Home Modification Assessments for Accessibility and Aesthetics: A Rapid Review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify assessments used to evaluate the homes of people with disabilities in terms of accessibility, usability, activities, comfort/satisfaction, and aesthetics. Background: The home is increasingly becoming an environment for healthcare as more people desire to age in place. Research indicates home environmental modifications to be beneficial to promote a better person–environment fit, especially when using a standardized assessment approach. There is not a comprehensive list of assessments that address home modifications, adaptations, or interior designs for people with disabilities. Method: Researchers conducted a rapid review of articles, with data collection scales, instruments, and procedures for home modifications published between 2000 and 2017. Results: A total of 26 articles met the inclusion criteria, resulting in the identification of 33 distinct assessments, including 18 assessments evaluating the accessibility of home modifications, 3 assessments examining usability, 15 assessments addressing activities of daily living or functional activities, and 5 assessments addressing comfort and/or satisfaction. No assessments for aesthetics were located. Conclusion: Researchers developed a list of assessments that could be used for research or practice. Further research is needed to address the lack of assessments focusing on the aesthetics or attractiveness of home modifications, as well as more assessments tailored to specific diagnoses and population groups.