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Published on: January 26, 2019
Occupational Therapy and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Older Adult Home Modification
Anna Miller1, Kathy Subasic1, Carolyn Sithong2
1Anna Miller, OTD, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Revive Therapy and Performance, Moundridge, KS.
Summary
Home modification interventions significantly improved safety and accessibility for older adults aging in place. Technology-based assessments, like the Home for Life Design (HFLD), are crucial for occupational therapy practitioners to demonstrate success in home modification programs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Occupational Therapy
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Occupational therapy plays a vital role in supporting aging in place (AIP) through home assessment and modification (HM).
- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) aims to facilitate AIP for older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of a technology-based home assessment within the OAHMP.
- To explore client perspectives on home assessment and modification interventions.
Main Methods:
- An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed.
- Quantitative data were collected using the Home for Life Design (HFLD) assessment with 25 older adults in rural settings.
- Qualitative data were gathered through client interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Home modification interventions led to significant average gains in personal safety (48%) and accessibility (52%).
- Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to perceptions of occupational therapy practitioners, the impact of HMs on daily tasks, and experiences with the OAHMP using the HFLD assessment.
Conclusions:
- The HFLD home assessment effectively measured increased home safety and accessibility post-HM interventions.
- A client-centered, occupation-based approach within the OAHMP enhances occupational performance and supports AIP.
- Standardized, metric-driven assessments are essential for occupational therapy practitioners to validate outcomes and maintain professional roles with government agencies.
