Comparison of Activities of Daily Living Ability of Older Adults Who Are Homebound and Nonhomebound

The objective of this study was to compare the activities of daily living (ADL) ability of older adults who were chronically homebound to older adults who were nonhomebound. The participants were 40 older adults 60 years of age or older, 20 homebound and 20 nonhomebound. The two groups did not differ in mean age, gender distribution, ethnicity, marital status, living situation, or type of housing. The older adults who were homebound had significantly more conditions than those who were nonhomebound. T tests revealed statically significant differences in the mean Assessment of Motor and Process Skills ADL motor and ADL process ability measures of older adults in the homebound and nonhomebound groups, with the latter group demonstrating higher ADL ability measures. Based on a power analysis indicating a need for 10 persons in each group, the nonhomebound group was subsequently divided into two subgroups, those who needed assistance to perform ADL from paid staff and/or family members and those who performed ADL independently. The results of two analyses of variance revealed that participants who were chronically homebound and those who were nonhomebound and had assistance had significantly lower ADL motor ability and ADL process ability than those who were nonhomebound and independent. The homebound group and the nonhomebound group with assistance did not differ significantly in ADL motor or ADL ability. The findings support the need for occupational therapists to provide services for older adults who have ADL limitations regardless of their homebound status.