Thinking about adding safety grab bars, a raised toilet seat or other modifications to prevent falls in your home? Our physical and occupational therapists provide free home safety screenings, and will make clinically guided fall prevention recommendations, as well as create a customized plan to fit your individual needs. We follow up with clinically guided installation of all of our fall prevention home safety products.

Our clinically guided solutions will ensure you and your loved ones can navigate your home environment safely and with confidence. Visit our Home Safety Solutions page to learn about the products and services we provide and install (we are licensed, bonded and insured), to help you prevent falls in your home.

Related Posts

Are Office Safety Assessments a Thing for Senior Workers?

Most people think of evaluations for heavy machinery, warehouse work, or construction sites when they think about office safety assessments. But the truth is that safety in the office is important for people of all ages, but especially for older workers. As the workforce gets older and more experienced workers stay on the job longer, [...]

Keeping Healthy For Seniors 2025

Here’s your comprehensive guide to remaining healthy as a senior in 2025, blending actionable strategies with evidence-based insights: 🌟 Benefits of Healthy Aging Modern research shows that lifestyle choices, like staying active, eating well, maintaining social engagement, and managing stress, have a greater impact on longevity than genetics—especially in later decades. New York Post+15Barron's+15Vibrant Life [...]

The Vital Role Of Clinician Insight In Home Modifications and Accessibility Solutions

In today’s age of Amazon and direct access to durable medical equipment (DME), it’s tempting to assume that anyone can set up a safe and accessible home for individuals with mobility or health challenges. However, a recent experience reinforced for me the irreplaceable value of a trained eye when planning home modifications. As a seasoned [...]

Disability and Functional Evaluation Solutions, Fall Prevention, Home Safety, Home Safety Solutions, Senior Falls, Senior Living

home safety checklist for seniors

Regular Post

Written by Craig B

12 January 2023

Assessing Fall Risks

Here are some simple questions you can ask yourself to determine if you or a loved one may be at risk for falling in your home:

Do you exercise regularly?

Maintaining a regular exercise program to increase strength, balance and coordination and greatly reduce the risk of falls. Recommended exercise for fall reduction are evidence-based exercises/programs such as Tai Chi.

Sure. Here are some good exercises for seniors:

Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. It is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and balance.
Strength training: Strength training helps to build muscle and bone mass. This can help to prevent falls and improve mobility.
Balance exercises: Balance exercises help to improve coordination and reduce the risk of falls.
Yoga: Yoga is a low-impact exercise that combines stretching and strength training. It can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
Tai chi: Tai chi is a gentle exercise that combines slow, flowing movements with meditation. It can help to improve balance, flexibility, and reduce stress.
Pilates: Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on core strength and flexibility. It can help to improve posture, strength, and balance.
Dancing: Dancing is a fun way to get exercise. It can help to improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and balance.
Water aerobics: Water aerobics is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. It can help to improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility.

These are just a few examples of good exercises for seniors. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health conditions.

When choosing exercises, it is important to consider your fitness level and goals. You should start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as you get stronger. It is also important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

Here are some additional tips for exercising as a senior:

Find an exercise buddy. Exercising with a friend or family member can help you stay motivated and accountable.
Set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with small goals and gradually increase them over time.
Find an exercise that you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy an exercise, you are less likely to stick with it.
Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will support your feet.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
Warm up before you start exercising and cool down afterwards. This will help to prevent injuries.

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively exercise as a senior and reap the many benefits of physical activity.

Are you taking multiple medications?

Taking multiple medications can increase fall risk, due to side effects and possible drug interactions. Regularly reviewing medications with a healthcare provide can reduce the risk of medication related fall risk. It’s important to remember to dispose of unused or expired medications.

Keeping Track of Medications

Keeping track of medications is important for several reasons. It can help you to:

Take your medications correctly and on time.
Avoid taking too much or too little medication.
Be aware of any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Report any changes in your health to your doctor.

