Home Safety Assessment

One of the key roles for inpatient physical therapists is to provide discharge recommendations to the patient, family and treatment team. Physical therapists are concerned about each patient's safety, both in the home and in the community. They will ask detailed questions about the home environment, such as the number of steps leading into the house, in order to determine if it will be safe for a patient to return home. They will then simulate the home environment by having the patient walk household distances and climb stairs, if appropriate. They may also recommend home physical therapy services and will write a discharge plan of care for the home therapist. Physical therapists often recommend the use of durable medical equipment, such as walkers and canes, and assure that this equipment is ordered prior to discharge.