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Obstacle: A Tool to Assess the Home Environment Designed for All
Ryanne Lemmens1, Carine Gielen1, Annemie Spooren1
1Department of Healthcare, PXL University College, Hasselt, Belgium.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|September 7, 2017
Summary
Occupational therapists can now use the Obstacle tool to screen homes for elderly individuals, promoting independent living and reducing fall risks through tailored home adaptations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Occupational Therapy
- Home Environment Assessment
Background:
- Older adults prioritize independent living in their homes.
- Occupational therapists play a key role in facilitating this through home adaptations and assistive technology.
- A need exists for an effective home screening tool for occupational therapists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a screening tool for occupational therapists to assess home environments.
- The tool aims to facilitate independent living for elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- The Obstacle screening tool was developed iteratively using user-centered design.
- It involved literature review, expert consultation, and development of paper and digital (tablet) versions.
- A mini-version was created for quicker signalling, and the tool was tested on 96 elderly individuals' homes.
Main Results:
- The digital Obstacle tool, covering 13 rooms with specific items, was successfully developed.
- Occupational therapists found the tool very useful for assessing home environments.
Conclusions:
- The Obstacle tool uniquely focuses on occupational performance to support independent living.
- It aids in reducing fall risks and advising on optimal home modifications.
