Pamela E. Toto, PhD, OTR/L, BCG, FAOTA, FGSA, an internationally recognized expert in gerontology and director of the University of Pittsburgh Healthy Home Laboratory, joins host Carol Chiang to explore the front lines of aging in place. Together, they discuss how a “living laboratory” is bridging the gap between clinical care and independent living by piloting smart-home technologies in real-world settings. You will discover how to apply the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model to overcome environmental barriers—like the steep stairs and cramped spaces of historic homes—while learning to intervene early to extend client autonomy. Tune in to gain actionable insights on navigating funding challenges and using modern technology solutions to optimize home safety for your older adult patients.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around the most effective solutions, including facilitators and barriers, that promote aging in place
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address aging in place through person-environment-occupation (PEO) modifications and smart-home technology
• Solve patient case scenarios involving common clinical, functional, and behavioral challenges to aging in place

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:03:40) Background and development of guest speaker's PEO model
• (00:06:22) Statistics around aging in place
• (00:09:15) Flexible definition of “home“ as a productive starting point
• (00:11:35) Developing the PEO model through the OT lens
• (00:17:38) Collaborating to break down community silos
• (00:20:00) University of Pittsburgh School of Health‘s “The Hub“ project
• (00:23:00) Using the lab to educate the community
• (00:25:10) Person-centered approach to technology in the home
• (00:28:14) Building solutions to home hurdles, such as grabbers, chair rails, and stairs
• (00:39:30) Available resources for products and services
• (00:46:27) First steps with in-home strategies for clients
• (00:51:30) Financial challenges with home modifications
• (00:55:43) Top three takeaways
• (00:59:00) Q&A on developing a toolkit for in-home smart technology

Innovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/