Living at home for as long as possible
In a pilot project, the Occupational Therapy research unit is investigating what older people need so that they can live at home independently for as long as possible, despite chronic illnesses. This interprofessional project is being conducted with partners from Kriens in the canton of Lucerne.
There are more and more older people in Switzerland. Many of them want to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible. However, only in very few cases do flats and houses meet the changing needs of older people. This especially applies to people with chronic illnesses who, due to advancing physical limitations, experience difficulties with everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, washing and cooking. Occupational therapy support can help those affected so that they are able to remain in their home surroundings for longer. However, occupational therapy is generally only medically prescribed when, for example, older people have a fall and their homes have to be adapted as a result.
Earlier inclusion of occupational therapy could, however, help to provide a preventative approach to problems in the living environment of older people – ideally in cooperation with the Spitex organisation, since its employees gain an early impression of the everyday life and challenges faced by older people with chronic illnesses.
Adapting the home environment to prevent accidents
The ZHAW’s Occupational Therapy research unit, along with Spitex Kriens and the Occupational Therapy Centre in Lucerne (Zentrum für Ergotherapie Luzern GmbH), are currently investigating in a pilot project whether targeted collaboration involving the Spitex organisation and occupational therapy could be a promising arrangement. Within the framework of the project, an interprofessional preventative approach to adapting housing is to be created by Spitex employees and occupational therapists in the areas of housekeeping and care, which will be tested in Kriens. Thomas Ballmer, who is involved in the project, states that, in addition to adapting furnishings and fittings in the home, what is offered could also include advice on health-promoting behaviour, as well as the provision of existing services, such as transport and meals or neighbourhood assistance, depending on client priorities.
Focus groups as a basis
Focus groups with affected individuals and their relatives, as well as specialists from the health, social and housing sectors, form the basis for the joint development. In group interviews in June 2020, the researchers collected data on the challenges and existing support possibilities for older people with chronic illnesses and also on the potential offered by a preventative support approach.
The data collected is currently being analysed. In the next step, this approach involving preventative adaptation of housing will be made concrete. From late autumn 2020, the Spitex employees in Kriens and occupational therapists will launch the pilot phase in the Kriens area. In the process, Spitex employees will identify clients who could benefit from such an approach. These will then receive two consultations at their homes with an occupational therapist. During these visits, difficulties in everyday life will be clarified and measures decided upon jointly. The Spitex employees will subsequently provide further support in implementing these measures. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2021.
Go to project website (German)