The Social Value of Aids and Adaptations

Enabling our ageing population to remain at home is essential to their self-identity, social connections, and independence. Remaining at home as long as possible, allows the client to maintain a sense of autonomy and to be surrounded and supported by their loved ones.

For OT’s working in home modifications, one of our roles is to provide solutions that enable our client’s safe participation in their desired occupations within their home environment.

 In their research paper, Clifford, Kemp & Shah (2022) wanted to understand the social value delivered through home mods and the drivers of that social value. They prompt us to consider 4 key points to ensure holistic OT is provided to our elderly clients in need of home mods…

1. Staying stable on their feet - Maintaining and building confidence when mobile is key to our clients staying stable on their feet. A clients’ confidence in their mobility, means that movement is not restricted or compromised around the home. The occurrence of a fall can result in loss of confidence and participation in daily tasks. OT’s must have an in-depth understanding of the client’s capacity to stabilise themselves and mobilise safely in the completion of tasks. Simple solutions such as grab rails can build their confidence in everyday tasks and provide additional support / stability at the same time.

2. Mobility - Lack of mobility can lead to reliance upon others, creating a physical and emotional burden on family members. Demonstrating a client centred approach by familiarising ourselves with the client’s social and physical home environment will allow us to make changes according to their needs. Modifications that enhance safe mobility such as level surfaces and handrails along stairs should be optimised to promote independence and reduce reliance on family members.

3. Personal safety - The client’s safety is at the forefront of our work! It is vital we educate the client carer on the benefits of a personal alarm or falls sensor. Although these alarms are not a ‘home mods’ solutions as such, they go hand in hand with our falls prevention strategies and form a safety net if a grabrail can’t save their fall. They offer the client an opportunity to participate safely in activities in the home and community with a peace of mind that their loved ones will be notified if a fall occurs.

4. Independence in everyday tasks is key to maintaining overall wellbeing, self-identity and dignity. OT’s provides home mods recommendations that suit the clients’ individual needs allowing for safe and independent participation in everyday tasks. This builds their confidence which ultimately means they can remain living at home for longer.

When working with the elderly population, OT’s must provide a client centred practice by involving the client and their family members in all decision making within the therapy process. Education regarding potential equipment enables the client and their family to be aware of the options that are available to them and to make an inform choice collaboratively with the OT.

 Reference ~

Clifford, J., Kemp, K., Shah, A., (2022). The Social Value of Aids and Adaptations provided by Home Improvement Agencies. London. Sonnet Impact and Foundations.