Research Article  |   November 2015
Home Modifications for People With Alzheimer’s Disease: A Scoping Review
Linda R. Struckmeyer; Noralyn Davel Pickens
Author Affiliations
  • Linda R. Struckmeyer, MA, OTR/L, ATP, is Clinical Lecturer, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida, and Doctoral Student, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas; lstruckmeyer@phhp.ufl.edu
  • Noralyn Davel Pickens, PhD, OT, is Associate Professor and Associate Director, School of Occupational Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas
Article Information
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia / Home Accessibility/Environmental Modification / Neurologic Conditions / Productive Aging
Research Article   |   November 2015
Home Modifications for People With Alzheimer’s Disease: A Scoping Review
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 2015, Vol. 70, 7001270020p1-7001270020p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.016089
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, November 2015, Vol. 70, 7001270020p1-7001270020p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.016089
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this review was twofold: (1) to gain insight into what is known from the literature about home modifications for people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and (2) to identify gaps in the literature that could lead to opportunities for research.

METHOD. A systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed articles published from 1994 through 2014 explored home modifications and AD.

RESULTS. Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. The three major findings pertain to (1) the caregiver role and caregiver training, (2) a client-centered collaborative approach to assessment and intervention, and (3) modifications for safety and function. Home modifications involved the physical and social environments as well as cognitive strategies at the task level.

CONCLUSION. Opportunities exist for the development of assessment procedures, the exploration of home modifications in the later stages of AD, and the study of home modification needs of people with dementia who live alone.