Changes over one year in assistive device use and home modifications by home-based older persons with Alzheimer's disease

A sample of 19 older persons with Alzheimer's disease was followed for 1 year. Significant changes were found in mental and physical status and use of assistive devices. As subjects' physical and mental status declined, they tended to stop using devices to assist with cognitive impairment, and more devices were used that assisted the caregiver, such as lifts and wheelchairs. A number of modifications were made to homes, most to restrict behaviors such as wandering, rummaging through closets and drawers, or excessive eating. No interventions were provided as part of the study; rather, the study sought to determine the ways older persons were coping, particularly their use of assistive devices and home modifications.