America is aging and our life expectancy is increasing.   By the year 2030, there will be more than twice as many people aged 65+ years than there are today.  AARP surveys repeatedly indicate that people would prefer to reside in their existing homes.  However, only 16% of survey respondents have done home modifications.

The primary goal of a successful aging-in-place remodel is to gain or maintain the client’s independence over time.  This goal is best accomplished when an occupational therapist and a remodeler work as a team.

It is best to have an occupational therapist available at the beginning stages of a remodeling project because an occupational therapist brings a medical perspective and helps determine what will meet the client’s needs for now and in the future.  Occupational therapists are skilled at recognizing how the home environment affects the ability to participate in activities.   An occupational therapist evaluates balance, endurance, safety awareness, vision, and many other functional areas such as taking a shower or climbing the stairs.

The occupational therapist collaborates with the remodeler whose expertise is needed to determine the structural integrity regarding the installation of the modifications.  The remodeler has knowledge of building codes and specifications.  A remodeler who has a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) designation understands universal design concepts and customizes the renovations based on the individual’s needs.  Together, the occupational therapist and remodeler create a much better outcome that will meet the client’s needs over time.

To learn more about partnering an occupational therapist with a remodeling professional, contact:

Nancy Dillinger, OTR, SCEM, ATP
AOTA Environmental Modification in SCEM
liveLife@Home, LLC
303/775-4984 (cell)
nancy@denverhomemodification.com

On the surface, home modification appears to be a straightforward solution to reducing falls.  Free home safety audits are offered by many businesses and organizations at no cost to the consumer.  However, the effectiveness of home safety audits as a valid tool for reducing falls has been controversial and inconclusive.

To address this confusion, Clemson et al. (2008) conducted a systematic review of the highest quality studies that investigated the effectiveness of environmental interventions in reducing falls.  The authors concluded that there is evidence that home visit interventions that are comprehensive, focused, and incorporate an environmental-fit perspective can be successful in reducing falls when targeted to high-risk older adults.

Home Modification reduces falls when interventions include Occupational Therapy

This study also found that the highest reduction in falls was achieved when the home interventions were provided by an occupational therapist.  Occupational therapists are skilled at recognizing the fit between a person and the environment.  A home assessment by an occupational therapist goes beyond hazard identification to an analysis of the environmental-fit.  The occupational therapist problem solves,  identifies solutions, and bases recommendations on many factors including medical conditions, history of falls, daily activity patterns, balance, strength, vision, cognition, and other functional skills.

Fall reduction is further achieved when the older person is willing to change risk-taking behavior.  An occupational therapist teaches behavioral strategies to raise older adults awareness about their environment and how to negotiate it safely.  A follow up visit is vital to the home modification process to ensure the recommendations have been carried out according to the client’s needs and desires.

To learn more about occupational therapy and home modification contact:
Nancy Dillinger, OTR, SCEM, ATP
liveLife@Home, LLC
303/774-4984
nancy@denverhomemodification.com

Source.  Clemson, L., Mackenzie, L., Ballinger, C., Close, J. Cumming, R. (2008). Environmental interventions to prevent falls in community-dwelling older people:  a meta-analysis of randomized trials.  Journal of Aging and Health, 20, 954-972.