Abstract:

Describes the influence of M. Powell Lawton on the home modification field and its service delivery system. Lawton recognized that suitable housing for older adults extends beyond homes that are free of repair needs. The home needs to be accessible and enable older adults to perform daily life activities. His influence led to the inclusion of items in national datasets that examined not only repair needs, but also modification needs. Lawton also called attention to problems in the fragmented service delivery system. Despite continuing problems, however, home modification programs are developing innovative approaches to system integration, assessment, and outcomes research. It is concluded that Lawton has impacted the development of the home modification field with the recognition that the physical design of the environment can encourage successful adaptation to declining functional abilities with age.