Practice Guidelines for Home Modifications

Home modifications can benefit patients of all ages and health conditions. As the population of older adults continues to grow and “age in place”, home modification interventions are becoming more important to prevent injury in the home.

Considerations:

Fall risk reduction
Functional performance
Quality of life
Caregiver burden

Recommendations:

Multicomponent interventions (home modifications and other fall prevention interventions) that include occupational therapy to reduce falls
Home modification interventions to improve function in frail older adults
Home modification interventions to improve the ability to provide care to others in the home, especially those with dementia
Home modification interventions to improve the functional ability of care recipients in the home setting

Process:

Evaluation
Identification
Implementation & Training
Reviewing outcomes

Scope:

Alteration & Adjustment
Addition
Removal of hazards

Factors to consider

Mobility assistive device & DME: appropriate for the person
Mobility: transfers and functional mobility between ADLs & IADLs safe
Lighting: adjust poor lighting or too much glare (including nighttime for nocturia)
Support: properly installed rails and grab bars
Supplies: commonly used supplies within reach (placement, positioning)
Fall hazards: removing clutter and throw rugs
Furniture: sturdy, stable and secure
Communication: Emergency and routine, within reach and can operate
Pet care: body mechanics and fall hazards (pet toys, bowls, trash)
Environmental hazards: walkways are clear, terrain (cracks), burn hazards (stoves, water heater set to safe temperature), drowning hazards (seizures)
Comfort: thermostats within reach and adjustable
Fire safety: escape plan, working smoke detectors, fire hazards away from upholstery, fire extinguisher functional & within reach

Also:

Outdoor fall risks: cracks, uneven payment, tree roots, garbage

Recommendations:

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