Introduction: Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) is an evidence-based program designed to promote aging in place. CAPABLE is delivered by an occupational therapist, nurse, and a handy worker over four months. This study characterized home modifications and equipment provided to help older adults meet their goals. Understanding the costs and categories associated is essential when implementing an aging in place program.
Objectives: Characterize home modifications when implementing CAPABLE for older adults and care partners through a community-based service model.
Methods: This descriptive study reports the cost of home modifications and equipment using a 2-tier system. Tier 1 included fewer than 3 home modifications in under a 4-hour visit. Tier 2 provided 3+ home modifications in more than a 4-hour visit. Means and percentages were analyzed through a spending Excel log and home modification work orders.
Results: Data analysis revealed 62 older adults completed the program, 53 receiving home modifications and 61 receiving equipment. The average cost per home modification totaled $842.30 and the average cost per equipment order reached $116.58. Work orders revealed participants required handheld shower heads, handrails, lighting, and more to meet their goals. On average, participants received 4 pieces of equipment and 3 home modifications through the program.
Conclusion: These findings illustrate the range of home modifications and equipment older adults received, with the majority falling under tier 2 (71.87%). This indicates it is not costly or complex to provide home modifications to help older adults age in place.