Download

Download Full Text (247 KB)

Description

Hispanic older adults experience significant health disparities, including higher rates of functional limitations and limited access to rehabilitation services due to language and cultural barriers. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, this doctoral capstone implemented the Step by Step program across multiple community sites to improve health literacy, independence, and awareness of occupational therapy (OT). The program delivered bilingual, culturally tailored education, ADL-based strategies, and fall prevention activities. Needs assessments and pre/post surveys indicated increased confidence in daily activities, improved understanding of OT’s role, and greater engagement in health-promoting behaviors. Findings support community-based, culturally responsive OT programs as effective in addressing systemic barriers, fostering inclusion, and promoting aging in place.

Publication Date

Summer 8-20-2025

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Hispanic, Health disparities, Rehabilitation services, Language barriers, Occupational therapy, Health literacy, Activities of daily living (ADLs), Fall prevention, Needs assessments, Aging in place

Medical Subject Headings

Hispanic Americans, Aged, Health status disparities, Rehabilitation, Language barriers, Occupational therapy, Health literacy, Activities of daily living, Accidental falls/prevention & control, Needs assessment, Aging in place

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the OTD Capstone Symposium held at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on August 20, 2025.

An OT-Based Program for the Hispanic Community

Share

COinS