The Home Environment: How does it affect the Occupational Performance of Older People and What Intervention does Occupational Therapy Provide?

In the United Kingdom, as in many other countries of the world, the number of older people is increasing both in terms of numbers and as a percentage of the overall population. The process of aging introduces new physical and mental limitations in older people and these people experience a deterioration in their eyesight, sense of hearing, muscle and bone strength as well as a deterioration in short – term memory and general cognitive performance amongst other age induced limitations.This dissertation attempts to examine the link between an older person’s home environment and their occupational performance, the role of the occupational therapist in the care of older people and the United Kingdom National Service Framework for Older People.