Understanding home modifications impact on clients and their family's experience of home: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background/aim: Home modifications aim to enhance safety and occupational performance in the home. However, given the complexity and unique meaning of the home, they can impact aspects other than function. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore the impact of home modifications on clients and their family's experience of home.

Methods: Home modification clients and their family and carers participated in 42 in-depth interviews which were analysed using a template analysis.

Findings: Home modifications impacted positively and negatively on five dimensions of the home environment, the personal, occupational, physical, temporal and social dimension. The outcomes of the modifications and the home modification process were influenced by three themes, workmanship, consultation or involvement in decision-making, and the societal dimension of the home environment.

Conclusions: The negative outcomes and poor consultation experiences suggest the need for occupational therapists to understand their client's personal experience of home and to comprehensively follow-up and evaluate these following home modifications.

Keywords: disability; home environment; home modifications; occupational therapy.