Date Presented 04/05/2025
This qualitative study examined different types of low-cost home modifications provided when implementing CAPABLE, an evidenced-based program that promotes aging in place for older adults and their care partners, in alignment with older adults’ goals.
Primary Author and Speaker: Ava Giatras
Additional Authors and Speakers: Kayla Valente, Pamela Toto, Beth Fields, Morgan Blanchflower
Contributing Authors: Kate Perepezko
PURPOSE: Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) is an evidence-based, person-centered program designed to promote aging in place (1). CAPABLE is delivered by an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a handy worker over a four-month time span (2). This ongoing study delivered with the Area Agency on Aging in Western Pennsylvania characterizes home modifications and equipment provided by the interprofessional team to help older adults meet their goals. Understanding the costs and categories associated with these home modifications and equipment is essential when implementing an aging in place program (3).
METHODS: This descriptive study reports the total cost of home modifications and equipment using a 2-tier system for participants who have completed the program to date. Tier 1 included fewer than 3 home modifications in under a 4-hour visit. Tier 2 provided 3+ home modifications in more than a 4-hour visit. Means and percentages were analyzed through a spending Excel tracking log and home modification work orders.
RESULTS: Preliminary analysis revealed 45 older adults completed the program, 36 receiving home modifications and 42 receiving equipment. The average cost per home modification totaled $967.95 and the average cost per equipment order reached $131.81. Spending work orders revealed participants required handheld shower heads, handrails, motion activated lighting, toileting aids, non-slip mats, kitchen stools, bed rails, and handy bars to meet their goals. On average, participants received 4 pieces of equipment and 3 home modifications through the program.
CONCLUSION: These findings illustrate the range of home modifications and equipment older adults receive to achieve their goals. The majority of the participants required home modifications that fell under tier 2 (83%), indicating it is not costly or complex to provide home modifications to help older adults age in place.
References
Toto, P., Alchin, T., Yanes, C., Park, J., & Fields, B. (2022). Implementing CAPABLE with care partners through an Area Agency on Aging: Identifying barriers and facilitators using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. The Gerontologist. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnac097
Szanton, S. L., Leff, B., Li, Q., Breysse, J., Spoelstra, S., Kell, J., ... & Gitlin, L. N. (2021). CAPABLE program improves disability in multiple randomized trials. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 69, 3631–3640. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17383
Dickson, K., Toto, P. (2018). Feasibility of integrating occupational therapy into care coordination program for aging in place. American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 72(4). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.031419
