CAPABLE
For more information or to make a referral, call 816.691.5394.
CAPABLE (Community Aging in Place – Advancing Better Living for Elders) is a client directed, home-based program that addresses both functionality and accessibility. The ultimate goal is to help clients age comfortably and safely in their home.
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.
Research shows older adults who remain in their home report less pain, have decreased social isolation and need fewer physician visits.
This four-to-five-month program integrates services from an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and a home improvement specialist who work together to help clients set goals and implement strategies to improve health, independence and safety. Participants learn new skills and exercises, and they gain a better understanding of how to utilize new equipment and home modifications.
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.
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.
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.
Program Cost
The OT and RN services are free of charge and the home modifications are income based.
Lower Healthcare Costs
$30,000 saved in
medical bills
(reduced inpatient and outpatient expenses)
Benefits
- Better self-care
- Decreased falls
- Enhanced functional status
- Improved medication management
- Increased motivation
- Minimized hospitalizations and physician visits
- Reduced symptoms of depression
Who Is Eligible
- Anyone age 60 and older
- A resident of Clay and Platte county
- Anyone with difficulty completing at least one daily living skill such as bathing, dressing, meal prep, grooming or walking inside or outside of the home
- Homeowners 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.
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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.