Physical Housing Environment

The Physical Housing Environment instrument is a client-centred, self-administered assessment tool which is designed to examine an individual’s perception of the accessibility and usability of their housing environment. It is developed for use in combination with an objective, norm-based assessment of the physical housing environment, the Enabler instrument. The instrument contains 31 questions addressing different aspects of the physical housing environment. Responses are recorded using a seven-point rating scale. The assessment focuses on how well the home supports the individual’s everyday activities, mobility, independence and use of different residential spaces. The instrument has a client-centred approach and is a valid and reliable tool, useful for occupational therapy practice and research.

Health status and risk factors Disability, Functional decline, Fall risk

Age group Adults

Assessor Individuals

Sections / items 31 items

Self-administered No

Multi-component Yes - meant for use alongside Housing Enabler Instrument

Indicators Accessibility; usability

Authors Fänge, A. & Iwarsson, S.

Publication date 1999

Bibliography

Fänge, A., & Iwarsson, S. (1999). Physical housing environment: Development of a self-assessment instrument. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(5), 250-260. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/000841749906600507