Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Home Modifications (The AOTA Practice Guidelines Series)

Too often, older or disabled people live limited lives or give up their homes and neighborhoods prematurely because standard housing cannot meet their needs. Home modifications--or alterations, adjustments, or additions--to a home can help older or disabled people age in place and stay in their communities, which is often their preference. Occupational therapy plays a significant role in assessing needs, identifying and training in solutions, and evaluating outcomes in home modifications. This Practice Guideline serves as a reference for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, as well as for designers, builders, social services providers, health care facility managers, managed care organizations, and health care regulators. It defines the contribution that occupational therapy can make to the home modification process through evaluation, consultation, and training with clients or consumers who need home modifications.