There are a few different ways to keep track of medications. Here are a few popular methods:

Medication list: This is a simple list of all the medications you take, including the name, dosage, and frequency. You can keep this list on paper or in a digital format.
Pill organizer: This is a container with compartments for each day of the week. You can use this to organize your pills and make sure you take them correctly.
Medication reminder app: There are a number of apps available that can help you to keep track of your medications. These apps can send you reminders to take your medications and can also track your intake.
Wristband or necklace: There are also wristbands and necklaces available that can help you to keep track of your medications. These devices can be programmed with information about your medications and can alert you if you forget to take them.

The best way to keep track of medications will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. If you are taking a lot of medications, or if you have difficulty remembering to take them, you may want to consider using a medication reminder app or a pill organizer. If you are concerned about your ability to keep track of your medications, you should talk to your doctor.

Here are some additional tips for keeping track of medications:

Keep your medication list in a safe place where you can easily find it.
Review your medication list regularly to make sure it is up to date.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any changes in your medications.
If you are traveling, pack your medications in your carry-on luggage.
Be sure to dispose of expired or unused medications properly.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are taking your medications correctly and safely.

Have you modified your home environment?

Modifying the home environment to reduce hazards such as slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, removal of cords and other household obstacles can reduce the risk of unnecessary falls in the home. The bathroom is the number one place for falls in the home. Addressing balance issues in the shower and commode areas through the addition of safety grab bars, shower chairs, transfer benches and toilet risers can reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom.

Modifying your home for seniors can help them to stay safe and independent in their own home. There are many different modifications that can be made, depending on the individual’s needs and abilities.

Here are some common home modifications for seniors:

Widen doorways: This will make it easier for seniors to navigate through the home, especially if they use a wheelchair or walker.
Install grab bars: Grab bars can be installed in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas where seniors may need assistance. They can help to prevent falls.
Add ramps: Ramps can be installed to make it easier for seniors to enter and exit the home, especially if there are stairs.
Lower countertops and appliances: This will make it easier for seniors to reach things.
Install non-slip flooring: This will help to prevent falls, especially in wet areas.
Install motion-sensor lights: This will make it easier for seniors to navigate the home at night.
Install a medical alert system: This system can be used to call for help in an emergency.
Install a security system: This system can help to deter burglaries and other crimes.

These are just a few examples of home modifications that can be made for seniors. The best way to determine which modifications are right for you is to talk to a doctor or occupational therapist. They can help you assess your individual needs and recommend specific modifications.

Here are some additional tips for modifying your home for seniors:

Make sure the modifications are easy to use and maintain.
Consider the senior’s mobility and vision when making modifications.
Make sure the modifications are aesthetically pleasing.
Get help from a professional if you need it.

By following these tips, you can make your home a safe and comfortable place for seniors to live.

Have you had a home safety assessment to determine if you are at risk of falls in your home?

Studies have shown that addressing multiple fall risk factors from daily activities and exercise, medication, footwear, eye exams and home environment, have the ability to reduce fall risk as statin medication does for cardiovascular disease.

A home safety assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of potential hazards in and around your home. It is conducted by a qualified professional, such as an occupational therapist, social worker, or home safety inspector. The purpose of a home safety assessment is to identify and eliminate potential hazards that could cause injury or illness.

The home safety assessment will typically cover the following areas:

Fall hazards: This includes uneven surfaces, slippery floors, and missing handrails.
Fire hazards: This includes combustible materials, faulty electrical wiring, and blocked exits.
Slip and trip hazards: This includes clutter, loose rugs, and uneven surfaces.
Security hazards: This includes weak locks, unsecured windows, and poor lighting.
Accessibility hazards: This includes narrow doorways, steps, and lack of grab bars.
Other hazards: This could include anything else that could pose a safety risk, such as poisonous plants or pets.

The home safety assessor will make recommendations for how to correct any hazards that are found. These recommendations may include making repairs, installing safety devices, or changing your behavior.

