Home Modifications

Question 1

Anthropometrics

Answer 1

The study of human body dimensions such as height, weight, leg length, and body segment length as applied to living and working spaces, furniture, and equipment
-Basis for designing spaces that “fit” an individual or group in the home, workplace, or community

Question 2

Steps to Use Anthropometric Measurements to Design Space

Answer 2

1. Identify the target user population
2. Identify the criteria that are important to the user (comfort, use, clearance)
3. Identify important body dimensions (thigh length for a chair)
4. Determine if the space is being designed for one person or a population (consider averages and extremes)
5. Measure body parts or find data from antrhopometric data tables. Measure length of body segments between joints using tape measures or calipers
6. Consider other factors impacting use of space (wearing heavy clothing in cold temps may impact fit, use of walkers or wheelchairs)
7. Create a mock-up or virtual model that can be tested with a user

Question 3

Purposes for Environmental Assessments

Answer 3

• Overall Independence
• Home Safety and Fall Prevention
• Aging in Place
• Community Livability
• Injury Prevention and Productivity

Question 4

Livability

Answer 4

Addresses the structure, accessibility, services, and enhancements that promote quality of life for all community inhabitants

Question 5

Visitability

Answer 5

The incorporation of basic featires into the homes of a persons using mobility devices to facilitate ease of entrance, exit, visit, or stay for any length of time

Question 6

Home environments should be designed to improve…

Answer 6

Livability and visibility for home inhabitants and visitors

Question 7

Basic home features that should be incorporated into all homes that enhance accessibility of visitors using wheelchairs include:

Answer 7

• No step entrances
• Wide doorways of 32”
• Access to first floor bathrooms

Question 8

Home Environment Assessment and Modification

Answer 8

• Understanding the Client: Occupational Profile
• Team Approach: Including a Variety of Stakeholders
• Funding Options
• Creating the Problem List
• Process
• Entryways, Ramps, and Home Exteriors
• Exterior Stairs, Elevators and Lifts
• Stairs: Exterior and Interior
• Doors
• Lighting and Outlets
• Interior Floors, Hallways, Doorways, and Windows
• Bathrooms
• Kitchen
• Living and Dining Room
• Closets
• Home Safety AT

Question 9

Home environment interventions are most effective when they consider…

Answer 9

The specific needs of individual clients rather than generically addressing a checklist of common home safety concerns

Question 10

Entryways, Ramps, and Home Exteriors

Answer 10

• A 5x5 foot space (1.5x1.5 meters) both outside and inside the doorway should be present to provide an adequate turning radius for wheelchair users
• Use of appropriate lighting
• Doorbell that is lit or has vibrating device/alarm or amplification
• Keyless entry system
• Garage light and door remote (minimize safety hazards)

Question 11

Thresholds into the Home (Entryways, Ramps, and Home Exteriors)

Answer 11

Should be flush with the floor no higher than 0.5 inches to prevent tripping

Question 12

Types of Ramps (Entryways, Ramps, and Home Exteriors)

Answer 12

• Portable: Offer flexibility in time and installation (temp health condition)
• Permanent: For those who have condition that will not improve or will worsen overtime (OT should work with CAPS builder to accurately measure)

Question 13

ADA Ramps (Entryways, Ramps, and Home Exteriors)

Answer 13

• Landing: 60x60 inches (1.5x1.5m)
• Slope: 1 foot (30.48cm) of rise for each 12 feet (3.65m)
• Should have handrails on each side and can be in garage if warranted

Question 14

Stairs: Exterior and Interior

Answer 14

Must be well lit with a light switch at the top and bottom

• Flat part of steps should be 11-12 feet (~28-30cm) deep and 36 inches (~91cm) wide
• Nonslip, color contrast, and landing every 10 steps recommended
• Bilateral handrail: ~34 inches (~86cm) from the floor, ~1.5 inches (~4cm) from the wall, and extend 1-2 inches (~2-5cm) beyond the top and bottom step

Question 15

Doors

Answer 15

Door style and hardware should be considered along with width of open door clearance, threshold height, and door weight

• Door opening should be 36 inches (~91cm)
• Keyless entry should be considered

Question 16

Lighting and Outlets

Answer 16

• Natural light should be utilized but avoid glare or overnighting
• Furniture should be repositioned newer windows to offset need for electrical lights
• Automatic nightlights for older adults or low vision
• Light switch at entrance of each room
• Electrical outlets can be close to floor but use of extension cords should be minimized

Question 17

Interior Floors, Hallways, Doorways, and Windoes

Answer 17

• Smooth and slip resistance
• Acoid area rugs and runners without nonslip backing
• Hallways should be at least 36 inches (~91cm) wide and thresholds should be eliminated or .5 inches (~1cm) or lower