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 Living
at home is the preferred place to age. Home defines who
we are,
and is where the memories, pictures, and belongings of
our lives is located. Some elders may decide to move in
with family members to feel safer as health issues become
more prevalent. As adults age, home can become a difficult
place to live in due to the environment. One of the major
events that causes seniors to move out of the home is falls
that occur in the home. Robert Ashley, in his book Social
Forces and Aging, states "More than half of the
injuries experienced by older people occurred at home."
The
most common causes of falls are tripping
or stumbling over something at home, dizziness,
or poor eye sight.
Occupational therapists
(OT) try to prevent falls from occurring. OTs try to make
the home as comfortable, safe and easy to move around in
as possible. Occupational Therapists, in addition to contractors,
will do an assessment of the home. The assessment consists
of a checklist to identify changes that could be made to
make the environment safer. Each suggested change or modification
defines who it helps and how it helps. Before
offering advice, the therapist may come to the home to
watch the way an individual interacts with their environment
to complete activities of daily living.
Please consult
an occupational therapist from the local hospital or home health
agency. To find a home health agency near by, please go to
the Care Search.
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