The True Value of Home Accessibility and Proactive Safety

Home accessibility is about more than just modifications—it’s about preserving dignity, independence, and safety. In this episode, we sit down with Justin Oakley, founder of Oakley Home Access, to explore the critical role of home modifications in aging in place and fall prevention.

Justin shares his journey from occupational therapist to entrepreneur and how he built a business dedicated to making homes safer and more accessible. We discuss why proactive home accessibility saves money and lives, common misconceptions about insurance coverage for modifications, and how occupational therapists and contractors can work together to create safer environments. Justin also breaks down the cost difference between proactive and reactive modifications, explaining how early interventions can prevent costly hospitalizations and improve long-term outcomes.

A major part of the conversation centers around funding opportunities for home modifications and the challenges in getting insurance and Medicare to cover accessibility solutions. Justin highlights how individuals and organizations can push for better funding and policy changes and why advocacy is essential to making accessibility a standard feature in homes. He also shares practical steps families and caregivers can take to start the conversation about home modifications before a crisis happens.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Justin Oakley’s Background

06:30 - The Role of Occupational Therapy in Home Accessibility

14:20 - Cost Comparison: Proactive vs. Reactive Home Modifications

22:45 - Breaking Down Insurance and Medicare Coverage Gaps

31:10 - Funding Opportunities and State-Level Advocacy for Accessibility

38:00 - How to Start the Conversation About Home Modifications

Resources & Links:

Find more about Oakley Home Access at https://www.oakleyhomeaccess.com

Find Caregiver Training at https://www.higherstandardscaregivertraining.com

Find Care Equipment Solutions at https://www.asksamie.com

Follow Care Lab for more episodes at https://www.carelabpodcast.com