Welcome
Rosemary Bakker, (left), with Arlene Sussillo, after a home assessment. Arlene is now getting in and out of bed independently using a bed handle rather than depending on a caregiver.
Environmental Geriatrics is the study and application of design principles to interiors and products in order to optimize the health, function, and well-being of older adults. Our website, developed by an interdisciplinary team of health care and design professionals, including physicians, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, and an environmental gerontologist, offers innovative resources to enhance patient safety and function.
Performing routine activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tasks is critical in maintaining an older person's independence. When decreased functioning or injury occurs, the common misperception is that the problem is solely age-related functional decline, not the dynamic interface between the older user's capabilities and the designed environment. This results in excess disability, which could be avoided if providers had the proper tools. Functional independence can be dramatically improved by designing the environment to meet the needs of older adults.
