Effectiveness of Assistive Devices and Home Modifications in Increasing Independence for Black Frail Elders
By Fraas, Linda; Tomita, Machiko; 2003 International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence, pp. 29-31Publication Date: May 2004
Study conducted to determine the impact of assistive devices and minor home modifications on functional status and health care costs among older home-based African Americans. Fifty participants with physical disabilities were recruited in the Western New York area, and were subsequently assigned to a treatment group and a control group. An occupational therapist or a nurse who was unaware of the participants’ group assignments visited the participants’ homes. The researchers interviewed each participant once in the beginning of the study and another time after one year had passed. After an initial assessment, an occupational therapist conducted further assessments to determine the appropriate home modifications and assistive technology for each participant. The researchers found that the participants utilized their assistive devices and home modifications, yet only sporadically sought out the services associated with the interventions. Implications for further research are discussed.
Published by: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology for Successful Aging (RERC-Tech-Aging) (Website:http://www.phhp.ufl.edu/centers/rerc.htm)
ISBN: 0-9754783-0-3
