The Home Accessibility Therapist Podcast

S1E11: Blog-to-Audio | Why a Checklist Is Not Enough: Elevating Your OT Home Mod Assessments

Why a Checklist Is Not Enough: Elevating Your OT Home Mod Assessments This episode is an audio version of our blog, “Why a Checklist Is Not Enough: Elevating Your OT Home Mod Assessments.” Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L walks through the limitations of checklist-based home safety visits and shows you how to bring deeper observation, clinical reasoning, and occupation-focused analysis into your assessments so you can make truly effective, defensible recommendations for your clients. In this episode, we cover: Why relying on home safety checklists alone can leave critical risks unaddressed, including how two clients with identical “checked boxes” can have completely different fall and safety profiles based on insight, cognition, habits, and support. What checklists and standardized tools can and cannot do, and how to move beyond environment-centric box checking to person- and occupation-centered assessment that looks at real movement patterns, transfer strategies, fatigue, and how equipment is actually used. Practical ways to deepen your home mod practice—observing meaningful tasks, sharpening your documentation language, and clarifying OT’s unique value—so you can shift from “form-completer” to confident, evidence-based home modification specialist. Read the full blog and see visuals: * Read the article: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2026/05/26/why-a-checklist-assessment-is-not-enough-the-real-role-of-ot-in-home-modifications/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2026/05/26/why-a-checklist-assessment-is-not-enough-the-real-role-of-ot-in-home-modifications/] * View any photos, diagrams, or checklists mentioned in this episode on the blog. Related trainings and courses: * Certified Home Accessibility Therapist (CHAT): https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT] * All Courses: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses] Stay connected: * Website: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/ [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/] * Blog: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/] * Join the newsletter: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter] * Join  our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety [https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety] * Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178]

S1E10: Therapist Thursday | Amy on Blending Architecture, OT, and Home Modifications Across the Lifespan

Summary   In this Therapist Thursday episode, Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L talks with Amy, an occupational therapist and founder of Live Equipped, about building a flexible OT practice that combines in‑home therapy, home modifications, and a pediatric clinic while serving both urban and rural communities around Birmingham, Alabama. Amy shares how she blended her early interest in architecture with her OT training, leveraged grants and nonprofit partnerships, and navigated Medicare and insurance so more clients can safely age in place and live more fully at home. What you’ll learn in this episode: How Amy’s path from “almost‑architect” to OT, then home health therapist, led her to create Live Equipt, provide in‑home OT and home accessibility assessments, and eventually open a pediatric clinic while working with large home‑modification programs across 20 counties. Practical strategies she uses in evaluations, from walking through clients’ entire daily routines (beyond “just a few grab bars”) to generating long lists of small, low‑cost changes that dramatically improve safety, independence, and ease of daily activities in real‑world homes. Business and career insights on carefully transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship (keeping PRN work as a safety net), learning Medicare/insurance so you can serve beneficiaries instead of excluding them, using grants and programs like Older Adults Home Modifications and PANDA, and designing a schedule that supports both client care and family life. Guest details and links: * Amy Marchant * Website: https://www.livequipt.com/ [https://www.livequipt.com/] * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-marchant-otr-l-caps-echm-champ-243b02207 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-marchant-otr-l-caps-echm-champ-243b02207/] Resources mentioned: * Certified Home Accessibility Therapist (CHAT): https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT] * All Courses: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses] Connect with The Home Accessibility Therapist: * Website: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/ [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/] * Blog: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/] * Join the newsletter: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter] * Join  our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety [https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety] * Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178]

