The effect of home modification on quality of life and environmental risk in older adults: a single-group intervention study

OBJECTIVE: A substantial proportion of older adults live in homes with structural or environmental barriers that are not conducive to ageing in place and often contain various environmental risks. This study aimed to investigate the effects of home modification intervention on environmental risk levels and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 older adults (mean age = 71.25 ± 6.39 years; range: 65-88) participated in the study. The intervention included in-home assessments of environmental risks and the implementation of tailored home modification recommendations. Environmental risk and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention using the Home Environment Risk Rating Scale and the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12), respectively. RESULTS: Post-intervention analyses revealed a significant reduction in environmental risk scores across all areas of the home (Z=-4.472, p < 0.001). Furthermore, quality of life significantly improved, as indicated by increased scores in both the physical (Z=-3.781, p < 0.001) and mental (Z=-2.096, p = 0.036) components of the SF-12. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that low-cost, individualised home modifications can effectively reduce environmental risk and enhance both physical and mental aspects of quality of life in older adults. These results underscore the value of sustainable, home-based interventions to support ageing in place.