Home Safety

Coordinated Home Assessment for Aging in Place

What It Is

A Coordinated Home Assessment (CHA) is a structured evaluation process that helps determine what services, supports, and home modifications an older adult may need to safely remain living in their own home as they age. Instead of multiple agencies performing separate evaluations, a coordinated assessment brings together health, housing, and social service perspectives into one comprehensive review.

The goal is to identify risks, needs, and opportunities early so that older adults can maintain independence, safety, and quality of life while aging in place.

Why It Matters

Many older adults prefer to remain in their homes rather than move to assisted living or nursing facilities. However, aging can bring challenges such as mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, and safety hazards in the home.

A Coordinated Home Assessment helps by:

  • Identifying health and safety risks
  • Evaluating daily living abilities
  • Recommending home modifications
  • Connecting individuals with community resources
  • Coordinating services between different providers

This approach helps prevent falls, hospitalizations, and premature institutional care.

What the Assessment Includes

A Coordinated Home Assessment typically looks at several areas of a
person’s life and living environment.

1. Health and Functional Status
Ability to perform daily activities (bathing, dressing, cooking)
Mobility and fall risk
Chronic health conditions
Medication management
2. Home Environment
Accessibility of entrances and exits
Bathroom safety
Lighting and flooring conditions
Kitchen safety and usability

3. Social Support
Family or caregiver availability
Social isolation risks
Community engagement
4. Financial and Resource Needs
Eligibility for programs or benefits
Access to transportation
Affordability of home modifications or services

5. Who Performs the Assessment
A coordinated assessment may involve a team of professionals, which can include:
Social workers
Occupational therapists
Nurses or healthcare providers
Housing specialists
Aging services coordinators
These professionals work together to provide a holistic view of the individual’s needs.


What Happens After the Assessment

After the evaluation, the team develops a personalized plan that may include:
Home safety improvements (grab bars, ramps, better lighting)
In-home care or support services
Transportation assistance
Health management programs
Caregiver support resources
The plan helps ensure that the individual has the right support at the right time.


Benefits of Coordinated Home Assessments

Benefits of Coordinated Home Assessments
Promotes independent living
Improves home safety
Reduces healthcare costs
Strengthens coordination among service providers
Enhances quality of life for older adults