Proof That You Are Right!: Effectiveness of virtual OT and adaptive equipment for improving health outcomes and how you can build a program in your community.

Presenter

Brandy Archie

OTD, OTR/L, CLIPP

Learner Outcomes

1. Examine key findings from AskSAMIE’s demonstration project to understand the role of virtual OT assessments and adaptive equipment in reducing falls, decreasing rehospitalizations, and improving the quality of life for older adults. Understand how these tools support health outcomes and enhance the lives
   of your older adult clients.
2. Evaluate how adaptive equipment and virtual OT assessments can be integrated into clinical practice to create cost-effective, personalized aging-in-place solutions.
3. Learn how to design and implement a virtual OT and adaptive equipment program in your community to support aging-in-place initiatives.

Abstract

Occupational therapy has long been essential to helping older adults age safely at home, but new data from AskSAMIE’s Community Grant Program proves just how powerful OT can be when paired with technology. This session will highlight the outcomes of a low-cost, high-impact model that provided virtual OT home assessments and up to $1,500 in adaptive equipment and services to older adults across the Kansas City metro.

All participants completed an AI-guided equipment pre-screening, followed by a virtual OT evaluation. Personalized recommendations led to installations of key items like grab bars, toilet risers, and bed rails— addressing daily needs like bathing, toileting, and mobility. Over six months, the data revealed dramatic improvements: fear of falling dropped to 0%, ER and hospital visits decreased from 35% to 8%, and 61% of participants reported better environmental quality of life.
Rooted in evidence-based practice and inspired by the CAPABLE model, AskSAMIE’s approach proves scalable—with outcomes on par with traditional home modification programs at less than half the cost. This presentation will equip attendees with tools to replicate the model in their own communities, harnessing virtual care and tech-enabled screening to deliver fast, effective interventions for aging in place.

Biography

Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, CLIPP is an occupational therapist and founder of AskSAMIE—a digital platform designed to make daily living safer, easier, and more affordable for older adults and people with disabilities. With over 17 years of experience in home health and elder-focused care, Dr. Archie built AskSAMIE to bridge the gap between clinical guidance and real-world solutions by combining AI-powered recommendations, adaptive equipment, and virtual OT support. Her work is grounded in the belief that accessibility should be a right—instead of a privilege.

References to support evidence-based practice

1. Cha S. M. (2025). A Systematic Review of Home Modifications for Aging in Place in Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(7), 752. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070752
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022, August 2). Aging Gracefully in Place: An Evaluation of the Capability of the CAPABLE Approach. Retrieved from https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/CAPABLE-Evaluation-Report.htm
3. Washington, S. E., Edwards, E., Fink, A., & Radocha, L. (2025). Inclusive practices for aging in place: Environmental and home modifications for older adults. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(2), Article 7902180220. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050987