Use of Technology in Home Modification

On December, 2014, I traveled all the way from sunny CA to beautiful Charlotte, NC to participate in an AOTA conference on Home Modification and Fall Prevention. The conference exceeded my expectations. There was a lot of new and valuable information I would like to share.

I'm adding links to the items I found interesting, with examples on ways to use them-

http://wirelesstag.net/ - Motion sensor that can send notifications when items were moved. E.g. if you're worried about your parent that lives alone and is losing weight, place a sensor on the fridge door so you have an idea how many times the fridge was opened during the day.

http://www.mobilehelp.com/ - Medical alert that includes GPS and is based on the cellular system instead of the traditional land line, can be used in and outside of the house. Can be beneficial for older adults that are active and enjoy the outdoors. The regular home systems might not have good coverage of the backyard, leaving the older adult unprotected in an area that is not visible to people passing by.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Chamberlain-MyQ-Garage-Universal-Smartphone-Controller-MYQ-G0201/204394627?N=5yc1vZc1jwZ1z0um34 - Garage door controller, operated by smart phone from anywhere. Wish we had one when we left our garage door open for a few hours. When we returned home and found our brand new bicycle intact, we were very thankful to all the law abiding people that passed by our wide open garage that day.

http://www.managemypills.com/content/ - Medication dispensing system. Can be beneficial for people who take multiple medications at different times, and have difficulty following correct dosage and timing.

The CHAT Model

Recently I read a very interesting article in the OT Practice journal about the CHAT Model. It's a perfect fit to my approach as an OT; Don't say no, instead try to find a different way.

CHAT stands for  - C - critical conversation
                                H - heartfelt hearing
                                A - amiable adjustment
                                T - timed trials

Conversation-The initial conversation should start early on, in a clear and direct manner, addressing safety and functional difficulties.
Hearing-Listen to concerns brought by the older adult and family members.
Adjustment-Act, learn all possible solutions while prioritizing safety and independence of the older adult. Discuss all options with the older adult and family, implement the solutions.
Trials-Evaluate how the solutions have been implemented, how safety observed, make adjustments if needed.  

Reference;
Parnell, Regina. "Don't Take My Wagon." OT Practice (2014): 15. Print.

Well-being

Productive Aging 

Can be achieved by remaining active, maintaining high cognitive and physical function. Don't we all wish that for ourselves and our aging parents?


Through my experience as an occupational therapist working with older adults in rehabilitation facilities and home care, I have become aware of the importance of "productive aging". Being a daughter of an aging father has further emphasized this idea.






Participation in daily activities and social interaction is closely related to successful aging.
Working out in the gym, swimming, playing Bridge with friends, looking for volunteer opportunities, all those daily routines can influence our well being.




The current recommendation for older adults by cdc.gov is to complete moderate physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week. Moderate activity can be brisk walking at the pace of three miles per hour around the neighborhood or riding a bike. In addition it's also recommended to perform muscle strengthening exercises 2 days a week.
Creating a weekly chart can help keep track of the physical activity and adjust the exercise routine as needed.


Fall Prevention

On the other hand, as an occupational therapist I meet older adults in crisis. People after falls, surgeries, fractures, joint replacements and more.


As people age, part of the normal age related changes include; loss of bone density, decreased balance, and changes in vision and hearing. With increase in age there is also increase in disease occurrence such as; heart and lung disorders, dementia, diabetes and Parkinson. To support productive and successful aging, adjustments should be taken into consideration.


One out of every three adults age 65 years or older fall each year! Part of fall prevention is good and safe home environment.


Home Modification

As a therapist, I assess safety at home and make recommendations for home modifications. When I first enter a home, I always remember that home is more than a physical structure. At home we cook, rest, bath and store personal items.




               



During the assessment I observe the physical aspect around me, but I also carefully listen to the patient and family to learn better about the emotional aspect. It's important to understand what people like or dislike, need and wish in regards to their home.

In order to improve independence at home, a good fit between personal abilities and home environment is desired.





Minda Hayat OTR/L
minda.therapy@gmail.com