Active and Quality Ageing in the Home Environment

Background: The Active and Quality Ageing in the Home Environment project is being implemented under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 Programme. Method: The beneficiaries of free services are clients of the... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
The Active and Quality Ageing in the Home Environment project is being implemented under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2009-2014 Programme.
Method:
The beneficiaries of free services are clients of the Institute for Home Care Ljubljana, aged over 65. In the evaluation phase of the occupational therapy process in the home environment, which we are conducting jointly with students of occupational therapy, we used the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure to assess the implementation and satisfaction in performing meaningful occupations. We measured independent living skills by the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living and The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. We also checked which medical devices the elderly are using in their home environments (check-list) and assessed their views on adjustments in their home environments.
Results:
Five elderly participants who had completed the occupational therapy process have achieved statistically significant improvements in implementation of and satisfaction with meaningful occupations. They were introduced to the possibility of obtaining medical aids and educated on how to use them. Based on the analysis of elements contributing to a safe environment, we advised and facilitated them in making small adjustments.
Conclusion:
Since the project is still on going, the results will continue to be updated. Our initial results indicate that we were successful in achieving our primary aim, namely healthy and active ageing.
Application to Practice:
Slovenia has yet to adopt long-term care legislation. We are hoping that our results will contribute to the development of occupational therapy services in home environment.