Authors (including presenting author) :
LAI FHY(1), FAN SHU(2), YAN EWH(3), YU KKY(4)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, (2)Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital, (3)Occupational Therapy Department, Kowloon Hospital, (4)The Salvation Army Tai Po Integrated Service for Senior Citizens
Introduction :
In Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), environment encompasses objects, people, and tasks of daily living that can either support or interfere with occupational function. The interaction between the person and the environment and the way in which each influence the open system must be considered. This is particularly important for community-dwelling people with dementia (PWD).
Objectives :
This is a pioneer study composed of a home hazard survey; and to compare two interventions using a 6-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial.
Methodology :
50 community dwelling moderate dementia subjects (CDR> 2) were recruited, 32% of study population reported with hazards which labelled as “Home Environment and Furniture”, 28% of recruited population reported with hazards in “Capability in Activities of Daily Living” and 32 % of study population reported with hazards in “Use of devices”.12 of them reported with five or more home hazards and labelled as high-risk group. All these high-risk subjects received the same psychoeducation program on home safety and fall prevention as intervention for one month in their own home. Then for the following six months in community, participants were randomized. For control group, participants received bi-weekly reviews of home safety and fall prevention. Experimental group will have regular training on the use of VR-based home safety alertness for near miss.
Result & Outcome :
In six-months follow-up, both experimental and control group showed significantly lower incidence of fall (5 % and 8% respectively) when compared with 18% in general dementia population. Results indicated home safety and fall prevention screening is effective to reduce home hazards. Application of VR can be a reinforcing strategy for people with dementia.
Co-location with:
