Older Adult Home Modification Program

The Occupational Therapy Association of Hawai‘i (OTAH) is pleased to highlight the Older Adult Home Modification Program (OAHMP) led by Pālolo Chinese Home in partnership with Thrive for Life, with occupational therapist Catia “Cat” Garell, MA, OTR, SCEM, serving as Program Manager.

Adapted from the evidence-based CAPABLE model developed at Johns Hopkins University and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, this interdisciplinary program integrates occupational therapy, nursing, and environmental modification to address functional decline and fall risk among kūpuna (62+).

The program is designed to serve 131 seniors, each of whom will receive up to $5,000 in home modifications in conjunction with OT and RN visits. Interventions are guided by client-centered assessment and focus on targeting modifiable risk factors that contribute to falls, hospitalization, and loss of independence.

Intervention strategies emphasize low-cost, high-impact environmental modifications, including grab bar installation, removal of trip hazards, ramps, widening doorways, and targeted bathroom accessibility adaptations. 

We will continue to serve up to 5 seniors per month through September 2027 as part of the grant. Each participant may receive up to $5,000 in home modifications.

Eligibility Criteria Update:

In the last 6 months, individuals may have experienced a fall, hospitalization/ER visit, or have a diagnosis that impacts their safety or independence.

Please note: a fall or hospitalization is not required — a qualifying diagnosis alone is sufficient.

Geographic Expansion:

We have also expanded our service area. Please see attached — we now serve communities from Hawaiʻi Kai to ʻAiea, including Waimānalo, Kailua, and Kāneʻohe.

OTAH encourages OTs to consider sending referrals to this program by calling 808-379-3035.