Animal-assisted therapy is offered in a wide

This study illuminates the importance of therapeutic listening, the innovativeness of people who have chronic pain, and the possible therapeutic potential of occupation.

No abstract

After reviewing the literature on environmental safety and existing home safety evaluation tools, the researchers developed the Cougar Home Safety Assessment Version 1.0 (Cougar 1.0). This assessment is a 56-item tool for identifying environmental safety hazards in the homes of older persons. The first purpose of this study was to develop and field test the Cougar 1.0 to determine its inter-rater reliability and validity. The second purpose was to identify specific environmental safety hazards in the residences of older persons during the field test. Three graduate occupational therapy students administered the Cougar 1.0 in the homes of 14 older persons within one county of northeastern Pennsylvania. The instrument was found to have a moderate level of inter-rater reliability, as Cohen’s Kappa for the ratings of the 3 raters was .506. Percent agreement between the three raters was 90 percent. The field test found that the most frequently unsafe aspects of the homes were: a lack of grab bars near toilets; no emergency numbers posted near phones; the presence of non-grip throw rugs; lack of fire extinguishers; and lack of step stools. Participating residents and occupational therapy home safety specialists provided positive feedback regarding the content validity of the Cougar 1.0. This research suggests that the use of this instrument by occupational therapists may prevent client injuries in the home.

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to develop and field test the Cougar Home Safety Assessment version 2.0 (Cougar 2.0). Method:  First, the Cougar 2.0 was adapted and developed from the Cougar 1.0 — a tool made for a prior study. The Cougar 2.0 was then field tested in the residences of 44 older adults who lived alone. Additionally, the residents and a panel of occupational therapy home care specialists completed questionnaires about the assessment. Results:  A number of concerning safety hazards were identified. An overall mean safety score of 89% was obtained. Fire risk criteria were the most unsafe. Favourable face validity feedback was obtained. Conclusion:  There is a need for occupational therapy home safety assessment for older people who live alone. The Cougar 2.0 appears to be a valid tool in this regard. The Cougar Home Safety Assessment series is available at: http://www.misericordia.edu/misericordia_pg_sub.cfm?sub_page_id=935&subcat_id=108&page_id=338