Supporting Aging in Place: An Occupational Therapist’s Toolkit

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About the Course:
This course is designed to assist occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in evaluating, planning, and preparing their older adult clients to age in place. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has identified aging in place and home modifications as an emerging niche in occupational therapy. This toolkit will highlight the role occupational therapy plays in aging in place. Also, each participant will gain the understanding and application of home modification concepts as well as identify resources and funding for home modification projects. Because our aging clients have a desire to remain in their homes, this course will provide the necessary tools to enhance the quality of life for older adults to allow them to participate in meaningful activities and enable them to remain in their homes as they age and make the necessary modifications to do so. This course is an intermediate- to advanced-level course for clinicians working in the area of home modification and environmental safety.

Course Objectives:
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:
  • Describe how psychosocial factors and medical conditions associated with the aging process influence aging in place.
  • Differentiate between the roles of various home design professionals.
  • Select appropriate home assessments and modifications for potential client needs.
  • Utilize effective communication techniques when discussing home modifications with potential clients.
  • Identify further educational opportunities and resources in aging in place.

About the Authors:
2nd Edition Author Carol Myers, OTR, received a bachelor of psychology (BA) degree from the University of California-Berkeley, a bachelor of science (BS) degree in occupational therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, and a master of arts (MA) degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix in Westminster, Colorado. Ms. Myers has been an occupational therapist for 38 years, working in skilled nursing, acute care, home health, and outpatient facilities, as well as in schools. Ms. Myers has published numerous articles for ADVANCE since 2003 and developed three webinars on mental health and substance use disorders for therapists and quality indicators in SNFs related to function. Ms. Myers taught in the first occupational therapy program in Vietnam, and consulted in two special needs classes in India and an autism center in Nepal in 2019.

1st Edition Author Monique Chabot, OTD, OTR/L, CAPS, CLIPP, has worked in home health for more than 6 years, during which time she developed a passion for home design for seniors. Dr. Chabot currently works as an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Thomas Jefferson University-East Falls Campus (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University), where she often works on interprofessional design projects with architecture and interior design. Dr. Chabot received her master of science degree in occupational therapy from Thomas Jefferson University and her doctorate of occupational therapy from Boston University. She was chosen to be part of the American Occupational Therapy Association Emerging Leaders program, during which time she worked with the American Occupational Therapy Association on increasing the knowledge base of occupational therapists on home modifications. Dr. Chabot has published on the topic and created an online webinar on kitchen modifications, in addition to moderating a monthly discussion topic on home modifications on an online forum. She maintains a blog based on her doctoral work, which supports collaboration between occupational therapists and design professionals, titled Collaborative Home Design for Seniors (https://homedesignforseniors.com/).

How to Receive Credit:
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to:
    • Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
    • Provide required personal information and payment information.
    • Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation.
    • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Disclosures:

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
The contributors to this course have no conflicts of interest relative to its content. Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
©2020: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation or circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual