Learn how you can modify tasks to support reablement.
Modifying a task means changing how it’s done so older people can keep doing it themselves. Even small adjustments can help your clients maintain their independence.
New to reablement strategies? You can learn about the basics here.
Why participation matters
It’s important not to do everything for your client. This takes away from their opportunity to build capacity with everyday tasks. Rather, you can work alongside clients to support them in doing tasks for themselves.
Participation in daily activities is key to improving independence. You can learn more about this in our evidence hub: Promoting physical activity.
This resource will explore how you can modify tasks so your clients can continue to do them on their own.
What is modifying the task?
Sometimes, you can make a task easier for a person by helping them change how it’s done. As a reablement strategy, this is called modifying the task.
In some cases, you only need to modify a task temporarily. This can help clients stay independent while rebuilding skills or recovering from injury. In other cases, such as for people with chronic health problems, you may need a permanent adaptation.
The point of this intervention is to allow older people to:
- Stay independent in their homes
- Complete everyday tasks and activities themselves
Examples of modifying a task
Here’s an example to demonstrate:
You have two clients who share the goal of making a cup of tea independently. However, their circumstances are different.
The first client has poor strength and balance. She’s currently completing an 8-week reablement programme to build capacity in these areas.
The second client has severe arthritis and lives with ongoing pain.
Both clients have difficulty carrying the full kettle between the tap and the power outlet.
Client 1 needs a temporary solution until she gets stronger. Client 2 needs to permanently adapt how she performs the task.
Both clients could use these strategies to make carrying the kettle easier:
- Only putting enough water in the kettle for what’s needed
- Using a small lightweight jug to fill the kettle instead of holding it under the tap
- Filling the kettle the evening before if pain or stiffness is significant in the mornings
Whether short-term or long-lasting, small changes to everyday tasks can make a big difference to a person’s independence.
Tips for success with modifying tasks
As with all reablement strategies, don’t make too many changes at once.
Start with the task your client cares about most. Early success could motivate them to make other changes in the future.
Here are some suggestions you can give your client for modifying daily activities:
- Cleaning: Don’t clean the whole house in one day. Do fewer jobs each day over a week. This is called ‘pacing’.
- Tidying: To tidy a room quickly, simply put clutter in a box or basket. You can store the items away when you have more energy.
- Cooking: Sit down to prepare food if you experience fatigue.
- Dressing: Are you finding buttons hard to manage? Try keeping shirts buttoned and slipping them on and off overhead.
Takeaway
Modifying the task aims to keep older people involved in the activity, not to do it for them. Adapting tasks to be safer and easier can help clients participate. This can eventually lead to improved quality of life and greater independence.
Learn about the next reablement strategy: recommend assistive technology.
You can also sign up for our e-newsletter here.