 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Jon Pynoos, PhD, Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089, (213) 740-1364, Jpynoos@aol.com
Home modification is an important intervention strategy to help prevent falls. Elderly persons, who have a strong preference to age in place, often live in older dwellings that contain hazards and lack supportive features that can help prevent accidents.
Home modification refers to converting or adapting the environment. It includes removing hazards, adding special features, moving items or furnishings, and renovating or changing the structure. Supportive features include minor modifications (e.g., grab bars, hand rails) as well as more major items (e.g., walk-in showers, ramps).
Research indicates that home modification is effective in preventing falls if it targets those at risk and is part of a multi-factorial intervention strategy. Among those with a history of falls, home modification together with assessments, home visits and follow-up by an occupational therapist significantly reduced the risk of future falls. Studies suggest that comprehensive home modification programs carefully assess both the person and the home environment, involve consumers in decision-making, assist persons in implementing changes, and provide follow-up.
In spite of its importance, home modification is an under-utilized strategy in fall prevention. Barriers include cursory assessments, difficulty in obtaining funds (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid pay for only limited modifications), and a patchwork delivery system that is difficult to access. Promising developments in the field include better training of agency staff in assessing problems, greater involvement of occupational therapists, more attractive products and funding availability through programs such as Medicaid Waivers.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.