Our Process
Start with intake, then a free in-home OT evaluation. After the evaluation, Avalon prepares a construction estimate for the modifications that fit the home, the person, and the family’s priorities.
Step by step
A short intake step to understand what prompted the request: a recent fall, an upcoming discharge, a mobility change, a diagnosis, or simply planning ahead. Avalon confirms the property location, the timing, the urgency, who the evaluation is for, and whether the request is the right fit. No cost, no pressure, and no one is sent to the home at this stage.
A licensed occupational therapist visits the home and observes how the person actually moves through daily routines: entering the house, using the bathroom, getting in and out of bed, managing stairs, reaching in the kitchen, and moving through hallways and doorways. This is different from a contractor’s measurement visit — the OT is trained to spot the risks that lead to falls and the barriers that quietly shrink someone’s independence, and to weigh current needs against what’s likely in the next few years.
Family members are welcome to be there, in person or by phone. The in-home OT evaluation is free.
Avalon explains what should change, why it matters, and what is most urgent. Safety-critical items come first, followed by improvements that support independence and items that can be phased later. Where it makes sense, you get options at different budgets so you can plan the work over time.
The written recommendations are yours to keep and use however you like — with Avalon, with another contractor, or as a DIY roadmap.
If the homeowner wants Avalon to perform the work, Avalon prepares a written construction estimate for the selected modifications, with clear scope and pricing — no open-ended “time and materials.” We handle permits where they’re required and coordinate any specialty equipment, such as stair lifts.
Avalon’s in-house, background-checked crews complete the approved modifications — the same team behind Avalon Plumbing and Avalon Industries. They communicate clearly before anything disruptive happens, protect the home during the work, and clean up respectfully. We understand the client is often home while we work, and we plan around that.
Avalon walks through every completed change with the household — and the occupational therapist when it’s helpful — to confirm each one supports the intended use. We adjust bar heights and placements on the spot if needed, and we check back in after you’ve lived with the changes for a few weeks.
What the OT evaluation looks at
A room-by-room and task-by-task review of the home and how it’s used.
- Entrances, steps, and thresholds
- Bathroom transfers — toilet, tub, shower
- Bedroom and getting in and out of bed
- Stairs, landings, and handrails
- Kitchen reach, storage, and seating
- Flooring, rugs, and trip hazards
- Lighting and switch placement
- Hallway and doorway widths
- Laundry and daily chores
- Emergency exits and communication
- Current mobility aids and how they’re used
- Anticipated needs over the next few years
What it costs
The in-home OT evaluation is free. Modification work is estimated separately after the evaluation, based on the recommendations and the scope the homeowner chooses to consider.
Most home modifications are paid for privately. Depending on the situation, some costs may be offset by long-term care insurance, Veterans Affairs benefits (such as HISA grants or the SAH/SHA programs), Medicaid Home & Community-Based Services waivers, or state and county aging programs. Eligibility and coverage vary and we can’t guarantee any outcome — but we provide itemized invoices and a copy of the OT evaluation to support whatever claim you decide to file.
Good things to ask
Do I have to hire Avalon for the work after the OT evaluation?
No. The written recommendations are yours to keep. Many clients hire us for the modifications because it’s simpler to have one accountable company, but you’re free to use your own contractor, phase the work yourself, or do nothing right now.
How soon can you schedule the OT evaluation?
After we receive your intake form or call, we usually confirm fit within a couple of business days. The free in-home OT evaluation is typically scheduled within one to two weeks. If you’re working around a hospital discharge, tell us — we prioritize those.
Is the OT evaluation covered by Medicare or insurance?
The in-home OT evaluation is free. Modifications are generally private-pay. Some long-term care policies, Veterans Affairs programs, and Medicaid waiver programs may reimburse part of the cost, and a few counties have grant programs. We give you the documentation to file a claim, but we can’t promise what any program will approve.
Do you do small jobs, like just installing grab bars?
Yes. A couple of grab bars, a threshold ramp, or a handheld shower head is a completely reasonable reason to call. Not every project needs a full OT evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly after the intake step.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. All work is performed and contracted under Avalon Industries LLC, which carries full general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage and holds the applicable trade licenses. License numbers are available on request.
Can you work with our OT, physical therapist, or care manager?
Absolutely. If a therapist or discharge planner has already made recommendations, we’ll build from those. If you’d like our OT to coordinate with your care team, we’re glad to.