Adherence to occupational therapist recommendations for home modifications for falls prevention.

Objective: This study examined adherence to home modification recommendations made by an occupational therapist and attempted to identify predictors of adherence.

Method: An experienced occupational therapist visited the homes of 178 people (mean age = 764 years) to evaluate for and recommend appropriate home modifications for falls prevention. One year later, a research assistant visited these persons' homes to assess adherence.

Results: At least one home modification was recommended in 150 of the 178 homes visited. The most common recommendations were to remove mats and throw rugs (48%), to change footwear (24%), and to use a nonslip bathmat (21%). In the 121 homes revisited after 12 months, 419 home modifications had been recommended, and 216 (52%) were met with partial or complete adherence. The only significant predictors of adherence were a belief that home modifications can prevent falls and having help at home from relatives.

Conclusion: A major barrier to adherence to home modification recommendations is that many older people do not believe that home modifications can reduce their risk of falling.