Understanding the issue of home adaptation: searching for a conceptual framework

It is by now standard practice for occupational therapists to be involved in the elimination of architectural barriers, particularly in the home setting, for a person using a wheelchair. In order to expand understanding of the issues related to home adaptation, the occupational therapist would be well served by having reference to a conceptual framework and to an assessment tool. Various studies of the person-environment model have been reviewed, and those, whose orientation can be related to the home adaptation situation, have been analyzed. The present discussion points to the need for a new theoretical model which would better serve occupational therapists toward a broader understanding of the varied home adaptation issues.