Citation

Wilson CM, Arena SK, Adcock K, Colling D. Home Healthc. Now 2019; 37(2): 88-96.

Affiliation

Christopher M. Wilson, PT, DPT, DScPT, is an Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Program, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Sara K. Arena, PT, MS, DScPT, is an Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Program, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan. Karen Adcock, SDC, is Director of Senior Services, City of Auburn Hills-Senior Services Department, Auburn Hills, Michigan. Debra Colling, CYT, was the Health and Wellness Coordinator & Community Liaison, City of Auburn Hills-Senior Services Department, Auburn Hills, Michigan; and is the Program Coordinator, HOP-UP-PT Program, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NHH.0000000000000716

PMID

30829786

Abstract

Traditional home healthcare reimbursement models emphasize intervention after a medical or functional issue occurs, and there is little evidence of preventative home-based physical therapy services for those at highest risk of becoming homebound due to illness, injury, or functional limitation. The purpose of this study was to describe the development and initial pilot results of the Home-based Older Person Upstreaming Prevention Physical Therapy (HOP-UP-PT) Program. The prospective observational pilot study included five participants referred from a community center. The HOP-UP-PT Program utilized fall risk, functional, environmental, cognitive, and health-related assessments. Two males and three females aged 73 to 92 years were enrolled. Outcomes suggest that health, functional, and environmental benefits may be achieved when an older person participates in the HOP-UP-PT Program. Safety and health benefits gained by two individuals referred to the program, but who did not meet inclusion criteria, are also reported. Evidence emerging from this pilot study suggests trends toward improved functional outcomes associated with reduced fall risk and customized home-based safety recommendations among older adults participating in the HOP-UP-PT Program.

Language: en