Client-Centered Home Modifications Improve Daily Activity Performance of Older Adults
By Stark, Susan; Landsbaum, Amanda; Palmer, Janice; Somerville, Emily K.; Morris, John C.; Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, Vol. 76, No. 3, pp. 235-245Publication Date: July 2009
Study developed a client centered occupational therapy and home modification intervention program for older adults and examined the impact of the intervention on daily activity performance over time. The intervention was designed to reduce the environmental press posed by physical barriers in the homes of older adults. Study participants were 67 adults aged 61 to 95 years, of whom 88 percent were female, about 73 percent lived alone, and 90 percent reported using a mobility device such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Participants were asked to identify activities of daily living (ADL) and rate them according to their desire and ability to perform them. Participants identified 257 ADLs they had difficulty completing and agreed to address, and an average of 3.9 problems per participant were addressed by a team including the participant, a construction company, family members, and an occupational therapist. Home modification strategies included adaptive equipment such as a tub bench, architectural modifications such as a ramp, major home renovations as exemplified by a roll in shower, and training in using the compensatory supports. A 3 month post intervention assessment was conducted with all participants, and a subsequent 2 year follow-up included 37 participants. After home modification, participants’ perception of their daily activity performance at home improved significantly and was maintained 2 years post modification.
Published by:
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (Web Site: http://www.caot.ca )
Link to text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2857667/?report=abstract&tool=pmcentrez
