Providing low-tech assistive equipment through home care services: The Massachusetts Assistive Equipment Demonstration

摘要

This research demonstration study investigated the potential for distributing low-cost, low-tech assistive equipment to functionally disabled elders through a state-funded home care program. The project strengthened the capacity of home care coordinating agencies to make assistive devices available to clients and then examined the extent to which devices reached clients and were beneficial to them. Using a quasi-experimental design, clients from one home care agency received the intervention six months prior to another agency to permit evaluation of the program and client outcomes. Case managers participated in training sessions that provided an introduction to assistive equipment and guidelines for assessing clients, then worked with their clients to select and order appropriate equipment. Client outcomes were assessed through pre- and post-intervention client interviews and client records. Case managers distributed a modest amount of equipment that addressed a range of daily living activities to nearly 200 clients (average of four items at $76 per client). While there was no evidence that the project resulted in favorable implications for clients' performance of daily activities, there was evidence that equipment was beneficial on a task-specific basis, and clients reported high satisfaction. The demonstration was instructive and led to recommendations for supporting case managers as gatekeepers for disseminating assistive equipment to elder home care clients.