A program offered by a Maryland college troubleshoots people's homes as a method of enhancing the quality of life of the owner, according to a published report.
The program operating under the school of nursing program at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore sent someone who holds an occupational therapy job to the home belonging to an elderly woman about two years ago, The Baltimore Sun reports. Many safety hazards popped out.
"So much about aging has to do with managing activity," associate professor Sarah L. Szanton, who heads the program, told the news source. "First, people have to have their basic needs met and be able to get around. It's very basic things that the rest of us take for granted."
Scattered rugs pose threats to people who have balance issues, slipping and falling were easy to do in the woman's bathroom and her front yard had no ramp, necessitating use of a walker to scale a grassy hill.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries, illnesses and additional disabilities.