A set of home safety assessments largely shaped by Rebuilding Together Greater Milwaukee have been recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association, which is displaying them as best practices on its website.
The assessments, known as the “Safe at Home” suggestions, feature a checklist RTGM uses to evaluate an individual’s or family’s home environment and the kinds of adaptations they may need to live there comfortably – such as the construction of a bath bench or lighting additions.
The nonprofit organization, part of a national Rebuilding Together nonprofit, provides free, professional quality home repairs and remodels to low-income residents who are seniors, veterans or persons with disabilities. Last year, the Milwaukee chapter completed 317 home repair projects.
The safety assessments used by the organization also feature pictures of specific renovations to be made so contractors can easily customize projects to the needs of the homeowner.
“Our job is to figure out recommendations to improve our homeowner’s ability to participate in their daily occupations in their home,” said RTGM board member Sandra Ceranski, also an academic fieldwork coordinator for Bryant & Stratton College’s new Occupational Therapy Assistant program. “We focus on improving and maintaining independent and safe performance of daily activities in the home to improve quality of life and prevent injury.”