A home safety assessment can be a valuable tool for improving the safety of your home. If you are concerned about the safety of your home, or if you are a senior or have a disability, you should consider having a home safety assessment performed.

Here are some benefits of having a home safety assessment:

It can help to identify and eliminate potential hazards in your home.
It can help to make your home safer for you and your family.
It can help to reduce the risk of injury or illness.
It can help you to feel more confident and secure in your home.
It can help you to save money on home repairs and medical bills.

If you are interested in having a home safety assessment performed, you can contact your local occupational therapist, social worker, or home safety inspector. They can help you to find a qualified professional who can conduct the assessment.

Having a home safety assessment performed to identify fall risk and provide safety recommendations followed up by installation, can greatly reduce your risk of falls in your home environment. You are unique and your needs are too!

Regular Post

Written by Craig B

23 September 2022

Preventing Falls At Home

Regular Post

Written by Craig B

27 August 2021

Fall Prevention At Home Safety Information

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Physical Therapy

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

6 April 2020

The Importance of Clinically Correlating Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Findings

In Chapter 16 of Guide to the Evaluation of Functional Ability, Genovese & Galper 2009, the chapter authors clearly make the case that a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a clinical evaluation used to answer questions about an evaluee’s abilities (and limitations) relative to a medical condition(s). Moreover, because the FCE is a clinical evaluation, it needs to be performed by a qualified health care provider.

The discussion points out however, that many FCE evaluators do not produce reports that clinically correlate medical findings (found during the FCE or from review of medical records) with the functional findings of the FCE. In fact, the authors point out that reports they have reviewed provide evidence that some evaluators believe:

An FCE is a “plug and chug” totally objective process, and that all the clinician has to do is gather data and input it into their computer program;
The protocols are stand-alone and that the scoring procedures allow an evaluee’s physical abilities to be determined independent of any clinical judgment;
The evaluator’s role is more technical than clinical, simply observing performance and recording results.

These points could not be further from the truth. Clinical judgment within the functional testing process is not only a positive, it is a must in order for the FCE findings to be meaningful and useful.

Some FCE systems boast that their systems use “distraction-based” testing that is intended to investigate the issue of validity of effort and are entirely focused on objectively determining non-cooperative and poor effort in a legally-defensible way. These systems miss the point of why FCEs should be used.

The FCE as a clinical evaluation performed by a qualified health care professional will identify:

Are there activities the evaluee cannot do or should not do because of an underlying health condition;
Are there activities that might worsen the condition, delay or interfere with the recovery;
Are their activities that may put the evaluee or others at risk if performed by the evaluee.

As the authors so eloquently point out, a skilled FCE evaluator must demonstrate that the underlying health condition has an effect on the evaluee’s functional performance, or visa versa.

It is for these reasons that the FCE can only be properly performed by professionals knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology; have skills in clinical and functional evaluation methods; and are able to draw conclusions by considering the evaluee’s injury or illness in the context of all the other findings.

Clinical judgement based on solid testing protocols and scoring procedures is the gold standard for determining an evaluee’s function.

Sandy Goldstein, PT, CDMS is a physical abilities measurement specialist, and performs functional testing for SSDI, STD, LTD, PI, WC, Pre-Vocational Planning as well as return-to-work transitions. He can be reached at https://measurabilities.com/ or 480-285-6212

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

4 April 2020

Doctors Who SWAG – The Harmful Impact of Guessing for Disability & Workers’ Compensation Patients

For many worker’s compensation or disability patients, their primary care doctor is the go-to to treat and diagnose their injuries. However, few family physicians are trained to determine a patient’s ability to work – despite being asked to do so repeatedly.

Too often, I’ve heard stories of doctors who SWAGGED (took a scientific wild a** guess) at a patient’s capacity for work without testing. While this SWAG is based on the doctor’s knowledge of the patient’s injuries, guessing at function without testing to confirm it is akin to throwing out a broken lamp without first testing the light bulb to ensure it’s working. And it can have devastating consequences for patients.

