PT Classroom - Comprehensive Home Evaluation Reports: The Components of a Quality Report ׀ by Scott Anderle PT, CAPS

Comprehensive Home Evaluation Reports: The Components of a Quality Report

As a home modification specialist, I have come to understand that a good foundation is extremely important when building a quality home. The same can be said for those who perform and produce quality reports for home modification projects. The look and content put into a report can make a tremendous difference on the outcome of the project. The “needs” (and sometimes “wants”) of the client must be identified and addressed within the report. If done correctly, the professional report will guide all interested parties to a result that will maximize the client’s function within the home environment. In this process one will also enhance the possibility of acquiring the needed funding for the project. This is accomplished by clearly identifying the client’s needs and addressing them within the report.

What should the home modification professional consider when producing a quality report for their client? First, there should be sufficient information to identify the client and the location of the home under consideration. Information such as: age, gender, claim #, name of evaluator within the contact information should be placed on the first page of the report. It is also very helpful to include the pertinent parties involved in the project, such as: contractor, architect, medical personnel, etc. – along with their contact information. From this point forward, it is recommended for the evaluator to have some sort of a standardized template to work from. The old adage “don’t re-create the wheel” is very appropriate. Working from a standard template allows the evaluator to produce a quality report for ALL parties involved in the home modification project. Thus, if various reports are being produced by multiple individuals, they can all have a standardized format as a starting point. A quality customized report eliminates the problems of a report that is very vague in nature. A vague report can not only hurt the client from a functional aspect, it can also hurt them from a financial aspect. Many times there is enough money available to perform the necessary modifications, however, one can’t necessarily go back and do it over again if it is not done correctly the first time.

Every report should have a “title” on the first page to alert the reader to what type of report is being presented. Example: “Full Home Evaluation Report”, “Partial Home Evaluation Report”, “Cursory Report”, “Full Home Assessment Report”, etc. Each report should follow a logical pathway. The professional should also remember to include information pertaining to the client’s ADLS, physical status and utilization of assistive devices. This helps “paint a picture” of the client’s situation and what their improvement needs will be for their home environment. Once this information has been entered, one can proceed with a logical progression with their report, from the outside of the home to the inside area of the home environment – if performing a full home evaluation report. If, however one needs only to address one aspect of the home (i.e. – master bathroom), then the professional producing the report would only address that area of the home. The other areas of the home that are not being evaluated would not be mentioned unless it is recognized as an issue for the client.

When producing a comprehensive report for the client, the person producing the report should always consider adding pictures of the element(s) under consideration, along with a brief description. Many times it is extremely hard to describe a home’s structural issues, and a picture really is “worth a thousand words.” It is important to identify problems within the home environment, but it is also equally as important to depict the problems and describe what space relationships are necessary for the client to effectively function within that region of the home. From there, the professional can then generate the recommendations, thus offering solutions to those problems.

The professionals who perform and produce reports need to do so in a timely and efficient manner. By incorporating all the important elements of the report and following a uniformed format, all team members involved in the project can produce a quality report in the appropriate time. I also believe that both medical practitioners and construction / design professionals will need to further their education and skills to meet the needs of their future clients. Being knowledgeable of ADA requirements, universal and accessible home design, specialty products, services, etc., can benefit the client and enhance the home modification project.

Currently, there is a wave building – and that wave is Universal Home Design. Just as “green” or “energy efficient” has grown in our country, so too has universal home design. As previously mentioned, the look and content put into a report can make a tremendous difference on the outcome of a home modification project. Producing a quality report is done by having a good foundation to start from, the appropriate tools to work with, and a knowledgeable and dedicated team. For more information on Mr. Anderle’s educational background and professional experiences please visit http://www.shdesigns.net.