Pilot study predicts intention to implement home modifications

A recent pilot study suggests that the attitudes of older persons toward home modifications, coupled with past behaviors, best predict their intention to implement home modifications for fall prevention. The model suggests that older adults will have a greater intention to implement home modifications if they believe that such modifications will reduce falls, and if they have previously adopted some fall prevention adaptations to their home.

Researchers Hon Keung Yuen and Rickey E. Carter, both from the Medical University of South Carolina, have concluded that the following factors combined can predict the intention to implement home modifications for fall prevention:

(1) the belief that home modifications are beneficial;

(2) the belief that changes made to the environment can help prevent future falls; and

(3) a history of changes made in the home environment.

Studies have shown that there are many reasons older adults do not adhere to recommended home modifications. Some of the reasons for nonadherence involve finances, psycho-social factors, and the person’s residential setting. The reluctance to implement home modifications remains even after some older adults have experienced a fall. The studies also found that the following were not related to adherence/nonadherence to recommended home modifications:

(1) sociodemographic attributes of older adults;

(2) fall history;

(3) fear of falling and fall efficacy;

(4) existing medical conditions and number of medications;

(5) cognitive and functional abilities; and

(6) the number of home hazards.

The study by Yuen and Carter, entitled “A predictive model for the intention to implement home modifications: A pilot study,” appeared in the February 2006 issue of the Journal of Applied Gerontology.

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2006 Morton Kesten Summit Tackles the Role of Design Professionals in Creating Access

The annual  Morton Kesten Summit focuses on issues related to home modification and universal design. This year's theme relates to the role of the design professional in creating and promoting more useable environments. The panel will discuss the need to educate the public and other professionals about the benefits of universal design. Participants will learn about promoting universal design through exhibits and other educational venues such as demonstration homes.

This panel also serves as a plenary session for the Universal Design & Visitability:  From Accessibility to Zoning conference.  The Thursday evening session is free and open to the public through the generous  support of  the University of Southern California's  National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification Http://www.homemods.org

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Appropriate home modifications and behavior changes can improve quality of life.

Study results suggest that modifying the home and behavior can ameliorate home hazards and fear of falling.

A recent study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) reports that implementing appropriate home modifications and behavior changes among older adults can improve their quality of life.

Researchers Gitlin, Winter, Dennis, Corcoran, Schinfeld, and Hauck (2006) conducted a study to find out whether a combination of interventions could reduce home hazards, functional difficulties, and fear of falling and improve self-efficacy in older adults with chronic conditions. The study participants consisted of 319 older adults aged 70 and older living at home who had difficulty with one or more activities of daily living.

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