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How An Occupational Therapist Can Help You With Home Renovations

Chipperfield Physiotherapy

Occupational Therapists use many different techniques to improve people’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain independence in their homes. Through the BC RAHA program, they can also help you renovate your home to make it more accessible for you & your loved ones. Read on to find out why OT is important and how the BC RAHA program works!

Why Is Occupational Therapy Important?

Occupational therapists work with individuals who have difficulty performing everyday activities due to injury, illness, or other reasons. These difficulties can range from minor issues such as pain or fatigue to more severe challenges such as paralysis or cognitive impairment.

At Chipperfield Physiotherapy, we often refer to our Occupational Therapists as the “Quarterback” of our client’s care – because they coordinate a number of services and programs, and make sure our clients are getting 360 degree care from our medical system.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help?

Occupational therapy helps people with disabilities improve their ability to perform daily activities. It also helps them develop new skills and learn new behaviors. This includes helping people who have difficulty performing tasks such as dressing themselves, bathing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and even driving. Occupational therapists work closely with other healthcare providers to provide services that will help patients live more independently at home.

How does the BC RAHA Program Work?

The Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations (RAHA) program are offered for residents of British Columbia who need financial help to complete home adaptations for independent living. This was previously named the BC HAFI program, and as such, some information online can be confusing! Rest assured, you’re looking for the BC RAHA program.

This is for low-income residents and most people are eligible for the rebate if you or someone in your household has a permanent disability or loss of physical abilities. You can be a homeowner or a tenant (your landlord may need to fill out an application).  

The BC RAHA Application may need an Occupational therapist to assess your environment and complete a report. According to the BC RAHA Maximum Rebate Schedule, an OT appointment will be required if you’re in need of any of the following home adaptations:

·       Exterior ramp approaching your home

·       Leveling any uneven surfaces or widening exterior walkways

·       Widening exterior doors and installing hand railings

·       Converting the tub to a walk-in/wheel-in shower

·       Attaching a wall mounted shower seat

·       Adjusting the toilet frame, or having it raised

·       Adding a bio-bidet

·       Lowering or raising countertops in bathrooms or kitchens

·       Replacing unsafe flooring with non-slip vinyl flooring

·       Adding a bed assist rail

·       Installing multiple-cue fire/carbon-monoxide alarm (hearing impaired only)

·       Installing interior ramps

·       Moving electrical outlets to accessible heights

·       Adding a Stairlift

What is a home assessment and why do I need one?

A home assessment by an Occupational therapist can help identify:

  • ways to make your home safer and more accessible

  • special equipment currently in use (or if needed)

  • the layout and design features of your home

An assessment identifies changes that allow you to continue living safely in your home.

Some recommendations may be simple like moving furniture to clear walking paths. You can improve mobility in your home without any extra cost. Reducing your fall risk is a good start by removing items that block your walking paths.

Other recommendations may need more effort.

You may have to buy equipment or hire a contractor to make home adaptations. This is where BC RAHA helps. The home assessment findings can assist with planning and guide decisions and discussions. This makes sure any adaptations made to your home will meet your needs.

Please note, if you pay for a private assessment, BC RAHA will provide you with a rebate of up to $250. Even if you do not qualify for the program or do not have any adaptations done!

Our Mobile Occupational Therapist will come to you to complete the BC RAHA application!

Resources for Finding an Occupational Therapist

If you need an Occupational Therapist, there are several ways to find one near you. You can search online using the term “occupational therapist” or ask your doctor or local hospital.

Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy provides In-Home Occupational Therapy assessments for the BC RAHA program in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, Burnaby and New Westminster.

If you live elsewhere, you can try finding an OT through:

Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy is proud to offer BC RAHA Application Help. We are able to see clients for In-Home visits in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, Burnaby, New Westminster & Coquitlam.

Click the button below to book today!