Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

The concept of staying in one's home as they age, known as aging in place (AIP), presents an emerging area of practice in which occupational therapy (OT) professionals can utilize their skills within the clinic and community to fill a niche that has been underserved. However, lack of awareness of occupational therapy, as well as the complex nature of aging in place, may weaken the understanding of the important role that OT holds to facilitate aging in place. A systematic review of evidence-based literature was conducted to establish a platform to validate occupational therapy's complex role to facilitate aging in place. A descriptive survey of caregivers was created to establish the need for services. A pre-survey was distributed to 20 OT clinicians to assess perspective, knowledge, and implementation of caregiver education in current practice. From the data collected, it can be surmised that some clinicians may not be knowledgeable in the complexities of the role of OT (as it relates to aging in place), therefore having an impact on service delivery. Based on data collected from the needs survey and the pre-survey, there is evidence to suggests a correlation between the clinicians' delivery of caregiver education and the caregivers' concerns and stress levels. To bridge this gap, an in-service presentation was provided to further educate clinicians about OT's role in aging in place; followed by a post survey. Post survey results indicate a 35% increase in the clinician's opinion as to whether caregiver education is important. This provides evidence that education can build on the foundation of knowledge and skills, thus enhancing the ability to provide client-centered interventions and education to facilitate the aging in place process.

Publication Date

4-10-2021

Download

Share

COinS