Authors

  1. McCullagh, Marjorie Cook PhD, RN, BC, COHN-S

Overview

Almost 50 million Americans-about one in five-live with a mental or physical disability, many in homes that are inconvenient, restrictive, or dangerous for them. Modifying the home using universal (barrier-free) design, architectural accessibility, and other such concepts can reduce the risk of falls and improve overall function. Nurses can be involved by assessing patients' living quarters and recommending specific modifications.