What is aging in place?

Long-Term Independence at Home

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) defines Aging in Place, "The baby boomers are demanding a different approach to aging, including being able to stay in their homes as long as possible. However, only one in six home owners has made home modifications that would allow them to be safe and comfortable in their home as they age.

The goals of aging in place are to enhance the quality of life for older adults in their home environment, allow them to participate in valued activities, and ensure that people who plan to stay in their homes as they age make the necessary modifications to do so."

Occupational Therapist, Alyssa Bowser, believes that your environment at any age either supports your wellness or it does not. Now is the time to proactively protect your independence and ability to enjoy your life to the fullest!

There is a wealth of academic research that supports her perspective and that there is therapeutic value in the built environment.

Mission statement

LHS is dedicated to helping clients achieve their best, barrier-free life through individualized planning, goals setting, and evidence-based interventions while delivering thoughtful, client-centered care.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH and substantial evidence

Article 1

NCOA includes Occupational Therapists in their Falls Free Initiative:

Falls Free® Initiative

Articles 2-3

National Institute of Health includes home modifications led by an occupational therapist as 1 of 7 effective interventions in study:

The Potential to Reduce Falls and Avert Costs by Clinically Managing Fall Risk

CDC study finds Home mods delivered by an OT prevents highest number of falls and medically treated falls and yields highest medical cost containment among all 7 interventions (Stevens & Lee AJPM 2018) [page 12 of article]:

https://na.eventscloud.com/file_uploads/48dec2df8e579b1d5b70bd3df9508d36_DellingerNCOA2019.pdf

Article 4

NCOA reports that home modification OTs are a vital part of any falls prevention team and emphasizes the importance of relying on teamwork to protect your health and independence.

Falls Prevention is a Team Effort

Article 5

American Occupational Therapy Association basic tips for helping your parent's ability to be safe and independent.

Helping Your Older Parent Remain at Home

Article 5

Health Policy Researchers Find Occupational Therapy is Only Spending Category That Reduces Hospital Readmissions

Medical Care Research and Review, Rogers, Bai, Lavin, & Anderson studied over 1 million Medicare Patients

https://www.aota.org/Publications-News/AOTANews/2016/Occupational-Therapy-Reduces-Hospital-Readmissions.aspx

Testimonials

Deep Compassion and Understanding

My parents were so touched by Alyssa and all her help last winter. Her suggestions got them through some difficult days. She has a real gift with people and we all are richer for knowing her!

~ Jennifer, whose father was diagnosed with ALS

Insightful Professionalism

Deep Compassion and Understanding

I remember well Alyssa's wealth of insight and encouragement as we tried to care for my momma, and keep her healthy. Professional and personal insight that was so helpful - she has such wisdom!

~ Sara, whose mother was falling