An Occupational Therapist's Perspective on Environmental Adaptations for the Disabled Elderly

Services for the elderly and the handicapped despite their separate funding sources have much in common. A review of legislative mandates for each population as well as an overview of their common environmental needs and concerns is provided with special attention to housing. The relative merits of designing a barrier free environment versus adapting a residence to meet an individual's needs are explored and examples of both types of support are given. The role of the occupational therapist in the treatment of the disabled elderly is based on the premise that independence in daily living tasks promotes increased competence and can delay deterioration and institutionalization. Occupational therapists, because of their knowledge of functional independence as well sa their experience adapting environments, are invited to take on larger responsibilities bridging the gap between these two populations.