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Home Modification to Age in Place…Let’s Start that Conversation

Home Modification to Age in Place…Let’s Start that Conversation

Most people do not buy their first home with the idea of living there forever. But increasingly, seniors are not only living longer but are opting to “age in place” – to stay in their homes where they are happier and more comfortable.

Age in place

Most people do not buy their first home with the idea of living there forever. But increasingly, seniors are not only living longer but are opting to “age in place” – to stay in their homes where they are happier and more comfortable.

In this series of videos, we follow the journey of John and Inge – a couple who decided to “age in place”, but with a twist – they moved from a 2 storey 4 bedroom home to a bungalow while in their sixties. They made the modifications ahead of time, so they could be in control of the process, rather than have to consider making the changes on an emergency basis.

Most consumers do not yet recognize Home Modification as an industry. Why? Perhaps it has not been a priority in our society – until now. In an article published in Reuters (May 3, 2017), the following was reported: “The number of seniors in Canada exceeded the number of children for the first time last year, Statistics Canada said on Wednesday, pointing to the economic and social challenges facing the nation as the population ages.”

We must all start that conversation – NOW. We all must look into the future – our collective futures – and start to understand the needs of the consumer not only in the Home Health Sector, but in the Home Renovation and Home Modification sector as well.

When we tell governments, home builders and home renovators, consumer product industries, and our healthcare system what we want and what we need, we can all look forward to the possibility of ageing well, and ageing in place.

Video Series Age in Place – Episodes 1 through 4

Episode 1 of 4

Episode 2 of 4

Episode 3 of 4

Episode 4 of 4

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Equipment and Mobility Aids Funding

Equipment and Mobility Aids Funding

ot-equipment-funding_largeSome equipment funding and mobility aids are funded through the province of Ontario’s ADP programme. To be eligible for this programme, you must be assessed by an ADP authorized health care provider. Currently we do not have an ADP authorizer on staff, however, we would be happy to help you find one. If you have any questions regarding funding, please visit our resources portion of our site for some helpful links to funding options or call our office and we will try to find a funding solution for you.

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#AskForOT – Funding For Our Services

#AskForOT – Funding For Our Services

funding-occupational-therapy_largeIf you need our services, we are happy to help find funding options. Auto insurance and Extended Health Insurance often cover our services. If you are on ODSP, we can contact your worker to negotiate our service delivery. We can help access funding through March of Dimes for home adaptation projects and we can point you in the right direction for any government funding, such as the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit (2016). For some services we offer a flat rate consultation fee, competitive rates and flexible services for private pay solutions. Also, we are happy to work with your existing providers (e.g. physiotherapists, chiropractors, psychologists) or we can help you find services such as Personal Support Workers and Nurses. If you have any questions regarding funding, please visit our resources portion of our site for some helpful links to funding options or contact us directly via email or call our office and we will try to find a funding solution for you.

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How are Occupational Therapists trained?

How are Occupational Therapists trained?

occupational-therapy-training_largeOccupational Therapist-OTs training in Ontario are now educated through Universities, either at a bachelors or masters level.  For therapist trained outside Canada, their credentials are screened to ensure they meet the minimum standard required in the province of Ontario. After finishing their course of study whether here or abroad, all Occupational Therapists in the province of Ontario must pass an exam that is set by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) in order to be considered a Registered Occupational Therapist.

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What can I expect during my first meeting?

What can I expect during my first meeting?

meeting-occupational-therapist_largeIn your first meeting with your Occupational Therapist, she or he will introduce themselves and provide you with their business card. You will then know their credentials and how to contact them in the future if you need to.  The therapist will then explain the purpose of the assessment, and what will happen during the assessment. Usually, the assessment will include an interview portion, and assessment of the home or work environment, a brief physical assessment, and if necessary, some other assessments that might require answering questions or writing. This process is called obtaining informed consent, so you know what you agreeing to in your assessment.

After the assessment is complete, you will be given information as to the report, and who it will be sent to. Also, your therapist may ask for your permission to contact your family doctor or other health professionals. They will ask you to sign a consent form that given them permission to release information or contact specific professionals or both.

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