Synonyms
Environmental adaptation; Environmental intervention; Home modification
Definition
Environmental modifications (EM) entail the rearranging, rebuilding, or retrofitting of existing spaces to make them accessible, usable, and safe either for a specific individual or for people with disabilities, in general. This type of modification can involve installing equipment, simple structural changes to a single room, or significant alterations to an entire structure.
Current Knowledge
Modifications may be undertaken (1) out of a desire to optimize safety, mobility, and independence; (2) at the direction of a rehabilitation professional; or (3) under a legal mandate such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. EM may entail simple installation of prefabricated adaptive devices (durable medical equipment (DME)) such as grab bars and a shower bench, significant structural changes such as adding a ramp or widening a doorway, or combinations of the two. DME can be fabricated to an...
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Further Readings
Cheek, P., Nikpour, L., & Nowlin, H. D. (2005). Aging well with smart technology. Nursing Administration Quarterly., 29(3), 329–338.
Fielo, S. B., & Warren, S. A. (2001). Home adaptation: Helping older people age in place. Geriatric Nursing, 22(5), 239–247.
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Behel, J. (2018). Environmental Modifications. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_397
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_397
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