Many healthcare providers may lack awareness of the specific personal and environmental challenges that older adults face when aging in place. There is a gap in understanding how smart home technologies and environmental modifications can be effectively utilized to support aging in place. Team Gaps: There may be insufficient coordination and communication among different healthcare professionals (e.g., physicians, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists) regarding best practices for assessing and addressing risks associated with aging in place. Teams may lack standardized training and protocols for implementing technology and environmental modifications to support aging in place. System Gaps: The state of U.S. and Pittsburgh housing stock often includes older homes that are not conducive to aging in place due to structural and accessibility issues. There may be inadequate resources and funding allocated to support necessary modifications and technology implementations in homes of older adults.

Lack of comprehensive knowledge about the common environmental challenges in older homes that impede aging in place. Insufficient knowledge about available smart home technologies and how they can be applied to improve safety and independence for older adults. Competence/Skill Deficits: Inadequate competence in using simple screening tools to identify clients who could benefit most from evidence-based interventions. Limited skills in planning and implementing environmental and technological modifications to support aging in place. Performance Issues: Variability in the assessment of personal and environmental risks and the application of appropriate interventions across different providers and settings. Challenges in ensuring consistent follow-through on recommended modifications and technology use by both healthcare providers and older adults.

Providers will be able to recommend environmental and smart home technology modifications and services that can be implemented to improve aging in place as well as apply simple screening tools to identify clients who may benefit the most from evidence-based interventions.

This activity will have a significant positive impact on the interprofessional healthcare team by promoting better coordination and communication among various healthcare professionals, leading to more comprehensive and cohesive care plans for older adults. Equipping all team members with a unified understanding of the challenges and solutions related to aging in place, thus fostering a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Facilitating the implementation of environmental and smart home technology modifications will improve safety and quality of life for older adults, leading to better health outcomes and reduced hospital readmissions. Providing continuing education credits for both PAs and nurses will enhance the professional development of the team, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest practices and innovations in promoting aging in place. By addressing these practice gaps through targeted education, the interprofessional healthcare team will be better equipped to support older adults in aging safely and comfortably in their own homes