Home Safety and Falls Prevention Assessments
A home safety and falls prevention assessment looks at the whole home and how you use it. It covers entrances, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas, along with your daily routines, equipment and how you move around.
The aim is to identify what could cause a fall or injury, then recommend changes that fit you. Recommendations usually start with simple, low-cost changes and move to equipment or home modifications only where they're needed.
Introduction
A fall at home is rarely caused by one thing. It's usually a mix of the environment, the equipment and how a person moves and manages tasks. An occupational therapist looks at all three.
During a falls-focused assessment we can:
Identify hazards around the home and suggest changes
Watch how you get in and out of bed, chairs, the shower and the toilet
Check that walking frames, wheelchairs, shower chairs and other equipment are the right fit
Suggest safer ways to do everyday tasks
Teach you, your family and your support workers what to do and what to avoid
If you're worried about dizziness, medications or your balance, your GP is the right person to talk to. We can work alongside your GP and other health professionals.
Who is a home safety assessment for?
What does the OT look at?
How does an OT help prevent falls?
People returning home after hospital, stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury
Adults with a progressive neurological condition whose needs are changing
Older Australians who want to keep living at home safely
People who have had a fall, or are worried about having one
Families, carers and support workers who help with transfers or personal care
Anyone whose NDIS, DVA, WorkCover QLD, CTP or Support at Home plan calls for an OT report
What happens during the visit?
How is a home safety assessment funded?
Referral and conversation. We talk with you, and your family or carer if you like, about your goals, health background and what's worrying you.
In-home assessment. We watch how you manage everyday tasks and check your home room by room.
Recommendations: We suggest simple changes first, then equipment and then any home modifications.
Written report. You receive a clear report you can use with your funder, support coordinator, builder or family.
What can come out of an assessment?
Simple changes: rearranging furniture, lighting, storage and routines.
Equipment: shower chairs, grab rails, bed rails, transfer aids and mobility equipment, through our equipment prescription service.
Home modifications: ramps, bathroom changes and access works, through our home modification assessments.
Training and strategies: for you, your family and your support workers.
Funding depends on your situation and eligibility. OT home assessments and reports are commonly requested under the NDIS, DVA, WorkCover QLD, CTP claims and Support at Home. Check what your plan or claim covers, or send us a referral and we'll help you understand your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a visit from an occupational therapist who checks your home and how you use it, identifies hazards and recommends changes to keep you safe.
What is a home Safety Assessment?
Can an OT help prevent falls?
Yes. An OT can identify hazards, check your equipment, review how you do everyday tasks and suggest changes. For concerns about balance, dizziness or medication, your GP is the right first contact.
How is it different from a home modification assessment?
A home safety assessment looks at the whole home and how you use it. A home modification assessment focuses on structural changes such as ramps and bathroom alterations, and often follows a safety assessment.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on how your assessment is funded. You can start by sending us an enquiry through the referral form and we'll tell you what's needed for your situation.
Who should be at the assessment?
Will I get a written report?
Yes. The report sets out what we found and what we recommend.
How long does the visit take?
A visit usually takes between 60 - 90 minutes. This may vary due to the complexity of each person.
What happens during the visit?
An assessment can identify what may have contributed at home and what could reduce the risk of another fall. We can also work with your GP and other treating professionals.
The person who lives at home, plus anyone who helps with their care. Family members, carers and support workers are welcome.
Upper limb rehabilitation services may be funded under:
We provide structured documentation aligned with funding requirements where required.
Eligibility & Referrals
Service Area
Onward Health provides mobile home safety and falls prevention assessments across the Sunshine Coast and surrounding regions. Assessments are delivered in-home to maximise functional relevance and real-world application.
Referral
If you are seeking a home safety or falls prevention assessment on the Sunshine Coast, please contact Onward Health to discuss your goals and referral pathway.
