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Emerging Areas of Practice: Home Modification

Something I have learned about myself since starting OT school is how I tend to center my beliefs on what should be done for a client based on what I would prefer to be done for myself.  Therefore, the idea of integrating more technology into one's life does not seem appealing to me, so I won't do that to someone else.  But what if that technology could allow someone to access rooms that were once unreachable or even get to a place of living independently because of technological advances?  Who am I to say that people shouldn't have more technological assistance just because that does not sound appealing in my life?  Ironically enough, my husband is an electrical engineer who, of course, specializes in home automation.  Most of his customers are very wealthy people who want an Apple system installed in their homes, but recently I've begun thinking about how much he could help me promote participation in meaningful activities for my future clients.  That sounds cool!

Many have cited the growing need for home modification stems directly from the aging population of baby boomers.  Living independently is one of the most important ideals for the elderly population, and home modification is proving an effective strategy in this desire.  Simple changes such as rearranging furniture and installing grab bars can be one way an OT might problem-solve.  Lowering light switches, cabinets and kitchen appliances can also be home modification techniques.  Even with the emerging ideas of home modification, there are still many ways to improve the environment of an individual and having a creative and innovative mindset is crucial to successful re-integration.  Although home modification focuses on the elderly population, many other groups can benefit from this strategy as well, which is why technological advances and modifications can be crucial to effective OT.

After all, the AOTA 2025 occupational therapy envision advocates that the profession focus on accessibility, collaboration, leadership and effectiveness.  I cannot even begin to understand the electronic details behind what my husband does, but that does not mean our two professions cannot work together.  In fact, collaboration of multiple disciplines can produce the most effective results.  Integrating the understanding of multiple professionals will provide expertise and diversity.  Just as the population changes so do motivations which is why OT can never stop changing and adapting.  I don't know what my future career will look like, but I am so excited to see where I will be drawn.  Perhaps I'll be involved in home modification, or maybe I won't.  What I do know is that I am a part of an exciting profession that allows its practitioners to pursue the desires and passions they find meaningful.  Just as OT adapts to its clients, it also adapts to its therapists and that is truly exciting!

Vision 2025. (June, 2016). Retrieve from https://www.aota.org/AboutAOTA/vision-2025.aspx

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