Background: A safe, supportive, and accessible environment is vital to the quality of life of the elderly population. Elderly are staying in an domestic environment more prone for accidents. There should be a multisectoral approach aimed at creating an age-friendly environment to the elderly. With this perspective, the study was conducted to assess the domestic environment of the elderly.
Objective: Assessment of domestic environment of the elderly residing in an urban slum.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 184 geriatrics residing in an urban slum. Five slums were selected randomly, and from each slum, the samples were chosen by probability proportionate sampling. Data regarding sociodemographic and environment assessment were collected using a prestructured questionnaire. Appropriate statistical tests were used.
Results: Of 184 participants, 139 (75.5%) were 6070 years of age group. 76.08% of the respondents houses did not have a slip-resistant floor. Majority of the elderly used public latrines that are of squatting type, and it was not age-friendly because only 7.7% of the toilets had grab bars. About 8.88% of the houses had switches near the door. 70% and 63.3% of the houses had inadequate lighting and ventilation, respectively.
Conclusion: Majority of the elderly residents are living in an unsafe environment. Minor modifications in the home environment can make a major difference in the life of homebound older people to prevent accidents.
Key words: Elderly; Environment; Supportive
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