This study evaluates the implementation of Johns Hopkins University (JHU)'s Community Aging in Place-Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program in four small organizations in diverse settings to determine if it is feasible, appropriate, and successful when implemented by different types of organizations, in different types of housing stocks, and with clients of varying backgrounds. Results were measured as changes in scores on validated tools for health outcomes, with the primary endpoint of a reduction in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) limitations. Baseline measurements were taken at the start of the study, with a short-term follow-up at 5-6 months and long-term follow-up at 12 months.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two cohorts: the treatment group and a control group that initially received no benefits, but whose homes were modified after the first two follow-up visits. Treatment resulted in a reduction in ADL limitations. In addition, there was a reduction in the number of falls, pain interference with normal activities, fear of falling, depression scores, and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) limitations, as well as a short-term improvement in reported quality of life. No improvement was noted in life space analysis (which measures how far people have traveled in the past month, on a scale from confined to their bedroom to independently travelling out of state) or number of hospitalizations. The study determined that the CAPABLE program is suitable for implementation in a variety of community settings. The research was conducted for PD&R by the National Center for Healthy Housing under a cooperative agreement.