Living in Your Home

Lisa Kunz, COTA/L, owner and founder of Helping Hands and Healing Hearts, brings specialized expertise as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to help seniors and their families create safer, more accessible home environments. With her professional background in occupational therapy and deep understanding of aging-in-place strategies, Lisa provides evidence-based solutions that promote independence while prioritizing safety.

Meet Our Expert: Lisa Kunz, COTA/L

As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), Lisa combines clinical knowledge with practical home modification expertise to serve families across Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Aiken, South Carolina. Her dual perspective as both a healthcare professional and home care business owner uniquely positions her to understand the complex needs of aging adults who wish to remain in their homes.

Lisa's professional training in occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals maintain functional independence through environmental modifications, adaptive strategies, and safety assessments—core principles that guide every service provided by Helping Hands and Healing Hearts.

Featured Presentations & Resources

"Staying Safe In Your Home"

Presentation by Lisa Kunz, COTA/L

This comprehensive presentation covers evidence-based strategies for creating a safer home environment, with particular focus on fall prevention—the leading cause of injury among seniors. Drawing from her occupational therapy background, Lisa addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term modifications that support aging in place.

"Maintaining Your Independence"

Presentation by Lisa Kunz, COTA/L

Lisa's expertise as a COTA/L shines in this presentation, which outlines specific services and modifications that help older adults maintain functional independence. The presentation covers everything from simple adaptive equipment to comprehensive home assessments—all grounded in occupational therapy principles.

Room-by-Room Safety Guide: Professional Insights

Bathroom Safety (Highest Risk Area)

80% of falls occur in the bathroom

Key Modifications:

• Install grab bars near toilet, shower, and bathtub (professionally installed)

• Add non-slip mats and shower seats

• Improve lighting with motion sensors

• Consider walk-in tub or low-threshold shower

• Raise toilet seat height for easier transfers

Lisa's Professional Insight: As a COTA/L, Lisa understands that bathroom safety goes beyond equipment—it involves assessing each individual's specific mobility patterns and functional needs to recommend the most appropriate modifications.

Kitchen Safety

Essential Modifications:

• Position frequently used items within easy reach

• Install lever-style handles on cabinets and faucets

• Add under-cabinet lighting

• Use non-slip mats strategically

• Consider pull-out shelves and lazy susans

Living Room & General Areas

Safety Priorities:

• Remove or secure loose rugs with non-slip backing

• Ensure clear walkways free of cords and clutter

• Add motion-sensor lighting

• Use furniture with armrests for easier sitting/standing

• Install handrails along hallways

Bedroom Safety

Key Considerations:

• Bed height should allow feet to touch floor when sitting

• Install nightlights or bedside lighting

• Keep emergency contacts and flashlight accessible

• Remove tripping hazards from floor

• Consider bed rails if needed

Professional Resources & Similar Expertise

Occupational Therapy & Home Safety Organizations

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

• Aging in Place resources and best practices

• Professional development for OT practitioners

• Evidence-based home modification guidelines

Age Safe America

• Senior Home Safety Specialist certification programs

• 17-module comprehensive training

• AOTA-approved continuing education (0.5 CEUs)

Specialized Certifications for Home Safety Professionals

Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS)

• National Association of Home Builders program

• Three-course curriculum (Marketing, Design, Solutions)

• Particularly valuable for OT professionals like Lisa

Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)

• 5-hour online certification program

• Covers fall prevention, fire safety, technology solutions

• Approved by multiple professional organizations

Evidence-Based Home Modification Resources

National Institute on Aging

• Comprehensive home safety checklists

• Research on aging in place effectiveness

• Medicare coverage information for modifications

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) STEADI Program

• Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries initiative

• Recognizes occupational therapy's critical role in fall prevention

• Evidence-based assessment tools

Rebuilding Together & AOTA Partnership

• "Safe at Home Checklist" for comprehensive home assessments

• Room-by-room evaluation tools

• Professional guidance for modifications

State-Specific Resources

Connecticut:

• Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut: Home modification and repair services

• MyPlaceCT: Assistive technology and accessibility modifications

• State funding available for eligible modifications

South Carolina:

• Lower Savannah Area Agency on Aging: Wheelchair ramp reimbursement up to $500

• GetCareSC: State resource finder for senior services

• Local contractor networks for modifications

Financial Assistance for Home Modifications

Funding Options:

• Medicare Advantage Plans: May cover walk-in showers, grab bars, medical alert systems

• Medicaid Waivers: State-specific programs for home modifications

• USDA Rural Development: Grants and low-interest loans for eligible homeowners

• Veterans Affairs: Home modification benefits for qualifying veterans

• Tax Deductions: Potential deductions for medical necessity modifications

Professional Assessment Recommendations

Given the complexity of creating truly safe home environments, Lisa Kunz recommends professional assessments that consider:

• Functional mobility patterns and limitations

• Cognitive considerations affecting safety awareness

• Progressive conditions requiring adaptable solutions

• Caregiver needs and family dynamics

• Cost-effective prioritization of modifications