RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HOUSE ADAPTATION FOR PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

This study examined the relationship between house adaptations of visually impaired individuals and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), using a questionnaire survey. Frequent safety-related adaptations included installing handrails and designating fixed locations for belongings, whereas comfort-related adaptations involved strategic furniture arrangement and minimizing objects. Safety-related adaptations at entrances and stairways were not associated with HRQOL score. HRQOL was associated with perceived hazards in the bathroom, kitchen, and living room, and with comfort-related adaptations. House adaptations in areas where individual roles and independence are expressed may be related to HRQOL. It suggests that, beyond fall-prevention-focused approaches, person-tailored approaches may improve HRQOL.