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I like this poster on how to prevent falls with the elderly. I feel like this would be great for not only the patient but family to understand ways to prevent falls.

From tongue-activated adaptive switches and powered wheelchairs to big button telephones and door knob extenders, products and devices for assistive living for the elderly help maintain independence while making daily activities less difficult. Assistive Devices and Products As our bodies age many people find that everyday tasks and activities become difficult and sometimes even impossible.

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This page from the AOTA website contains links to various topics associated with the aging adult. These are tip sheets that explain different conditions and how OT can help. These include aging in place, living with Alzheimer's, fall prevention, hip replacement, home modification, low vision, driving and stroke. In addition to the tip sheets, there are links to videos for aging in place, home modification and precautions the elderly can take to prevent falls in the home. This is a great place to look to obtain a lot of good information on a variety of problems the elderly can face and how occupational therapy can help this population.

Here is a combination of stroller and wheelchair. They refer to it as Stroller adapted elderly wheelchair being used by grand-parents to increase the time spent with their grandchild.

This blog posting is not from an OT-specific source, but rather is a posting from a movement/dance coach who offers a unique perspective on the specific sensory needs of aging men. Reading this posting reminded of something my dad has always said about the importance of men having a space where they can work and be "themselves." Whether or not you agree with that sentiment, I think that it is important to remember that men/women/people all have different needs and oftentimes it takes different approaches to meet those needs.

What do you all think of it?

Open source from North Carolina Learning Object Repository. Must cite to use.

Stairs inside home are safe End of stairs is clearly marked (top and bottom) Handrails on both sides of stairs Hallways and doorways wide and obstruction free Fire extinguisher available Smoke detectors present Adequate lighting Throw rugs absent Area rugs secure and safe Adequate heat Adequate cooling Space heaters safe

I was just talking to a friend that works as a COTA on the home health setting yesterday about adaptive equipment. She was telling she is always having to fabricate adaptive devices for her patients because there are just certain things they need but cannot afford. Poverty is a huge issue especially with our elderly who are living on a fixed income. We will have to work with the supplies on hand. If we can't think of it,I am sure we can find it on Pinterest :)

Many pdf files available for download specifically for health care providers.

Here is an interesting checklist from the CDC.

FRONTLINE and ProPublica investigate assisted living in America. A disturbing look at assisted living in America.

As the population ages many of use will have to face sexuality issues with our own parents. Two extremes are represented here, one home where the man was forced to move after found having sex with another resident and one where sexual relationships are considered natural.

This article supports OT in aging in place. This article provides evidence that the I-HOPE is an effective tool when evaluating barriers that elderly individuals are faced with as they age in their homes. By using the I-HOPE evaluation, it ensure the ability for individual to make adjustments and remain in a safe home environment. Safety evaluations are (I think) a billable service.

I found this website is very interesting because like most of us I have an older parents.The one of the most difficult decisions children have to make is to place his or her aging parent in long term care facility. This website provides different tips on how to keep seniors in their regular place of residence as long as possible. The organization PACE that covered under Medicare or Medicaid provides necessary services, include adult day program, transportation, activities and medical help. As a future OT practitioners we may recommend this website to our clients.

This is a simple little reminder of what visitability is and how it makes a home a welcome spot for people with kids to the elderly. I thought is was short and simple, and that made me want to post it.

My friend that has ALS comes over to visit quite often. We do not have a zero entry. What we do have is a portable ramp that she uses to get in the one small step at the back of the house. I wonder why the term visitability only includes a zero entry and wouldn't consider the use of a portable ramp? Something to think about...