Factors affecting older adults' use of adaptive equipment: Review of the literature

Objective. The purpose oft his review waste identify the major findings of published research on the fact ors influencing older adults' use of adaptiv e equipment. Method. Fourteen studies involving an older adult sample were selected from major electronic bibliographic databases searched with a series of key wor ds related to aging and equipment use. Results of these studies were compar ed to determine the most common factors influencing the use of adaptive equ ipment among older adults. Results. Although the reviewed studies varied in their sampling strategies and designs, many results were similar Between 47% and 82% of prescribed eq uipment continues to be used by older adults, with use decreasing over time . Findings from published studies show that equipment suitability, adequate training, and pre-prescription home visits contribute to these rater of us e. Lack of fit among the person, his or her environment, and the equipment was the primary reason identified for nonuse. Conclusion. The results of the published research provide practicing occupa tional therapists with a range of factors to consider when prescribing adap tive equipment to older adults. Although the findings of this review demons trate remarkable consistency across existing research findings, future rese arch is needed to identify, what constitutes optimal device use, what facto rs provide personal motivation for using assistive devices, and how home vi sits influence use.