WHEN it comes to home modifications - from installing a ramp to putting in handrails - nothing is as straightforward as it seems.
To this end a team at University of Queensland is developing a tool to help occupational therapists (OTs) understand older people's meaning of home and is calling on volunteers to fill in an online survey as part of their research.
The research is being led by Dr Tammy Aplin, a research fellow in occupational therapy at the university's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
"As we age our homes become increasingly important to our health. The physical environment of home impacts our independence and ability to do the things we," said Dr Aplin.
"For example stairs for someone with mobility issues can make it hard to get out to the garden, play with a pet, or easily get to the shops or visit family. And a bath tub or low toilet can make it hard to do the simple things like showering and toileting."
OTs make recommendations on how to change the physical home environment to support independence, safety and well-being at home.
"While these home modifications can seem like practical solutions to difficult problems, they can often be not so straightforward," said Dr Aplin.
"This is because, what these changes mean for older people is not always obvious. When a grab rail or stair lift is installed this is a change to a very personal and meaningful environment. That of our homes.
"Our homes are places of privacy, they are where would should be most in control and for many people they are a symbol and reflection of one's identity.
"For people who have lived in their homes for some time, they are also an important place for memories and for family."
She said it is vital health professionals have a deep understanding of what is important to older adults about their home to ensure the best recommendations can be made.
"The installation of a stair lift to the front a home could be a life changing addition. But there are wider considerations when we think about the meaning of home that need to be taken into account.
"For example, does this impact the person's privacy if they are identified in the neighbourhood as having a disability?
"Some people also feel vulnerable or unsafe if they have an obvious modification to the front of their home. Others may dislike the idea of a lift as it makes them feel 'disabled' and this is not how they identify."
She said it is important to consider aesthetics and also how a large lift on front stairs may impact visitors and others using the stairs.
- Take part in the survey to go in a draw to win $100. Visit surveymonkey.com/r/DOHMstudy
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