An Environmental Assessment is conducted for an individual with a disability who may be experiencing challenges in maintaining safety and independence at home. The primary purpose of the assessment is to identify home safety and accessibility concerns and to recommend appropriate solutions.

The process includes an interview with the client or the client’s representative, to gain insight into their abilities, health conditions, fall history, family support, and other relevant factors. A walkthrough of the home is then conducted to assess the environment and identify potential risks or barriers.

Recommendations are discussed with the client during the visit. Afterward, a comprehensive report is prepared and submitted to the client’s Support Planner for review. The Support Planner will then advocate for the implementation of the necessary home modifications.

• Identifies home safety and accessibility concerns
• Recommends practical solutions to address those concerns
• Reduces the risk of falls
• Promotes greater independence
• Enhances accessibility within the home
• Improves safety for caregivers during assistance
• Increases ease of access for caregiving tasks
• Offers tailored solutions to help create a safer environment for individuals with heightened vulnerability, such as those living with dementia or autism
• Required as a prerequisite before the Medicaid Waiver Program will consider funding home modifications

Senior Smart has been providing Environmental Assessments for participants of the Maryland Waiver Program since 2011. Over the years, we have helped thousands of clients overcome safety challenges and environmental barriers in their homes.

Dan Mack, Occupational Therapist, brings over 30 years of professional experience, with a career largely focused on home safety and accessibility. In addition to his clinical background, Dan is a former licensed Maryland Home Improvement Contractor. He spent many years performing home modifications such as ramp installations, stairlifts, grab bars, door widening, and more.

This unique combination of hands-on home adaptation experience and extensive healthcare knowledge allows Dan to accurately identify safety risks and recommend practical, effective solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.

Simply inform your Support Planner that you would like to receive an Environmental Assessment and that you have selected Senior Smart as your preferred provider.

• It is preferred that the client be present during the visit; however, we understand that this may not always be possible due to commitments such as adult medical daycare, school, dialysis, or other medical appointments.
• If possible, please provide a quiet area in the home where the occupational therapist can gather and share information during the assessment.
• For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that any dogs who may be protective or prone to biting be secured or removed from the area during our visit. This helps ensure the safety of both your pet and the occupational therapist.
• To help us prepare appropriately and protect the safety of our staff, we kindly request that you notify us in advance of any pest concerns in the home—such as bedbugs, roaches, or other infestations. This allows us to take proper precautions and plan accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation!
• Out of consideration for health and comfort, we kindly request that smoking be avoided during the visit.

• An interview to gather information about the client’s health, abilities, and daily routines
• A discussion with the client and/or family members about specific home safety and accessibility concerns
• A walkthrough of the home focusing on the areas where concerns have been identified
• With permission, measurements and photographs will be taken to assist in making appropriate recommendations
• A summary discussion to review identified concerns and explore possible solutions
• Only areas relevant to the client’s needs will be assessed. There is no need to inspect parts of the home the client does not use or wish to access

• A detailed report will be prepared outlining areas of concern and recommended solutions. This report will be submitted to the State, and the client’s Support Planner will be notified once it is available, typically within one week of the visit.
• After the EA is submitted, Senior Smart is generally not involved in the next steps of the process.
• Your Support Planner will assist in obtaining proposals from approved contractors to carry out the recommended home modifications. (Please note: Senior Smart does not provide recommendations regarding which contractors to select.)

• General home maintenance or repair issues
• Home improvement projects not related to safety or accessibility
• Recommendations involving expansion of the home beyond its current footprint
• Recommendations for more than one accessible entrance (per Maryland Medicaid Waiver guidelines)
• Video monitors or home security systems
• Ongoing updates or revisions to the assessment after it is submitted
• Recommendations for specific contractors to complete the proposed home modifications

During the Environmental Assessment, it’s important to discuss all of your home safety and accessibility concerns. You will be guided through this process during the visit. However, we respect your privacy, so only the areas you identify as concerns will be assessed. If you choose not to have certain areas evaluated, recommendations for those spaces cannot be made after the assessment is completed.

Also, health conditions and living situations may change over time. For this reason, it is Senior Smart’s policy that no revisions will be made to the Environmental Assessment more than 60 days after its completion.

Once the Environmental Assessment is completed, the recommendations must still be reviewed and approved by the State. Based on our experience, the process of approval and completion of home modifications can take several months.

After Senior Smart submits the Environmental Assessment, we are no longer actively involved in the next steps. For updates on the status of your home adaptations, please contact your Support Planner.

No. If the State approves the recommended home adaptations, the costs will be covered through your benefits as a Waiver participant. State-approved home improvement contractors will not request payment from you.

Yes! In most cases, landlords are willing to allow reasonable modifications to meet your home safety and accessibility needs. Tenants have rights under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which provides protections related to accessibility. However, it’s important to understand the specific guidelines and responsibilities involved before proceeding with any modifications to a rental property.

Senior Smart can assist you in making informed decisions about accommodations in a rental home. In many cases, effective solutions can be implemented without making permanent changes to the property.