Over the years, I’ve done thousands of Functional Capacity Evaluations, or FCEs, but there’s one in particular that I’ll never forget.

GET YOUR DISABILITY CLAIM APPROVED, THE FIRST TIME

Meet Bob, a Plumber

Bob was a 50-something male who had suffered a compression fracture of his thoracic spine eight years prior. If you’re not familiar with the term, a compression fracture is when a bone in the spine fractures or dissolves. This is a common injury caused by falls or other traumatic injuries.

In Bob’s case, the damage was to the thoracic area, located in the middle of the spine. After surgery and extensive physical rehabilitation, he was declared maximum medically improved with permanent restrictions.

The problem here is that Bob was never tested; rather his physician gave him a note stating he should not lift more than 20 lbs. The note had no timeline or follow up scheduled. Bob literally folded up the note, placed it in his wallet, and ceased working as a plumber – his career of nearly 25 years.

For the subsequent eight years, Bob worked as a cashier. By the time he came to me, Bob was barely able to keep afloat and was basically starving. He’d just applied for SSDI and vocational assistance and needed to be evaluated as part of his claim.

The Functional Test Yielded Surprising Results

The functional testing revealed that Bob could safely lift 50 lbs. Based on a reasonable degree of medical and ergonomic certainty, the testing showed that he could have likely worked as a plumber all along.

This is a stark lesson to all medical, vocational, and human resources professionals. The advantages of going the extra step and using objective functional testing to assess function and fitness-for-duty cannot be overstated.

In Bob’s case, a referral for an FCE could have circumvented years of missed wages and distress.

Research supports that job-specific testing is superior to functional estimates by a physician.

The well-known research study Comparing self-report, clinical examination and functional testing in the assessment of work-related limitations in patients with chronic low back pain (Brouwer et al., 2009) showed the importance of functional testing. Researchers concluded that the limitations derived from physicians’ clinical examination were higher than those derived from Functional Capacity Evaluation.

With our clients’ lives and livelihoods at risk, I strongly advocate objective functional and fitness-for-duty testing. Not because it is my line of work; it’s simply the right thing to do. Ethically and legally, we medical, vocational and human resources professionals owe it to our clients to not cut corners when assessing function and fitness-for-duty.

When objective testing is performed, the results provide evidence-based information on which stakeholders can rely to place a worker into a specific job, or at least, to specific job tasks.

LEARN ABOUT OUR GREEN LIGHT CLAIMS CONSULTATION

References

Brouwer, S., Dijkstra, P. U., Stewart, R. E., Göeken, L. N., Groothhoff, J. W., & Geertzen, J. H. (2009, 7). Comparing self-report, clinical examination and functional testing in the assessment of work-related limitations in patients with chronic low back pain. Retrieved from Northern Centre for Health Care Research, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands website: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09638280500052823

Regular Post

Written by webtechs

12 January 2018

The Risks of Returning to Work Early Following an Injury

The potential effects of early return-to-work without appropriate physical restrictions can be devastating.

All too often, I hear stories of individuals being released back to work following an injury or illness before they are ready. Frequently, these people are victims of systematic pressure, i.e., someone is trying to control claims costs at the expense of their health.

Many times, the individual is released prematurely or inappropriately due to a doctor’s unfamiliarity with the return-to-work form or the physician just doesn’t have the time or resources to test function and fill the form out correctly.

This potentially puts the individual in harm’s way – especially if the appropriate physical work restrictions aren’t in place. Not all employers offer “modified or light duty” assignments that allow employees to come back to work while they heal and gradually progress back to full duty.

Without the appropriate work restrictions in place when an employee returns to work, they may be required to perform work tasks that put them at risk of re-injury or re-aggravation of their condition.

No one wins in this scenario. The employer is at risk of losing their valuable employee and the individual is at risk of developing a chronic condition.

Workplace interventions for preventing needless work disability start with an accurate understanding of what an individual’s true functional abilities are, and one of the most reliable ways to determine a person’s true functional capacity for return to work is through objective functional testing.

1 2