Expansion and validation of novel mobile app for guiding home modifications for aging in place

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PROJECT SUMMARY In this Phase II SBIR, HomesRenewed Ventures, LLC (HRV Washington, DC) will build on our previous efforts to expand and validate an interactive mobile application (APP) for guiding home modifications (environmental interventions) critical to Aging in Place (AiP). Home modifications (HM) are associated with falls preventions, improved activities of daily living (ADLs), and emotional wellbeing. However, over 95% of existing homes in the US are not appropriate for AiP, and a preventive or proactive procurement of HMs remains an unmet need. In addition, approximately 72 million Americans will be aged 65 or older by 2030. Thus, there is an urgent need to update 100 million existing homes. However, currently, no tools provide access to standardized instructions, training, product specifications, and hardware selections to ensure accurate and efficient installations. HRV aims to address this unmet need by developing an innovative and reproducible solution for efficient, cost-effective, and quality HMs to support a preventive or proactive procurement of HMs, enabling older adults to AiP longer. In Phase I, HRV developed a prototype APP that uses site-specific inputs from a contractor or handyperson to generate customized guidance and instructions for proper specification, placement, and installation of bathroom grab bars. The APP simultaneously allows photo documentation of the installation process to verify compliance with instructions. Informed by the Phase I outcomes, including proven feasibility of the APP concept to systematize HM as well as the specific feedback provided by end-users, we aim to refine and expand our APP’s features and functionalities and rigorously validate its effectiveness as a practical job site tool. To accomplish these goals, we will pursue four specific aims: Aim 1 will provide the design criteria for a broader range of HMs critical to independent mobility (climbing stairs, moving in and out of the home) and personal hygiene (toileting and bathing) to be programmed in the APP. Aim 2 will enhance the APP usability and user experience by expanding features and functionalities critical to the user’s efficiency and productivity. A new prototype will be ready for extensive testing and validation at the end of this Aim. In Aim 3, we will develop three physical mock- ups to simulate real-life scenarios in which contractors work to complete the proposed installation. Finally, aim 4 will be a validation study assessing the APP’s ability in guiding installers to correctly install HMs irrespective of the installer’s experience. The outcome of this Aim will demonstrate APP reproducibility in enabling consistent HM solutions in real life. The product of Phase II will be an enhanced and rigorously tested, and validated commercialization-ready prototype. The data generated during Phase II will be critical to boosting customer/end- user confidence. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for millions of aging adults residing in their homes through our innovative solution.