Occupational Therapy in an Area Agency on Aging: Informing Caregiver Support and Fall Prevention Programming

Abstract

This paper details an occupational therapy doctoral capstone project at an area agency on aging. Based on a needs assessment, gap analysis, and literature review, the capstone student planned out a two-fold project. The student first addressed caregiver burden through the creation of an energy conservation handout. A survey found that most caregivers struggled with fatigue and pain, and they thought the information in the handout was relevant to caregiving. A vast majority also stated they were likely to apply the energy conservation strategies to caregiving and daily activities. The student then wrote a literature review to inform the implementation of CAPABLE, a fall/disability prevention program, at the area agency on aging. Based on the project evaluation, future capstone projects could include occupational therapy sessions with caregivers, caregiver workshops, education on environment modification for those with dementia, and supporting the implementation of CAPABLE.