Findlay, Ohio, June 18, 2001 – The University of Findlay’s occupational therapy program has been awarded an $83,262 grant by The Retirement Research Foundation for the establishment of an Occupational Therapy Adaptive Living Home for Education.

The OT HOME is an educational center for occupational therapy students, the elderly and their caretakers. The elderly person will be able to see this specially designed house and learn how to maintain independence at his or her own home through occupational therapy services. Assistive technology and home modifications will be incorporated into the design of the adapted home for occupational therapy students to develop knowledge and practical skills to work with the elderly.

Workshops to introduce concepts incorporated into the OT HOME will be provided to the local community and to a targeted surrounding eight-county area (Allen, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Putnam, Seneca, Wood and Wyandot counties). Health care practitioners and community agencies that work with the elderly population are invited to contact the Ruth Ford, OT HOME project director, for information on home modifications for the elderly.

In addition to the grant amount, The University of Findlay’s contribution for property and remodeling will amount to $164,125.

The Retirement Research Foundation is committed to supporting programs that improve the quality of life for older Americans.

For more information on OT HOME, contact Ford at 419-434-5515