home safety assessment

Question 1

Define geriatric rehabilitation

Answer 1

• intervention (typically multi-disciplinary) designed to assist the older adult experiencing physical and or mental issues in the return of optimal completion of physical, psychological and social skills necessary to:
• -> increase their level of independence
• -> live in the most satisfying environment
• -> maintain social engagement and involvement

Question 2

OVERALL GOAL

Answer 2

• geriatric rehab FOCUSES on the ATTAINMENT OF MAXIMAL, not necessarily “normal”, functional abilities

Question 3

What are the consequences of disability

Answer 3

• increased rate of mortality
• Decreased life span
• increased risk of acquiring chornic conditions
• increased risk of institutionalization
• increased use of the health care system
• frailty - medically complexity

Question 4

Principle of geriatric rehab

Answer 4

• Variability of elderly = age is NOT a performance predictor
• Actiity is the cornerstone of rehabilitation
• -> decreased activity = decreased function
• -> acute immobilization vs. chronic immobilization
• optimal health is related to optimal functioning

Question 5

BEDREST

Answer 5

• B = bladder/bowel issue, bedsores
• E = emotional distress
• D = deconditioning, demineralization
• R = ROM loss
• E = Energy depletion
• S = sensory deprivation
• T = trouble

Question 6

what is the purpose of functional assessment tools

Answer 6

• determine current functioning level
• determine need for intervention
• determine discharge/placement
• components include ADLs, IADLs, Mobility

Question 7

role of physician, PA or self referral

Answer 7

• Dx/px
• rehabilitaiton setting
• anticipated goals
• identification of team members

Question 8

Role of Therapist

Answer 8

• examination = history and physical performance assessment
• evaluation
• dx/px
• plan of care = frequency/duration, goals, interventions
• discharge planning/discharge

Question 9

role of communication

Answer 9

• formal or informal team conferences
• reasons for good communication
• -> facilitates collaborative efforts
• -> monitoring of progress or lack of progress
• -> reimbursements
• POOR COMMUNICATION –> POOR OUTCOMES

Question 10

Health literacy

Answer 10

• degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

Question 11

LGBT aging and health issues

Answer 11

• 20% do NOT disclose their sexual orientation to their physician
• 50% have a disability
• 13% have been denied health care or received inferior care
• 33% have NO DURABLE power of attorney for health care

Question 12

Mental distress in older adulst

Answer 12

• 25% of individuals have some form of mental health issues not associated with normal aging (depression, bipolar, etc)

Question 13

geriatric rehab environments

Answer 13

A.	Inpatient:  acute care, rehabilitation unit, skilled nursing unit
	B.	Home Health
	C.	Outpatient
	D.	Long Term Care Facility
	E.	Work Environment

Question 14

Describe Universal design principles

Answer 14

• equitable use
• flexibility in use
• simple and intuitive
• perceptible info
• tolerance for error
• low physical effort
• size and space for approach and use

Question 15

Purpose of home assessment and adaptation

Answer 15

• identification of barriers within the home that have the potential to lead to injury and or decrease function
• PURPOSE
• -> prevention of injury
• -> increase function
• -> facilitate return to home environment

Question 16

Home assessment process

Answer 16

• referral for home assessment
• typically performed by an OT or PT
• -> home visit and client and caregiver present
• report of findings and recommendations
• -> reassign rooms
• -> movement or removal of furniture/appliances
• -> purchase and installation of equipment
• -> identification of outside services

Question 17

Lighting recommendation for:

Answer 17

• sufficient brightness
• limit glare
• use of contrasting colors

Question 18

entrances recommendation

Answer 18

• nonskid surfaces
• stairs have railings and step markings
• appropriate lighting
• easy to use door handles and locks
• distance from house to garage and to curb
• location of mailbox

Question 19

common living space

Answer 19

• limited furniture
• functional furniture
• open walkways
• absence of throw rugs
• floor surfaces appropriate for mobility devices
• appropriate width of doorways/hallways

Question 20

Kitchens

Answer 20

• safety features of stove
• cabinets within easy reach
• nonskid floor
• location of dining room
• anti-scald devices (sinks/hot water heater to prevent the water from getting too hot)

Question 21

bathroom

Answer 21

• MOST DANGEROUS ROOM OF THE HOUSE
• space between vanity, tub, toilet
• type of tub/shower
• presence of adaptive equipment
• nonskid floor (textured floors)
• NIGHT LIGHTS
• anti-scald devices

Question 22

Bedroom

Answer 22

• lighting, night light
• Height of bed
• location of bed
• accessibility to items in closet and dresser
• proximity to bathroom

Question 23

Miscellaneous things about home assessment

Answer 23

• presences of pets and children
• auditory and or visual smoke detectors, telephone, door bell
• safety devices: emergency call system, cell phone
• neighbors, friends, family (support network)
• bill payment, transportation, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
• presence of clutter (keep the clutter down)