Observe without diagnosing
Watch how the person enters, carries items, rises, turns, reaches controls, uses the bathroom, moves at night, and exits. Ask what feels difficult; do not infer a diagnosis or prescribe equipment from a checklist.
Record conditions and patterns
Photograph thresholds and routes with permission, measure clear openings and heights, note lighting and weather, and separate one-time accidents from repeated difficulty. Respect privacy and store sensitive information carefully.
Escalate the right questions
Bring medical or functional questions to the appropriate licensed clinician, and construction/code questions to qualified design, building, and accessibility professionals. Immediate hazards or emergencies require local emergency or safety services.
Rules, programs, and conditions change. Confirm requirements with the official source, local building department, and qualified professionals.