LCSH

Falls (Accidents) in old age--United States--Prevention; Older people; Dwellings--Maintenance and repair

Abstract

The majority of older adults would like to “age in place” by continuing to live in their homes as long as possible. Barriers that can prevent aging in place include normal age-related changes and falls, which can result in injury requiring hospitalization or long-term care. However, fall risk can be reduced with home modifications that increase the safety and accessibility of the home. Unfortunately, these modifications can be costly and often are paid out of pocket. Older adults do not always have the financial means to pay for home modifications, even when they could increase the safety within their home. The purpose of this project was to provide an educational manual for staff at Rebuilding Together South Sound (RTSS), an organization that provides free home modifications and repairs to individuals in need within the local community. The manual serves as a tool by providing staff information from safety evaluations completed on homes previously served by RTSS. This manual includes sections on age-related changes, common safety hazards discovered in the home, and recommendations for adapting the home to promote aging in place. Brochures are included to be distributed to homeowners and expand their knowledge on the ability to age in place through improved home safety. RTSS staff found the manual to be an effective resource for information to better serve clientele and to identify ways to improve the safety within their homes.

First Advisor

Tatiana Kaminsky, PhD., OTR/L

Date of Completion

Spring 2013

Degree Type

Thesis

Format

PDF

URI

http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ms_occ_therapy/70

Language

English

Degree Name

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)

Date of Award

4-1-2013

Department

Occupational Therapy

Institution

University of Puget Sound

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