In this Therapist Thursday episode, Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L talks with Erin DiChiara, OTR/L, an occupational therapist and CHAT-certified home accessibility therapist, about creating a sustainable, values-driven home mods practice that truly fits your life. Erin shares how she supports adult daughters of aging parents, clients with catastrophic injuries, and individuals with lifelong disabilities to safely age in place while running a profitable, meaningful business.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How Erin got started in home modifications over 20 years ago, inspired by her 95-year-old grandmother, and how that experience grew into a CHAT-certified practice serving aging adults, people with catastrophic injuries, and clients with lifelong disabilities.
- Practical strategies she uses in home visits, including deeply listening to how people actually live, solving problems as simply as possible, and blending assistive technology, seating and mobility, and thoughtful home modifications instead of over-engineering major construction.
- Business and mindset insights on overcoming fears about cash-based services, making home modifications affordable yet profitable, learning to “think like a business owner,” and staying energized in OT by carving out a home mods niche that aligns with your strengths and passions.
Guest details and links:
- Erin DiChiara MAOTR/L, CDP
- Website: Home - EDC Home Solutions
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-dichiara-0702288/
Resources mentioned:
- Certified Home Accessibility Therapist (CHAT): https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/CHAT
- All Courses: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/courses
Connect with The Home Accessibility Therapist:
- Website: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/
- Blog: https://thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.blog/
- Join the newsletter: https://www.thehomeaccessibilitytherapist.com/Newsletter
- Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeaccessibilitysafety
- Follow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-doyle-38bba3178
