Use of the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool (HSSAT) within Community Health Education to Improve Home Safety. Issue 4 (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horowitz, Beverly P.; Almonte, Tiffany; Vasil, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Occupational therapy in health care. Volume 30:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 372
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Home safety -- home assessment -- health education -- occupational therapy; Occupational therapy -- Periodicals; 615.85152072
• DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2016.1191695
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-0577

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This exploratory research examined the benefits of a health education program utilizing the Home Safety Self-Assessment Tool ( HSSAT ) to increase perceived knowledge of home safety, recognition of unsafe activities, ability to safely perform activities, and develop home safety plans of 47 older adults. Focus groups in two senior centers explored social workers' perspectives on use of the HSSAT in community practice. Results for the health education program found significant differences between reported knowledge of home safety ( p = .02), ability to recognize unsafe activities ( p = .01), safely perform activities ( p = .04), and develop a safety plan ( p = .002). Social workers identified home safety as a major concern and the HSSAT a promising assessment tool. Research has implications for reducing environmental fall risks.