The Role of Individuals with Mobility Limitations, Family Members, and Helping Agencies in Obtaining Accessible Home Modifications

AbstractHome modifications can enhance the independent living of older adults with mobility limitations; however, obtaining modifications to make the home more accessible often requires resources beyond those of the mobility-limited resident. Personal interviews with independently-living adults with mobility limitations were completed to determine who was responsible for the accessibility modifications present in their homes. Forty-six respondents in two rural counties in North Carolina answered questions concerning who identified the need for the modifications, who financed or provided materials, and who provided the labor. The majority of the respondents were limited-income elderly females. Of seven modifications reported by at least five respondents (grab bars, entry ramp, stools/seats of shower or tub, commodes, hand-held showers, raised toilet seats, and walk-in/roll-in showers), the need was most often identified by someone other than the individual with the mobility limitation. The source of financ...