Environmental Modifications For The Home

Care at home is the most preferred method for caregivers and their client and/or loved one. Their client is comfortable in their own personal domestic space and have all their belongings at hand. Personal control theory has shown more comfort for caregivers when providing services to the individual (Gitlin et al., 2001). Thus, being at home is the best for caregiver services versus other facilities. However, some clients may require safety modifications at home and/or a more organized space. Having significantly impacted spatial awareness along with memory deficits can be a hazard for the client if they do not know what they are doing. The caregiver may not also be in the same room as them at the time when they require assistance. Individuals with cognitive-communication disorders such as those with right hemisphere dysfunction and/or dementia have reduced self-awareness. Thus, they may not know how limited they are in their living capabilities. Environmental modifications can lead to a safer and more functional way of living (Sohlberg & Mateer, 2001).

Who Requires Home Modifications

Home modifications can be different but apply to everyone. According to Soilemezi et al. (2019), applying home modification strategies not only applies to those with executive functioning impairments, but to the elderly as well. Capabilities of daily living are constantly monitored for senior citizens in order to make their residence a safer space if necessary (Soilemezi et al., 2019). To those with cognitive-communication disorders such as right-hemisphere dysfunction, Alzheimer's, and traumatic brain injuries, this is especially helpful as they have much more difficulties with daily living than the average senior citizen. Memory is impacted along with awareness of the space, which results in disorientation. Reasoning and problem solving is also impacted so clients may not be able to remember how to access appliances, organize their space, and may not even be aware of when they are being quite untidy. Home modifications for organization, a tidy living space, and a safe environment are key for the client to thrive without them being a threat to themselves or a cause of concern for caregivers.