A field test of the Cougar Home Safety Assessment (version 2.0) in the homes of older persons living alone
Australian Occupational Therapy JournalPublished 18 August 2006
Grace Fisher, ALISON D. BAKER, Dana Koval, Christine Lishok, Emily Maisto
Citations18
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score0.65
SNIP1.01
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TL;DR
There is a need for occupational therapy home safety assessment for older people who live alone and the Cougar 2.0 appears to be a valid tool in this regard.
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and field test the Cougar Home Safety Assessment version 2.0 (Cougar 2.0). Method: First, the Cougar 2.0 was adapted and developed from the Cougar 1.0 — a tool made for a prior study. The Cougar 2.0 was then field tested in the residences of 44 older adults who lived alone. Additionally, the residents and a panel of occupational therapy home care specialists completed questionnaires about the assessment. Results: A number of concerning safety hazards were identified. An overall mean safety score of 89% was obtained. Fire risk criteria were the most unsafe. Favourable face validity feedback was obtained. Conclusion: There is a need for occupational therapy home safety assessment for older people who live alone. The Cougar 2.0 appears to be a valid tool in this regard. The Cougar Home Safety Assessment series is available at: http://www.misericordia.edu/misericordia_pg_sub.cfm?sub_page_id=935&subcat_id=108&page_id=338
Keywords
Social SciencesMedicineEngineering
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