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Disability in older adults. 3: Policy implications
D A Chiriboga1, K Ottenbacher, D A Haber
1Department of Health Promotion and Gerontology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, USA. dchiribo@utmb.edu
Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|February 19, 1999
Summary
New models of disability and enablement are emerging, focusing on rehabilitation capacity. Advanced functional assessment tools improve the evaluation of rehabilitation outcomes and prediction of future needs.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Disability Studies
- Health Sciences
Background:
- Recent years have seen the development of several disability models.
- These models share common elements, guiding research and practice.
- A shift is occurring from disablement (impairment-handicap continuum) to enablement, emphasizing rehabilitation potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the convergence of new disability models and functional assessment tools.
- To emphasize the focus on enablement and rehabilitation capacity.
- To underscore the potential for improved evaluation of rehabilitation and forecasting of needs.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of recent disability models.
- Review of evolving functional assessment measures.
- Integration of disablement and enablement concepts.
Main Results:
- New models incorporate enablement, focusing on rehabilitation capacity.
- Advanced functional assessment tools offer greater sensitivity to ability and disability levels.
- These developments promise more accurate rehabilitation evaluations and need forecasting.
Conclusions:
- The integration of new disability models and advanced assessment tools enhances the evaluation of rehabilitation.
- Enablement concepts, coupled with sensitive measures, improve the understanding of functional capacity.
- This synergy offers a more precise approach to forecasting future rehabilitation and support needs.