This information has been developed is to assist Emergency Department clinicians in referring patients to SA Community Care for occupational therapy (OT) home safety assessments to avoid a hospital admission.

OT home safety assessments are available 7 days a week, noting services may be limited on public holidays.

An OT Home Safety Assessments fact sheet (PDF 187KB) is also available.

General eligibility criteria

  • Medicare eligible
  • without the service the patient would represent to an emergency department or not be able to be safely discharged from hospital.

OT home safety assessments

  • aim to address as many falls risk factors within the home as possible, making the patient as safe as possible in the short term
  • may include assessment for equipment needs if that equipment is required for the patient to remain safe at home
  • may include onward referrals for personal care / equipment / falls clinics / My Aged Care / other community supports.

When to refer to SA Community Care

The types of patients/referrals suitable for SA Community Care OT home safety
assessment include:

  • a patient where there has been a recent change in functional status / mobility e.g., fracture / sprain / fall where there are concerns about how the patient will manage safely at home
  • recent fall and/or multiple falls in last 6 to 12 months especially where there is an indication that the home environment is contributing to the fall and concerns future falls are likely
  • more likely suitable for patients that live alone or have limited community supports.

When not to refer to SA Community Care

Patients not appropriate for SA Community Care OT home safety assessment:

  • just need “checking”
  • who have had a recent OT assessment
  • where there has been no change in function/mobility, patients:
    • over 65 with a long-term need can be referred to My Aged Care
    • under 65 with a long-term need can be referred GP for a GP Care Plan if not NDIS eligible 
  • requesting an OT assessment to access grab rails as these do not meet criteria of hospital avoidance, noting short-term equipment can be provided e.g., shower chair / toilet seat raiser in lieu of rails
  • requiring rehab
  • independent.

Referral form

Complete the Referral Form available from the referral forms page. Include as much relevant information as possible as your referral creates the ‘care plan’ for the communication of clinical care requirements to community-based clinicians.

Submitting your referral

Please send above information to the Metropolitan Referral Unit and await service confirmation. Service confirmations are sent between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, 7 days a week including public holidays.

Contact the Metropolitan Referral Unit team on 1300 110 600 if you wish to discuss an individual’s needs and eligibility for this service.