Abstract:

A disproportionately high number of older adults are involved in home accidents at considerable cost to both the individual and the nation. Preventive measures are cost-effective and easy to accomplish, and occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to educate older adults about ways to modify their environment or activities of daily living to lessen the risk of accidental injury. This article describes the development and operation of a Home Safety Program for Older Adults in an agency on aging in Charlottesville, VA. The program has two components: safety improvements for individual homes, and community education. Funding, services and staff are discussed and recommendations are made for replication.