Environmental problems in homes of elders with disabilities

Reporting on results from the University at Buffalo Consumer Assessments Study, this paper examines environmental problems in the homes of elderly persons with disabilities. For the study, 127 persons over the age of 60 were interviewed; all had received, or were currently receiving, services from a senior services agency or hospital rehabilitation program. An average of almost four problems per home were identified. Problems are grouped into categories by room and by area such as 'lighting' and 'steps' and described in more detail. Since all subjects had been referred to the project through an agency or hospital providing services, the results suggest that the home environment needs of elders are not adequately addressed by these service providers. An environmental interventions model, developed following an analysis of study results, is presented to guide service providers in setting priorities for recommending home modifications. Occupational therapists are qualified to provide home assessments, and must play a greater role in ensuring that these assessments and interventions are provided for non- institutionalized older persons with disabilities.