S1E9: Office Hours | Getting Started in Home Mods Part 2

Summary In this office hours episode, Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L, dives into the second key step in getting started with home modifications: clarifying what expertise you truly need and how to intentionally build it over time. She highlights the unique value OTs bring, the advanced skills that go beyond basic safety checks, and practical ways to grow your confidence and competence in this specialty. Questions answered in this episode: What skills do therapists already have that transfer directly into home modifications, and what counts as “advanced” home mod expertise? How is OT-led home assessment different from contractor-led or technician-led recommendations, and why does clinical reasoning make such a difference in outcomes? What additional knowledge should you develop—like construction basics, standardized assessments, documentation, and staying current with new products—to confidently grow a home mods practice? Mentioned resources and links: * Certified Home Accessibility Therapist (CHAT): https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT] * Courses & Memberships:  https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses] * Any handouts, checklists, or blog posts referenced:  Submit a question for a future episode: * Use the question form here: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/SubmitQuestion [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/SubmitQuestion] * Or email your question to: sue@thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com Connect with The Home Accessibility Therapist: * Website: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/ [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/] * Blog: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/] * Join the newsletter: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter] * Join  our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety [https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety] * Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178]

S1E8: Blog-to-Audio | From Smart Wheelchairs to Smart Homes: Updating Your Home Assessments for New Mobility Tech

From Smart Wheelchairs to Smart Homes: Updating Your Home Assessments for New Mobility Tech This episode is an audio version of our blog, “From Smart Wheelchairs to Smart Homes: Updating Your Home Assessments for New Mobility Technology.” Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L walks through how rapidly evolving mobility and smart home technologies are reshaping real-world function so you can update your home assessment process to look beyond “does it fit?” and truly evaluate compatibility, safety, and daily routines. In this episode, we cover: * What’s changing in mobility technology—from smart wheelchairs with obstacle detection and app-based controls to more complex charging needs and environmental control systems—and why traditional tape-measure assessments are no longer enough. * How to apply a compatibility lens in your home visits, including what to observe with smart wheelchairs (sensor behavior, mirrors and glass, lighting, tight turns), how to document technology–environment mismatches, and the specific questions to add to your assessments. * Practical ways to assess batteries, charging routines, and smart home systems (Wi‑Fi, apps, voice assistants, backup options, client cognitive/tech capacity), so you can recommend sustainable layouts, safer charging setups, and realistic automation that truly supports independence and reduces fall and caregiver burden. Read the full blog and see visuals: * Read the article: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2026/02/17/integrating-mobility-technology-trends-into-home-assessments/  [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2026/02/17/integrating-mobility-technology-trends-into-home-assessments/] * View any photos, diagrams, or checklists mentioned in this episode on the blog. FREE Assessment Checklist Mobility Technology Home Assessment Checklist [https://d11n7da8rpqbjy.cloudfront.net/homeaccessibile/2068_1777580223607Mobility_Tehcnology_Home_Assessment_Checklist_Final.pdf] Related trainings and courses: * Certified Home Accessibility Therapist (CHAT): https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT] * All Courses: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses] Stay connected: * Website: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/ [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/] * Blog: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/] * Join the newsletter: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter] * Join  our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety [https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety] * Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178]

S1E7: Blog-to-Audio | Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Through Home Modifications for OTs

Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Through Home Modifications for OTs This episode is an audio version of our blog, “Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Through Home Modifications for OTs.” Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L walks through the latest evidence on fall prevention, showing you how to combine structured assessments with targeted, room-by-room home modifications so you can meaningfully reduce fall risk and clearly demonstrate the impact of your interventions. In this episode, we cover: * Why falls among community-dwelling older adults are so life-altering, how often they occur, and what current research says about the potential of home modifications—within a multifactorial plan—to reduce falls and healthcare costs. * The key evidence-based components of fall prevention for OTs, including validated screening tools, exercise and medication considerations, environmental safety modifications, and a minimum two-visit home modification model that aligns with AOTA’s Vision 2025. https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/attachments/21591240/ca9eddf9-6ecf-4a11-8e84-2de375847b6e/Blog-to-Podcast-Evidence-based-fall-prevention-Transcript.vtt?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIA2F3EMEYE3K7XXQKD&Signature=DlGNJSz7zfz1WQm2%2B95A3kktwyI%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEKf%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCICw0sjPMcpv5ulXP7VMxnFH2L9NHQ2vbv12n1QtdXx57AiEAlbLcQwjky5bwHpiChQkK4Cig34ywPzDlul0wNeXUFDsq8wQIcBABGgw2OTk3NTMzMDk3MDUiDL8CJjb%2FJQ5afndC2SrQBLg57ZviK1HBKiD5Nxc4vmF3gNNDHpgsiqdnhsRnrYer2PiDGqIgUCWPJgHWaR4A%2B%2FWxs3nlsOkVH9OOhzZJbPs3zRL6I7omdmMtBkFdFHJV7gcCGYKtfjrsapKY195HUI8v%2F6%2Bl0DcERkbq4ICf37xXU7mncknyn0awaPTfERNPncyB1jSsJFPyJyXnLmMVA5E9Kc4XRjnH0tAOWZ2ofqQCiyGG%2B3hmviPEPflhrWoXFEr23ZmZ4CU6r92iwYUdJFfse8yYsuBATUG0gdgyz2gMMAI3jhJYQbY4DfoFDHwPgXbGTv%2FrN4X6WHWbBie8cv7qTB8oxQkeepcW6h6HdLETwtrw2KMDzwr5sMTYaij5jGYZ%2BLOu%2Bodfx9mIPH4s6UVIzd0Mc8hCDZtrQn9QQ1dIoVWLvP1rcSWBKTS3bQpaUCtm1cJU5xQFxKNrheYOyjGh%2F0OjuyRx9yiRi2WtjlvDt6gn7uLBJgfXn4n5rgWAt3rzRzHcFdEHUd%2FIYYDP2eBJrskfe3j1i9TPlO%2B76SOZl6tGbD6JF3k%2FPMeHqiSTnJ2nIda9VmHriM%2FiO9N5JIPEyuP%2FKt5dBTn2p7tNA9VJzfg5LAU2xJesNWFTy0QFXSynBQSQrRXVnhRZ0cjvO2kJTknOD08KRCUQ8ARiGudwDN8ndUn7sxcxbp26C05FWmQ4s0LIrDJRDpaj75yVZ5JeteEBgN%2FzZxDcffwkr91raCUxKqXMHno50QKqO%2BbzNoApniapdI3XSzPIwkURVGksmuVImIHk43APKcV9ZE4w2ceqzwY6mAF%2BMyos9mgCSgbLF5Lmdq0oTkMokfadwkDWLP7LABcLyKzRKjFHpB5Zg90A3gBULRyhdzxGTJrRhASqb1eSe9oTYglQrqYSdQXLgXNPVaIxFdmbjwExfaZqlcsz%2B9%2FDeIjBOYcVvAAPrjyKh%2BSWFxosbmJub1nPt%2BHMJoAPqEoTJaA2b4g6GnLGbT1Mp5CC3eleIiIywuQSuQ%3D%3D&Expires=1776985908 * Practical, evidence-informed strategies for room-by-room home modification—especially in bathrooms, entrances, stairs, and living areas—focused on observing real occupational performance and tailoring grab bars, layout, lighting, flooring, and equipment to each client’s specific risks and routines. Read the full blog and see visuals: * Read the article: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2025/10/22/evidence-based-fall-prevention-through-home-modifications-what-occupational-therapists-need-to-know/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/2025/10/22/evidence-based-fall-prevention-through-home-modifications-what-occupational-therapists-need-to-know/] * View any photos, diagrams, or checklists mentioned in this episode on the blog. Related trainings and courses: * Certified Home Accessibility Therapist (CHAT): https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT] * All Courses: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses] Stay connected: * Website: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/ [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/] * Blog: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/ [https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/] * Join the newsletter: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter [https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter] * Join  our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety [https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety] * Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178]