Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

While the number of aging individuals continues to grow in the U.S., the presence of chronic conditions often minimizes the opportunity to age in place. Moreover, age-related eye disorders inhibit one's access to the environment and participation in valued occupations, leading to a greater risk of falling and being displaced from the home. Despite an older adult's preference to remain in the home, lack of accommodation reduces the potential to do so. As such, an individualized approach to aging in place can be achieved through an occupational therapy practitioner and client partnership, facilitating the use of modifications and adaptations. This paper describes the development of an educational presentation designed for caregivers of older adults with visual impairments, administrative and nursing staff members within a senior living community. Through a Likert-scale pre- and post-survey, 13 individuals participated in the study intended to assess knowledge and confidence regarding occupational therapy's role in aging in place among older adults with visual impairments. Although results of the study displayed an improvement in knowledge among participants, additional research via a larger sample size is suggested to further reduce the gap of knowledge in the target population. As such, the need for caregivers of older adults to have a greater understanding of occupational therapy's role in aging in place is imperative to individualize outcomes for continued participation in choice occupations and fulfillment of occupational roles.

Publication Date

4-2024

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