CAPABLE

CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders) is a four- to five-month program that provides home-based care and addresses both functional needs and healthcare expenses. The client-driven program integrates occupational therapist, registered nurse and home repair technician services. Together, they work with you to assess and address your health and safety needs. There is no cost to participants.

You will set goals, learn new skills and exercises, and work with additional tools and home modifications to improve your independence. CAPABLE focuses on prevention and problem-solving to build skills you can use in the future.

Here's how our support cares for you.

Registered Nurse

An RN will assist with pain management, medications and fall prevention tips. They will collaborate with the client’s physician for urgent medical needs and medication or therapy adjustments.

Occupational Therapist

An OT will complete a home safety assessment and help create self-care goals, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, meal prep and laundry. They will also provide education on home exercises to improve strength, balance and mobility.

Home Improvement Specialist

A home improvement specialist will work with the OT and RN to reduce hazards in the home and make minor home modifications, such as installing grab bars, railings and other safety features.

Benefits:

• Improves problem-solving skills, medication management and self-care
• Motivates and builds self-confidence
• Preserves independent living
• Reduces hospitalization and nursing home stays, the risk of falls in the home and symptoms of depression

Who Is Eligible

• Individuals 60 and older
• People who have some difficulty with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, grooming or walking
• Residents of Clay and Platte counties
• Home owners or renters with a landlord willing to have modifications completed

Individuals with certain medical conditions are not eligible for this program.

Partnerships

The program is made possible with help from these organizations.

Success Story

The CAPABLE program helped a couple with medical issues and physical limitations. It was difficult for them to enter and exit their home without a railing, and a step made it hard to move from their foyer to their living area. After the first few visits, we worked with them on a plan to modify these areas to make life easier. At the front of their home, a handyman installed two low-rise steps with a handrail (see before and after photos). At their home's entry, he also installed a grab bar and railing for safely negotiating the step into their living room.