Home Assessments-Improving Patients’ Capacity for Self-Management

The case study on Ms. D, an older adult with multiple chronic conditions, illustrates the challenges for effective self-management due to medical conditions that lead to an increasing mismatch between the demands of living independently in her home environment and declining functional performance. Ms. D is unable to implement the self-management her PCP has asked of her not only due to her medical impairments but also due to her home environment. The home environment is often not addressed or recognized as part of the medical treatment plan. A home assessment by a multidisciplinary team assesses her independence and functional performance in the home to determine the need for home modifications, use of assistive devices and adaptive techniques, and further education regarding medication management and symptom control. Specific areas of concern for Ms. D are addressing her low vision, instructing her on strategies that allow her to adhere to the medication regimen, suggestions on the use of adaptive equipment, education regarding symptom management, and home modifications to increase safety and independent functional performance within the home.