Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. Nicole C. Harris

Abstract

Background: As individuals age, it is common for them to experience deficits that impact how and where they age (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Nakahara & Yokoi, 2024; Park et al., 2021; Rimland et al., 2016; Szanton et al., 2016). These deficits commonly impact functional mobility and their ability to complete self-cares, leading to them having to leave their homes or receive services (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Feller & Baker, 2022; Lindquist et al., 2021; Mayo et al., 2021; Spang et al., 2024). Along with deficits with functional mobility and self-cares, older adults experience decreases in their social engagement and leisure exploration (Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Lindquist et al., 2021; Nakahara & Yokoi, 2024; Park et al., 2021; Rimland et al., 2016; Szanton et al., 2016). Deficits in these tasks are less often addressed, and can lead to decreases in cognition, physical functioning, and psychosocial factors (Chuang et al., 2022; Dieuleveult et al., 2017; Isreal et al., 2022; Lindquist et al., 2021; Mayo et al., 2021; Spang et al., 2024; Szanton et al., 2016; Washington et al., 2025; Zilbershlag & Josman, 2019). Increasing engagement in these tasks can benefit older adults with their mental, physical, and cognitive health and overall well-being.

Purpose: The aim of this project is to provide a resource for caregivers to utilize with older adults who are aging in place to help increase overall quality of life. Leisure exploration kits were developed for caregivers to check out and utilize with clients. A website page was also implemented to offer user-friendly information to individuals who are not able to access these on-site kits.

Method: A needs assessment was conducted, which included a literature review, skilled observation, and collaboration with an agency. The Ecology of Human Performance Model (EHP) was utilized to guide and inform the component of the needs assessment, as well as assist in identification of supports and barriers (Dunn, 2019).

Conclusions: This scholarly project was created to address the need to expand the occupations of leisure exploration and social engagement within the homes of individuals who receive home-care services at the site where this product took place. The kits were also implemented to increase caregiver confidence and to provide basic therapeutic techniques from the lens of occupational therapy to meet the needs of the individuals. The long-term goal of this project is to increase engagement and quality of life for older adults who are aging in place.

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