Study Results: Home-Based Care Combined with Modest Renovations Reduces Disability, Promotes Aging-In-Place
A study published in the September 2016 edition of Health (https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2016.0140) Affairs demonstrated the benefit of the innovative CAPABLE program (Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders) headed by Sarah Szanton, Associate Nursing Professor at Johns Hopkins University.
Study highlights and key findings:
The program uses an inter-disciplinary team consisting of an Occupational Therapist, a Registered Nurse, and a renovation contractor.
Interventions were relatively modest:
Contractors installed handrails on both sides of stairways, added grab bars, lowered shelves and fixed trip hazards.
Occupational Therapists provided assistive devices such as reaching and eating aids and educated residents how to safely navigate their home.
Outcomes:
75% of participants improved their ability to take care of themselves.
Two-thirds were better able to perform related tasks such as grocery shopping.
Half experienced fewer symptoms of depression.
See the Video and news article here
https://apnews.com/2ac592830c8141cf8528a72aaadeaf7e/handymen-home-care-helps-seniors-trying-age-place
