Client-centred home modifications improve daily activity performance of older adults

Background. Remaining at home is a high priority for many older adults, but the capacity to "age in place" often is threatened by environmental barriers. Purpose. To describe a client-centred occupational therapy home modification intervention program and examine the impact of the intervention on daily activity performance over time. Methods. Using a competence-environmental press framework, a client-centred home modification program for older adults was implemented. In this quasi-experimental, single group prospective study, participants' subjective ratings of daily activity performance were evaluated before and after the intervention (baseline/post/post). Findings. After home modification, participants'perception of their daily activity performance at home improved significantly and was maintained 2 years post-modification. Implications. Home modification may benefit older adults attempting to age in place.