A study on the home modifications required for discharged patients from hospital to home

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study is to find out the actual situations of discharged patients' home modifications to mitigate the environmental gap between a recovery rehabilitation hospital and their own homes, as well as to identify their potential needs for home improvement. The results of this study show: (1) Patients have many potential needs for home modification which are hard for a physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT) to discover at one‐time‐only home inspections 1 month before discharge. (2) The typical suggestion from a PT or OT is to install handrails, whereas architectural experts have limited opportunity to give professional advice; therefore, a collaboration system should be established.

Keywords

• home
• paralysis
• recovery rehabilitation hospital
• return home
• subsidy system