Development of an application ("app") for training and assessment of home modification installations for aging in place

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ABSTRACT Improper installation of a grab bar can be a greater risk to seniors’ safety than one that is not there at all. In this Phase I SBIR proposal, Homes Renewed Ventures, LLC (HRV, Washington, DC) creates an interactive mobile application (APP) will captures site specific inputs from a licensed contractor (contractor) to generate customized guidance and instructions for the proper specification, placement and installation of grab bars including photo documentation of each critical step of the process which can be used to verify compliance with the instructions. The goal is to help Americans age in their homes safely and healthily, reducing health care spending and supporting independence and quality of life. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University has observed not only that retrofitting older housing with accessibility features (e.g., grab bars, stair rails, curbless showers, ramps, improved lighting, non-slip flooring) will be a growth market for the remodeling industry; but that less than 5% of homes have significant accessibility features today. The largest number of falls occur in the home - specifically in the bathroom. Loss of independence in toileting is a trigger of a move from the home to a higher level of care. As a result, bathroom safety and independence are the #1 priority for home modifications (“HM”). While there are few rigorous studies to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of HMs , they are supported by public policy, clinical practice and a large number of studies that have shown their effectiveness as part of a multifactorial intervention to promote aging in place. Proper specification and installation of grab bars are critical to the safety and health of seniors. Grab bars can be easily purchased, are relatively inexpensive and can be installed in most dwellings. However, installing grab bars can be a challenge due to the many variables. Yet there is a lack of information readily available. Typically, this industry relies on complicated drawings, permits and trained inspectors to verify that work is done properly. The HRV APP will automate the design process to determine appropriate grab bar specifications (e.g., size, shape, location, fastener type) in existing residential bathrooms, and use photo documentation to automate verification and inspection after installation. In Aim 1 HRV will obtain feedback from an Expert Panel and survey responses from 100 contractors. In Aim 2 the survey results will be used to build a prototype APP. In Aim 3 the prototype will be tested with two contractor focus groups to determine feasibility, usefulness and utility of the APP to ensure the safety and health of individuals aging in place. The HRV APP will provide an effective process to ensure the proper specification, installation and verification of grab bars installed in residences.