Clients' Satisfaction with Home Modification Service: A Mixed Methods Study
Tracks
Home and environmental modifications (Disability)
Home modifications (Older Persons)
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 11:40 AM - 12:05 PM |
| Great Hall 4 |
Speaker
Ms Jessica Moller
Occupational Therapist
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health
Clients' Satisfaction with Home Modification Service: A Mixed Methods Study
Presentation summary
Introduction: Home modifications play a crucial role in supporting independence, safety and participation for older adults and individuals with disabilities. While home modification services are widely implemented, limited research has explored how client satisfaction with the home modification process and outcomes. This study examined clients’ satisfaction levels and key factors influencing satisfaction with home modification services.
Method: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative data from 45 participants using the Post Modification Satisfaction Questionnaire (PMSQ). One-way ANOVAs examined associations between client satisfaction and participants' age, modification type, cost and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores. Qualitative data were obtained from 12 participants using semi-structured interviews which were thematically analysed to explore factors influencing
satisfaction.
Results: Modification type (major vs. minor), cost and MBI scores were not significantly related to satisfaction on the PMSQ, although age was (p < 0.002), with younger participants (under 60) reporting lower satisfaction (M=74, SD21.85). Thematic analysis identified communication as an overarching factor influencing satisfaction, with three key themes: 1) involvement in decision-making, 2) being informed about funding processes, and 3) communication with builders.
Conclusion: Whilst modification type, cost and MBI scores did not strongly influence satisfaction, communication throughout the process emerged as a critical factor. This study underscores the importance of client-centred communication strategies to enhance satisfaction with home modification services. Age-related differences in satisfaction warrant further investigation.
Method: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used to collect quantitative data from 45 participants using the Post Modification Satisfaction Questionnaire (PMSQ). One-way ANOVAs examined associations between client satisfaction and participants' age, modification type, cost and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores. Qualitative data were obtained from 12 participants using semi-structured interviews which were thematically analysed to explore factors influencing
satisfaction.
Results: Modification type (major vs. minor), cost and MBI scores were not significantly related to satisfaction on the PMSQ, although age was (p < 0.002), with younger participants (under 60) reporting lower satisfaction (M=74, SD21.85). Thematic analysis identified communication as an overarching factor influencing satisfaction, with three key themes: 1) involvement in decision-making, 2) being informed about funding processes, and 3) communication with builders.
Conclusion: Whilst modification type, cost and MBI scores did not strongly influence satisfaction, communication throughout the process emerged as a critical factor. This study underscores the importance of client-centred communication strategies to enhance satisfaction with home modification services. Age-related differences in satisfaction warrant further investigation.
Biography
Jess is an experienced Occupational Therapist with over 12 years working in public and not-for-profit community health services across rural and regional Victoria. She provides assistive technology and home modification services as part of multidisciplinary care and works in a small adult community health team in Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland.