Assessing the influence of aging on people who have had a disabling condition for most of their life is difficult. The effects of the physical impairment confound the normal aging influences. This is abundantly clear in the case of polio survivors. The MPS and EBFL were used to measure for polio survivors' adaptability to the aging process. Polio survivors who agreed to participate in this study were asked to fill out three questionnaires (MPS, EBFL and Core Demographic questionnaire). They received two home visits over a period of four months. Shortly after the first home visit by research staff, a trained polio peer visited the home. The polio peer and the study participant jointly developed ideas for adapting their behavioral routines or home access for the purpose of improving their participation in life activities that they described as important. The impact of other environmental factors on life satisfaction will be described. Changes in participation pre and post peer visits will be reported.
Learning Objectives: 1. To describe various characteristics of participation in major life activities by polio survivors. 2. To identify specific facilitators and barriers in the environment affecting participation in major life activities by polio survivors. 3. To discuss changes in perceived participation and environmental barriers (as measured by the MPS and EBFL) after completion of the peer visits
Keywords: Disability, Environment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.