Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Cindy Janssen-Holweger

Keywords

Accidents, Home -- prevention & control; Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Self-Help Devices -- utilization

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify and present methods to increase a person’s ability to participate in occupations within their home. “Almost 50 million Americans - about one in five - live with a mental or physical disability, many of their homes are inconvenient, restrictive, or dangerous for them,” (McCullagh, 2006, p.54). As a result they are unable to participate in safe and functional occupations.

Methods: A literature review was conducted with the use of Pub Med, AJOT, textbooks, home modification handbooks, and the internet. The literature review determined the need for home modifications with the elderly population and identified current home modification designs and products in order to provide the elderly and their families with current information and recommendations.

Results: A Home Modification Handbook was designed according to the Ecological Model of Occupation. This product has a strong focus on occupations that elderly commonly participate in their home environment. The handbook is for elderly persons who would like to remain in their homes regardless of natural ageing and personal deficits. The handbook includes questions to consider, modifications, and assistive technology products for individual areas of a house including: entrances, interior walkways and doors, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, laundry, and general safety.

Conclusion: This user friendly handbook will provide elderly individuals and their families the knowledge that will allow them to live safe and independent lives within their own homes.

Download

Share

COinS