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Home Modifications for Older Adults: Experiences and Collaboration with a Residential Contractor Make independence accessible through custom homes and home modifications. Use specialized strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching living environments. Transform everyday living spaces to increase overall function and accessibility. Older Adults 65 and Over Fastest growing demographic in the U.S. 1 87% wish reside in their current home and community. 2 30.1% in TN report falling each year. 3 36% have least one disability in 2014. 4 Increased sense of dignity and autonomy when remaining in their homes. 5 Feel more connected to communities and social supports when choosing to age in place. 5 There is strong evidence for the efficacy of home modifications being provided by occupational therapists. 6 AOTA Digital Badges NAHB CAPS Cosmo Morabbi CAPS Expert Mentor: Steven Shalibo, Accessible Home ConstructionFaculty Mentor: Debra Gibbs OTR/L, CAPS, FAOTA, Belmont University Clinical Excellence “… the ability to identify and implement best practice to enable client participation in meaningful and purposeful occupations.” 7 Earn CAPS certification and AOTA digital badges in Home Modification, Fall Prevention, and Low Vision. Leadership “… a process of creating structural change wherein the values, vision, and ethics of individuals are integrated into the culture of a community as a means of achieving sustainable, (positive) change.’” 7 Active member of the Home Modification Occupational Therapy Alliance (HMOTA). Preset on the topics of marketing and working with contractors. Attend community events including the Senior Services Network, COA meetings, NPT events, Age Without Borders Virtual Summit, AOTA Conference, etc. Assist in organization of HMOTA group meetings at AOTA Conference. Design marketing materials for use by AHC. Deliver presentation and resources to a local senior center Complete an evaluation with Redefine Living Solutions, LLC. Scholarship “… ‘systematic investigation… designed to develop or to contribute to generalizable knowledge.’” 7 Develop Guideline for Occupational Therapists Partnering with Contractors . Assist in modifying the approach taken by AHC when completing evaluations and bids. Draft article on working with contractors for OT Practice. Service “… putting the needs of others before our own.” 7 Assist in the evaluation and installation of vertical platform lifts, ramps, grab bars and bathrooms. Assist in design of a entire home remodel. Create and share marketing materials for use by all members of HMOTA. Occupational Therapists are uniquely qualified to deliver home modification services to older adults. Understanding the process contractors use during delivery of services gives the opportunity to increase effective communication and collaboration among interested parties. The occupational therapist’s role in home modifications is exclusive to each project. Outcomes should demonstrate improved functional performance, reduced fall risk, and reduced demand for caregivers. 6 Comprehensive home modification services will give clients best results while demonstrating the value of occupational therapy to contractors. 6 Comprehensive Home Modifications Service 1 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (2012). Healthy people 2020: Improving the health of Americans. Retrieved from http://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topicsobjectives2020/overview.aspx?topicid=31 2 American Association of Retired Persons (2015). Livable communities baby boomer facts and figures. Retrieved from http://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/info-2014/livable- communities-facts-and-figures.html 3 Bergen G, Stevens MR, Burns ER (2014). Falls and fall injuries among adults aged ≥65 years — United States. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 65, 993–998. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6537a2. 4 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Administration for Community Living. Retrieved from https://aoa.acl.gov/Aging_Statistics/Profile/2015/16.aspx 5 Wiles, J.L., Leibing, A., Guberman, N., Reeve, J., & Allen, R.E.S. (2011). The meaning of "aging in place" to older people. The Gerontologist, 52(3), 357-366, doi: 10.1 093/geront/gnr098 6 Stark, S., Keglovits, M., Arbesman, M., & Lieberman, D. (2017). Effect of home modification interventions on the participation of community-dwelling adults with health conditions: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71 (2). doi: 10.5014/ajot.2017.018887. 7 Belmont University (2014). Professional doctorate occupational therapy degree: Program manual 2014 – 2015 [PDF file]. School of Occupational Therapy. Retrieved from http://belmont.edu/ot/pdf/OTDStudentManual2014-2015.pdf AHC Mission and Vision Educational Experience Experiential Component Outcomes Conclusion References Identified Needs Figure 2 : Installation of a wooden ramp Figure 3 : Installation of a grab bar (1) Assess person’s abilities. (2) Assess the home environment and occupational goals. (3) Develop intervention plan to remediate barriers. (4) Implement or support during execution of the home modification plan. (5) Train the client or caregiver to complete his or her daily activities using environmental support. Figure 1 : 65+ Disability Type Percentages Figure 4 : Sample Page form a home evaluation
