OTR’s Determination Creates Home Safety Program to Provide Home Modifications for DC Residents in Need

TORI GOLDHAMMER, MS, OTR/L, ECHM, CAPS, CEAC, CFPS

Providing a Safe Living Environment

Tori Goldhammer, an OTR from the District of Columbia, developed the Safe at Home program, which provides home safety modifications for qualifying seniors and adults with disabilities. Funded by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living and administered by two nonprofits, Home Care Partners and Rebuilding Together – DC Chapter, the program incorporates evidence-based OT assessments to determine appropriate home safety modifications to decrease the risk of falls and improve home accessibility.

An individual must meet certain age, income, and residency criteria to be eligible for the program. If they are selected, an occupational therapist interviews the client and conducts a home safety assessment to determine which modifications are needed, such as grab bars, stair lifts, shower chairs, night lights, etc. The recommendations are then reviewed with the client and/or their family. Once the modifications are in place, the occupational therapist verifies that they are properly installed and checks that the client can safely use the equipment.

Determination and Grit

The idea for Safe at Home stemmed from Tori’s realization that many of her OT clients could not afford to implement the recommended home safety modifications. Tori spent over six years advocating for Safe at Home. She joined local advocacy groups, created and led the DC Falls Free Coalition, met with council members and agency heads, and testified at hearings. The Department of Aging and Community Living provided Home Care Partners with a small grant to see what they could accomplish. Tori, along with two other occupational therapists, performed home safety assessments and educated the agency about the needs of DC residents. Tori’s work and determination paid off when Home Care Partners received $3.5 million (USD) to officially launch the Safe at Home program. In addition, the DC Council and the mayor approved the Safe at Home Act of 2015, establishing a home accessibility modification grant program.

Results Driven

Since its start in January 2016, Safe at Home has completed over 5,000 evaluations. Data has revealed an over 50% reduction in SAFER Home Safety Assessment scores, indicating a reduction in home safety hazards, and an over 47% reduction in Falls Efficacy Scale scores, indicating a decreased fear of falling by clients evaluated by occupational therapists through this program. Safe at Home is a vital program to help older adults and adults with disabilities live safely in their home environments.