Introduction

Safety and ability to function in the environment are dependent on both environmental and non-environmental factors. Assessment of physical and functional limitations as well as assessment of the environment is of paramount importance when providing intervention to older adults. The purpose of this unit is to introduce three of the most prevalent sources of home-based accidental injury for the elderly, identify potential environmental barriers to home safety, and present potential solutions for preventing or minimizing injury in the home.

Objectives

At the end of this unit, the learner should be able to:

• Identify three of the most prevalent sources of accidental injury in the home for the elderly.
• Describe potential environmental barriers to home safety for the elderly.
• Discuss appropriate solutions for preventing or minimizing injury in the home.

Introduction

The rate at which aging occurs and the subsequent sensory loss experienced varies greatly among individuals. While many are able to compensate and adapt well to age-related sensory changes, others often encounter extreme difficulty; particularly, when multiple sensory impairments are compounded by multiple health problems. Life can become dangerous if sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and other sensory events are misperceived or erroneously interpreted.

This module presents selected age-related changes in the visual, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory systems. Each related change is discussed in light of its potential to negatively influence function and safe interaction within the environment. A variety of strategies and resources for intervention are presented to minimize the risks associated with safety and function and to enhance self-image and interaction with others, thereby improving overall quality of life.

Objectives

At the end of this unit, the learner should be able to:

• Describe selected age-related changes that occur in each of the following senses:
  • Vision
  • Audition
  • Gustation
  • Olfaction
• Describe the impact of age-related changes on occupational functioning.
• Select appropriate interventions/modifications to accommodate for age-related declines.

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