Home Safety Assessments

Occupational Therapists and Social Workers can provide a home safety assessment when ordered by a physician. The benefit of using an Occupational Therapist for a home safety assessment is their expertise to what products may be needed for the home, but also placing the orders and understanding what products are covered by Medicare.

​

Medicare covers some supplies as durable medical equipment. You pay for most common medical supplies you use at home. Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover - like vision, hearing, or dental. Durable Medical Equipment (DME) covered by Medicare, includes but is not limited to:

​

• Blood sugar meters

• Blood sugar test strips

• Canes

• Commode Chairs

• Continuous Passive Motion Devices

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices

• Crutches

• Hospital Beds

• Home Infusion Services

• Infusion Pumps and Supplies

• Lancet Devices and Lancets

• Nebulizers and Nebulizer Medications

• Oxygen Equipment & Accessories

• Patient Lifts

• Pressure-reducing support surfaces

• Suction Pumps

• Traction Equipment

• Walkers 

• Wheelchairs and Scooters

​

There are some more advanced products that Medicare doesn't offer that may become a necessity. Always check with your local Medical Equipment Supply Company or an Occupational Therapist, or even your physician first to understand what purchases may be ordered and covered by Medicare prior to making a personal or private purchase. These purchases might include:

​

• Additional devices and stands to help with lifting

• Grab bars for areas where you could be prone to fall

• Lamps with Voice Activation

• Lift Chairs

• Natural Gas Detectors

• The ability to transfer new appliance to ones with automatic shutoffs when replacements are needed

• Refrigerators with easier reach shelving

• Rubber Mats for Tubs/Floors

• Shower Benches/Stools

• Spray Nozzles for Shower Heads

• Toilet Stands

• Waterproof Emergency Alert Bracelets or Systems

• Additional Transport Chairs

​

Disclaimer: The Parkinson Association of Alabama stresses the importance of home safety by offering the following awareness and education. However, the PAA cannot be held liable for any falls within the home, or guarantee the endorsement of product brands or services as related to home safety.