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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
CAPABLE is a person-directed, home-based program that addresses both function and healthcare expenses.
CAPABLE is comprised of an occupational therapist intervention (R01 AG13687, Gitlin, PI), a client-centered nurse intervention, home safety, and access handy worker services. Each service synergistically builds on the others by increasing the participant's bio-psych-functional capacity to function at home.
The four to five-month program promotes behaviors to improve health, independence, and safety. Participants learn new skills, exercises, how to work with additional tools/equipment/home modifications to improve function and safety while decreasing isolation and depression.
Who is eligible to participate in CAPABLE?
Organizations generally determine participant eligibility criteria that fit the needs of their location. The evidence base of CAPABLE is with people who:
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Are older adults (over 60); although some health systems are including people as young as 50.
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Are cognitively intact or have only mild cognitive impairment to be able to participate in the brainstorming and action planning process.
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Have some or a lot of difficulty in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, grooming, or walking across a small room. This could apply to adults at any age with ADL difficulty.
CAPABLE - is unique because it is client-centric.
Success is defined by the client and measured by a nursing/occupational therapist team. The client decides on functional goals, such as taking a bath or walking to church, as opposed to medical ones, such as reducing blood sugar or blood pressure level.
CAPABLE breaks down the functional barriers between service providers, allowing a multi-disciplinary approach that best addresses the clients’ need. We have observed that the change in physical environment stimulates a change in the client’s motivation including:
• Increase in mobility
• Improved functionality
• Capacity to "age in community" for low-income older adults
Is CAPABLE evidence-based?
Yes. CAPABLE is approved by the National Council on Aging as an evidence based fall prevention program. CAPABLE has been tested in multiple small and large trials each showing a benefit towards better function and lower hospitalization rates. The larger studies have also showed decreased nursing home admission. CAPABLE is being recognized by Federal and State agencies as an effective program in improving health and decreasing costs among older adults. As of January 2022, CAPABLE is being offered through programs in 44 organizations across 17 states in the U.S., and Australia. Click here for a live map of CAPABLE locations.
