Modifying the environment, adapting the task, or addressing underlying impairments can change a person’s ability to complete a specific task. Law et. al (1996) developed a model referred to as the PEO (Person – Environment – Occupation) model as a framework for occupational performance.
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Table of Contents
Person
The person consists of the components that make a person including physical, mental, and spiritual components (Law et. al 1996). A person’s ability to complete occupations or tasks is also influenced by their personality and experiences (Law et. al 1996).
The person can engage in many roles at the same time (Law et.al 1996). For example, one person can be a mother, engineer, leader of a religious organization, and amateur baker all at the same time.
Environment
The environment includes not only the physical component but also cultural and social contexts (Law et. al 1996). People’s roles and how they act may also change depending on the specific environment (Law et. al 1996).
Occupation or Tasks
According to Law et. al 1996, “Occupation is defined as groups of self-directed, function tasks and activities in which a person engages over the lifespan.” This can include a collection of tasks that are personally motivating or meets a need, not only jobs or work-related activities.
Occupational Performance
The person, environment, and occupation (or tasks) all interact to create the “occupational performance” as described by Law et. al (1996). The person is “enabled” or more successful when the person, environment, and occupation fit together more closely (Law et. al, 1996).
Enabling Meaningful Success
Modifying the environment, adapting the task, or addressing underlying impairments can change a person’s ability to complete a specific task.
It is important to consult your primary care physician, specialty physician, or appropriate health professional. These strategies will not be appropriate for every individual, and this is not medical advice. These are just factors to consider. Also, see our Disclaimer.
Many of these strategies fit into multiple categories. Multiple strategies may be used in combination to fit the unique individual’s needs.
Here are some examples of strategies to improve safety and independence:
Modify the environment
A rehabilitation specialist should show you how to use these items safely and correctly to minimize the risk of injury.
- Changes within the home examples: Install a walk-in shower, widen doorways, increase the lighting for those with low vision, put in a ramp for easy access, add grab bars by the toilet or shower
- Durable Medical Equipment examples: Shower chair, hospital bed, Bedside commode or toilet riser
- Adaptive Equipment examples: reacher to get items from the floor, long-handled sponge to wash feet and back, long-handled shoe horn, a magnifying glass with light or increased lighting for low vision, pill organizer for medications
See Aging Uniquely’s Resources Page for more information.
Change the approach to the task
- Compensatory Approach examples: learn one-handed techniques (broken arm, stroke), request items in large print, or listen to books on tape for visual issues
- Behavioral Modification examples: schedule appointments in the afternoon if require extra time to get ready, set an alarm to remember to take medications, and go to the bathroom every 2 hours to minimize incontinence
See Aging Uniquely’s Tips for Aging Adults for more ideas!
Addressing Underlying Impairments
Ensure you speak with a doctor or health care team before starting exercise or changing medications. Always consult with a doctor about any health concerns before taking action.
- Exercise to improve strength, endurance, coordination, and balance
- Formal Rehabilitation/ Therapy to improve function and minimize falls. This requires an order from a physician.
- Address Underlying Disease Processes such as pain, infections, and other medical conditions.
- Address possible Medication Side Effects by asking if medications could contribute to mental changes, fatigue, or falls. Never attempt to stop, adjust or start medication on your own without consulting a doctor.
Making a Plan
It is important to consider if a person is appropriate to try the above to attempt to age in place before transitioning to a higher level of care. If someone has the ability to learn how to use equipment and problem solve, using the above strategies may be more appropriate.
A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is an expert in making home modifications to encourage adults to age in place. An occupational therapist can also assist with making recommendations in the home.
See Aging Uniquely’s Resources for CAPs specialists.
When someone is recovering from surgery or hospitalization, using the above strategies with caregiver assistance temporarily until the person is recovered should be considered.
Alternatively, if someone is not expected to make a full recovery, has multiple safety concerns, or has frequent falls, you may need to consider a higher level of care for long-term safety.
Speaking with a medical professional is recommended. You can begin by discussing specific concerns with your loved one and their doctor. Sometimes having a doctor make suggestions can be helpful as some people are more apt to listen to their doctor than their family and it takes some of the pressure off the family to preserve the relationship.
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Next: Location, Location, Location. Considerations when choosing a location to age in place.
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By continuing with this site, you agree that you acknowledge and understand this disclaimer in full and will not hold Aging Uniquely, parent companies, or content creators liable for the information or use of information on this site because everyone ages uniquely and has unique needs. The content on Aging Uniquely sites is for general information purposes only, and Aging Uniquely does not provide medical or health advice. It is not a substitute for medical or health professional advice, and you should never ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking emergency care because of something you read on the Aging Uniquely website or social media platforms. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 911 or seek emergency services. Aging Uniquely is not responsible for what may happen if you use their information in place of medical or professional advice. You are responsible for your own health and safety or how you apply this advice to adults/older adults you support. I highly recommend you consult the proper qualified medical or health professional before implementing any information from Aging Uniquely or other health-related websites.
Sources:
Law, Mary, Cooper, Barbara, Strong, Susan and Particia Rigby. (1996). The Person-Environment-Occupation Model: A Transactive Approach to Occupational Performance. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 63 (1) 9-23. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273200360_The_Person-Environment-Occupation_Model_A_Transactive_Approach_to_Occupational_Performance