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Safe Optimal Spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
What is aging in place?
Aging in place refers to staying in your own home as you age in order to avoid moving to a senior living facility, such as an independent living facility, assisted living facility, or personal care home.
How do I know when to know make changes in my home?
There are a few red flags to look out for that tells when it's time to start making changes at home so to improve personal safety. Some of these red flags are having a fall, turning 80 years old, a diagnosis of a progressive disease, difficulty standing from a chair, sedentary behaviors, and/or confusion.
Will my insurance pay for this?
Safe Optimal Spaces is a private-pay, for-profit, LLC. We do not submit claims to medical insurance companies. However, we are always looking for grants or organizations that will fund aging in place projects, for example, the Department of Veterans Affairs. Clients are able to submit their aging in place claims to their insurance companies in order to be reimbursed. Safe Optimal Spaces is happy to supply the necessary receipts, proof of purchase, or letter of medical necessity.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapists focus on the things you want and need to do in your daily life. Occupational therapists strive to improve health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life. This includes any meaningful activity that a person wants to accomplish, including taking care of yourself and your family, working, volunteering, going to school, among many others (AOTA, 2025).
How is occupational therapy different from physical therapy?
Both of these fields are related and have many similarities, but they are different in focus and scope. Occupational therapists (OTs) focus on treating the whole person after a physical or mental change. OTs strive to improve a person's ability to complete their daily tasks such as self-care routines, work activities, social interactions, or leisure routines. Physical therapists (PTs) focus on the effects of an injury or illness. PTs strive to prevent injuries, avoid surgeries, reduce need for pain medication, and improve a person's strength and mobility to their pre-injury level.
How can your services help me?
Safe Optimal Spaces carefully evaluates the client and performs a home safety assessment in order to identify areas of improvement that will enable the client to live out their life at home. This may include removing furniture, adding client-centered medical equipment, changing habits, identifying needed resources, or referring to a remodeling company for structural changes.
What kind of community resources do you recommend?
Every client has a unique living situation. That is why I make it my business to gather as many community resources as possibly that could be helpful. These resources may include: item removal companies, home health care, personal care attendants, security features, contractors, realtors, case managers, hospice, moving assistants, transitional care, outpatient therapy, funeral homes, retirement communities, medical specialists, elder law firm, decluttering company, in-home beauty salon, or ramp installation. In addition to resources, I also make it my business to know about modern equipment that improves safety and independence in the home.
Do I have to use the contractors that you recommend?
No, you may use any contractor or resource that you are comfortable with. Safe Optimal Spaces has preferred contractors and resources that they recommend if one is needed.
Why would I use your service instead of just calling a contractor?
Contractors are a great resource and can also be certified as an aging in place specialist. However, they do not have a medical and health care background. Contractors also tend to design based on what a client wants and not based on what the client needs. An occupational therapist trained in aging in place can see short and long-term needs that may arise from a multitude of health conditions.
How do I help my parents?
The most effective way to help your parents through the process of aging is with frequent and honest communication. Continue to ask your parents questions about their plan to age in place. Recommend that a professional assess their home for aging in place safety. If your parents do not agree to have a professional in their home, have them speak openly to their doctor while you are present. It is important to voice concerns and compromise on solutions. Hiring home services like cleaning, landscaping, and home maintenance/repair can really be helpful when starting the aging in place process.
What do these services cost?
The initial consultation costs $100 for approximately 2 hours of your time. A home safety assessment costs $200 for the first floor and $100 for each additional floor. A follow-up appointment costs $100 for approximately 1 hour of your time.
Do I have to pay for all 3 services?
No, you can purchase the services that are needed. However, depending on the situation, Safe Optimal Spaces may recommend specific services that are needed to complete the aging in place process.
Are your services finished after 3 visits?
No, a client may have as many follow-up visits as necessary. However, there is typically only one "initial consultation" and one "home safety assessment".
Do you help me obtain client-centered medical equipment?
Yes, Safe Optimal Spaces will help choose medical equipment based on allowable space, client's abilities, measurements of client, cost, and aesthetic appeal. Equipment will be ordered through local vendors and paid for by Medicare if eligible. Some equipment can be delivered, other equipment needs to be tested and picked-up in person.
Are your services only for seniors?
No, Safe Optimal Spaces serves anyone looking to modify or adapt their home to better fit their present or future healthcare needs. This includes the senior population, differently-abled individuals, or those who are healthy and looking to plan for aging in place.
How can you help people that are temporarily disabled?
Yes, whether you are temporarily or permanently impaired due to an injury, accident, or chronic/progressive disease, you may need to change your environment to fit your current or future wants and needs.
Do you work with people who have dementia?
Yes, employees of Safe Optimal Spaces complete continuing education on dementia and dementia-related topics every year. The owner has had over 15 years of experience working with people diagnosed with dementia. Those living with dementia can thrive at home with proper supports for themselves and their caregiver.
What are your qualifications?
As the founder and owner of Safe Optimal Spaces, I am a licensed and registered occupational therapist (master's degree) with over 15 years of experience in the adult rehabilitation field. I have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with 2 years of experience. Currently I am a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) and a fall prevention specialist (CFPS). I am also up to date on my basic life support and CPR certification (BLS).
How do I start services with you and what is the process?
It's easy! Call me, text me, email me, or send me a message through my website. If you are ready to schedule an initial consultation, please follow the prompts after clicking "schedule now".
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