The Home Visit, Written Down
I spent 13 years working as an occupational therapist in adult inpatient rehabilitation, helping people recover after falls, surgeries, strokes, and hospital stays. No matter the diagnosis, one goal was always at the center of my work: helping each person return home as safely and independently as possible.
That meant looking beyond how someone was doing in therapy and thinking about where they were going next. I met with patients and families to explain potential safety concerns, recommend practical home modifications, and help prevent another fall, injury, or hospital stay. I also completed home evaluations, walking through each space room by room and offering recommendations for the place where that person would actually be living.
Again and again, I met families who wanted to help but didn’t know where to begin. They weren’t sure what counted as a true safety risk, which changes mattered most, what questions to ask, or when a concern warranted professional help.
Often, I could see the relief after talking everything through—not because the information was complicated, but because someone had finally translated clinical knowledge into clear, practical next steps.
That’s why I created Independence, Simplified.
These guides bring together the walkthroughs, conversations, and straightforward guidance I once shared with one family at a time. They’re designed to help families feel less overwhelmed, better understand what to look for, and make thoughtful decisions about safety and independence at home.
My resources are educational and aren’t a substitute for an individualized home safety evaluation or advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Some situations truly need hands-on support, and my guides will help you recognize when that may be the case.
My goal is to close the gap between “I have no idea where to start” and “I know what to look for”—so families can move forward with less fear, more clarity, and greater confidence.