Providing Low Cost Equipment and Home Modification in the 21st CenturySignian McGeary, Occupational Therapist, Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University, USA Tracy Van Oss, Occupational Therapist, Yale New Haven Hospital, USA Occupational therapy is a service that fosters client adaptation to a disability that supports living to their fullest potential. The population served by such health care providers includes people from across the life span and the full spectrum of health care conditions. Mental health issues, developmental delays, traumatic injuries such as spinal cord injury or acquired brain injuries, connective tissue disorders as seen in rheumatoid arthritis, the aging process that results in loss of physical function all serve as examples of health conditions that people experience who can benefit from occupational therapy. The intervention that is most necessary for all individuals adjusting to major life changes is adaptive solutions for the environment especially the home. Adaptation also includes equipment that allows people to resume as close as possible their previous life style or to achieve maximum function within ongoing physical or psychological limitations. The use of aging in place home modification is a fast growing service to the older community. Occupational Therapists have a long history of over 75 years of helping clients maintain a safe environment in the home. Our program will provide an overview of the guidelines for modifying homes for barrier free living. Providing equipment utilizing a paper technology developed in Zimbabwe over 40 years ago will be explained. The history of this method of cheap production of furniture, toys, bowls, adaptive seating for the disabled child or adult will be presented. The cost and value of this technology will be shared and the concept of community building as a core issue emphasized. Stressing cultural competency and providing mini learning exercises on this topic will be part of the forum. Finally, problem solving with clinical examples and small group problem solving sessions will further support the value of the concepts provided. |