Understanding key home and community environment challenges encountered by older adults undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty

This study explored specific home and community physical environment challenges faced by community-dwelling older adults while performing daily activities and actions taken to modify their homes before surgery.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 older adult-care partner dyads pre- and post-surgery to identify key built environment barriers and facilitators in addition to home modifications made pre-and post-surgery.RESULTS: Challenges anticipated by participants to perform daily activities pre-surgery varied from those experienced post-surgery. Lack of support along stairs or in bathrooms, flooring material, and transitions were significant concerns raised by participants pre-surgery. Size and layout of home and ergonomics of resting furniture were recognized as issues post-surgery. Modifications ranged from easy fixes like rearranging furniture, removing clutter, installing grab bars to high-cost structural changes like remodeling critical spaces like bathrooms. Although participants agreed on the importance of conducting proactive home assessments and modifications before surgery, perceived costs, and lack of knowledge or services limit older adults from implementing some changes.DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Home modifications must be considered proactively before an event such as a THA or TKA. These should be done within the context of the specific needs, abilities, financial capabiliti...
Source: The Gerontologist - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: research