Modifiable Factors on Use of Adaptive Strategies Among Functionally Vulnerable Older Persons

Abstract

Providing adaptive strategies to offset functional limitation is common therapeutic practice with frail older adults in home care or rehabilitation. This study examines modifiable factors that influence the use of two types of adaptive strategies, environmental (assistive technology, home modifications) and behavioral (energy conservation, performance techniques). The sample included 154 functionally vulnerable elders, aged 70 years or older, who participated in a randomized trial that was implemented to improve daily function. Strategy use scores reflected the percentage of strategies utilized of those introduced in intervention. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that a person’s enhanced readiness to change predicted environmental strategy use, whereas living alone and a person’s desire to learn new mobility skills predicted behavioral strategy use. Higher education was associated with behavioral strategy use for Whites but not for non-Whites, most of whom were African American. Other participant demographic and health related characteristics were not predictive of either strategy type. Findings show that predictors differ for each type of adaptive strategy, suggesting that training for use be tailored to strategy type and individual characteristics.