Environmental modifications in the homes of elderly Canadians with disabilities

This study was performed to (1) determine if the use of architectural modifications in the homes of the disabled elderly can reduce the level of disability; (2) determine the predictors of the use of architectural modifications; and (3) estimate the degree of need for environmental modifications. The degree of need was estimated using data from 8895 respondents (55 years and older) from the Canadian Health and Disability Survey (1983-84). A subgroup of 1520 respondents who needed architectural modifications was selected to predict: (1) the ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and (2) the use of architectural modifications. These data were analysed using multiple linear regression. Approximately 37.9% of the disabled elderly required at least one modification to their home. About 40% did not have the architectural modification that was needed. Income was found to be a predictor of the use of architectural modifications (p = 0.0273). Users of architectural modifications were more independent in IADL than non-users (p < 0.0312). In conclusion, there is a substantial need for environmental modifications in the homes of the disabled elderly. Furthermore, architectural modifications should be available at a low cost.